Residents of several military dormitories in St. Petersburg are facing unexpectedly high utility bill adjustments, with some owing up to 18,000 rubles. The adjustments, which appeared on May bills, have caused significant distress among residents, many of whom are military personnel, veterans, and their families.

The issue affects nineteen dormitories in St. Petersburg managed by ZhilFondService LLC, which took over management last year. According to the company, the adjustments stem from a recalculation of heating service charges, accounting for previously unconsidered common areas like corridors, kitchens, and bathrooms.

ZhilFondService claims that previous billing practices only factored in the area of individual rooms, leading to underpayment for heating. The company asserts that the recalculations are now in compliance with housing codes and regulations, treating the dormitories like communal apartments.

However, the residents are largely dissatisfied with the explanation. Many are preparing to move out in the summer and need to settle their accounts quickly. Some residents are contemplating contacting the military prosecutor’s office and the court.

ZhilFondService has promised not to impose penalties for late payments for three months to allow residents to pay off the adjustments gradually. According to the company, they are carrying out explanatory work and most of the tenants are satisfied with the information received.

The Housing Committee acknowledges that such recalculations are possible following an inventory. They suggest that residents who believe the adjustments are incorrect can contact the State Housing Inspectorate.

GUP TEK SPb reports that the debt for the dormitory is 12.78 million rubles, with 11.3 million rubles overdue. The debtor is FGAU Roszhilkompleks.