Poland is changing the rules for heating payment in apartment buildings. The innovations aim to stop the practice of some residents shutting off radiators and essentially heating their apartments at the expense of their neighbors. To this end, a minimum heating fee will be introduced along with stricter temperature control in homes. This is reported by InPoland.
According to housing cooperatives, shutting off heating leads to an uneven distribution of heat and higher bills for those who diligently heat their apartments. The new rules are intended to ensure a minimum level of warmth in each home and a fairer distribution of costs.
Minimum heating fee in Poland: what will change for residents
A key element of the reform will be the minimum heating fee. It will be charged to each apartment regardless of actual heat consumption and will amount to at least 15% of variable heating costs - that part of the bill that depends on heat usage.
This means that even residents with shut-off radiators will be required to pay a minimum amount to cover the basic costs of the building's heating system.
Temperature control in apartments in Poland: new requirements
The first phase will involve monitoring the temperature in apartments. Although the internal rules of many cooperatives require a minimum of 16–18°C, the current decree from the Minister of Infrastructure sets higher standards:
- at least 20°C in living rooms and kitchens;
- at least 24°C in the bathroom.
In case of low temperature being recorded, residents will be formally required to eliminate the violation. Financial penalties will be applied later. Administrations are not allowed to enter apartments without the owners' consent, but can determine heating payments based on fixed rates or indirect data from the heating supply system.
Although the rules formally come into effect in 2025, housing cooperatives and communities have until the end of 2026 to fully adapt to the new requirements. The changes affect residents of apartment buildings throughout Poland.
Let us remind you that starting from October 1, 2025, new electricity tariffs for homeowners with electric heating will come into effect in Ukraine.