Mold in Russian apartments: Who fixes what and why it keeps coming back

Mold in apartments remains a persistent issue for many Russian tenants, with responsibilities split between residents and property managers. While tenants must handle cleanup inside their own flats, management companies are legally required to fix underlying problems like poor ventilation or structural leaks.

Removing mold involves more than just scrubbing walls. Tenants must strip off affected wallpaper, clean surfaces with antifungal treatments, and apply antiseptics. However, these steps only provide temporary relief if the root cause—often poor building-wide ventilation—isn't addressed.

A simple test with a sheet of paper can reveal whether ventilation is working properly. If the paper doesn't stick to the vent, airflow is likely blocked. Moisture can also enter through gaps in panel seams, worsening the problem. By law, property management companies must maintain habitable conditions, including fixing leaks and ensuring proper ventilation under Articles 161-162 of the Housing Code. Tenants should first report mold issues to their management company. If no action is taken, they can escalate the matter to the State Housing Inspectorate or Rospotrebnadzor. Home remedies alone won't eliminate mold permanently—professional repairs are often necessary. No major legislative changes on tenant rights for moisture-related repairs have been recorded in the past five years. Existing laws still hold managers accountable for structural maintenance.

Tenants must tackle visible mold themselves but can demand fixes for deeper issues. Proper ventilation and sealed panel seams are key to preventing regrowth. Without management intervention, mold problems are likely to return, leaving residents with ongoing maintenance burdens.