The concept of public utilities is understood as a mandatory set of services provided to residents of apartment buildings, private homes and other real estate. The main goal is to provide access to basic resources and housing comfort.

Main types:

  • Cold and hot water supply. Cold water is used for drinking, household needs, and for heating in hot water supply systems. Hot water is provided by central boiler houses or individual boilers.
  • Water drainage (sewage). Provides for the removal of used water and household wastewater to treatment facilities.
  • Electricity supply. Supply of electricity for lighting, household appliances and general use.
  • Heating. Central (in apartment buildings) or individual (in private homes).
  • Gas supply. Connection to main gas networks for heating, cooking and hot water.
  • Removal of municipal solid waste (MSW). Services for collection and disposal of household waste.

In apartment buildings, utility services may additionally include elevator maintenance, cleaning of common areas (entrance halls, stairwells) and maintenance of the adjacent territory (care of lawns, playgrounds, paths and parking lots).

Management companies (MC), homeowners’ associations (HOAs) or housing construction cooperatives (HCCs) act as intermediaries between residents and resource supplying organizations.