Residents face cold flats and lukewarm water during heating season

Residents of one apartment building say their homes stay cold and hot water is lukewarm, despite being charged the full amount for the services. LSM’s 4. studija television programme reported that property managers are required to respond to residents’ complaints within two days.

One resident said the temperature in her flat was 15 to 17 degrees Celsius, while hot water reached only 37 to 43 degrees and became hotter only late in the evening. She had repeatedly contacted the building manager, who told her the building needed insulation and that it was normal for the fifth floor to be colder.

Ervins Straupe, head of the Latvian Association of House Managers and Property Managers, said the situation was not normal. A manager should identify the problem and explain possible solutions rather than citing a lack of insulation, he said. The manager should outline what can be done and how much it would cost, leaving residents to decide.

The Ministry of Economics has previously said that regulations do not set minimum or maximum temperatures that must be maintained in homes during the heating season. The temperature regime is determined by the manager, if authorised, or by the apartment owners’ association. Managers must inspect buildings visually every year and, when needed, carry out emergency repairs that do not require a decision by the owners, while informing residents. The article also notes that the law sets a minimum hot-water temperature and requirements for room temperatures.

Straupe said balancing valves could be installed in attics to even out temperatures, so upper-floor residents would not need to open windows while those below remained cold. Replacing radiators could also be considered, but would require a project.