Residents of the “First Leningradsky” residential complex in northern Moscow have been battling for two years to replace their management company, citing inadequate maintenance and falsified voting results. The apartment owners are deeply dissatisfied with the services provided by “Service 24,” part of the “Comfort” group, alleging issues ranging from unkempt grounds and overflowing garbage to sewage leaks, rat infestations, and exorbitant service charges.
The conflict began shortly after the complex, consisting of six buildings classified as “comfort plus,” was commissioned. Residents organized a vote to change management companies, claiming that “Service 24” falsified the results of a previous election where residents voted against the management company. The owners took legal action, but residents say the trial is ongoing with constant postponments.
The residents then organized a vote through “Gosuslugi,” with the majority favoring a change in management. However, “Service 24” simultaneously conducted its own vote, allegedly without resident participation. Residents collected refusal forms and claim there were no votes in the ballot box on the last day of voting. Despite this, “Service 24” announced that 98% of residents had approved the company and an increase in tariffs. Residents say they asked to be present during the ballot count, but were not informed of the location or time and a voting protocol of an unreadable format later appeared on “GIS. ЖКХ.”
“Service 24” refutes the accusations of falsifying the voting results, claiming that all procedures were conducted in compliance with the Housing Code of the Russian Federation. The company stated that the in-person vote was held to involve as many residents as possible, provide a direct line of communication, and allow residents to discuss proposals with representatives of the management company. They also maintain that they address residents’ requests promptly, conduct regular pest control, and monitor the sewage system.
“Service 24” was established in 2010, initially as LLC “Leader-Exploitation”, and is part of LLC “Comfort Group.” Alexey Yatsenko, who also manages LLC “Professional” and “Ritz Service” management company, heads both firms. The company’s revenue at the end of 2024 amounted to 2.2 billion rubles, but it has been fined numerous times for various violations in other residential complexes. These violations include leaking roofs, ice and icicle accumulation, calculation errors in heating fees, peeling plaster, flooded basements, and faulty ventilation systems.