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A water meter when selling an apartment is not a legal requirement, but there are nuances. If the building already has a building-wide metering system installed, then an individual meter is required in regions where this is provided for by local regulations. In most major cities, this became standard long ago, and without a meter, you might face problems with paying at an inflated rate or having documents rejected during registration.
It's best to clarify the requirements in advance with your management company and at the MFC - they'll tell you exactly what's needed in your area. If a meter is still required, you can install it at any time before the deal closes, whether before or after signing the purchase agreement. The main thing is that it's installed and sealed before the property ownership transfer is registered.
From the seller's perspective, it makes sense to install the meter in advance: it increases the apartment's appeal to the buyer, avoids delays during paperwork, and prevents claims from the buyer after the deal is done. If you don't install it, there's a good chance the buyer will demand it, or the bank will if the apartment is being purchased with a mortgage.
Why are you suddenly worried about this - are you planning to sell your place or already in the process? 🤔 Whether it's required depends on your region - some parts of Russia actually require a meter, others just recommend it. Here's the thing though: even if it's not technically mandatory, a buyer can later demand you install one or ask for a discount, citing the utilities code and unwillingness to pay based on consumption standards. It's simpler and cheaper to install a meter before selling than to argue with the new owner later.
The legality requirement depends on your region - in some places it's mandatory, in others just recommended. But here's what matters: even if a meter isn't legally required, its absence can become a problem when selling. Buyers often see an apartment without a meter as a downside, because they'll have to install one themselves and pay for it. This can scare off potential buyers or lower the price.
The catch is that housing inspections and management companies sometimes create obstacles when registering the deal if there's no meter - even if it's not technically required by law. It's better to check specifically with your district administration or call your management company to find out what the actual requirements are in your area. Usually installation doesn't cost much and pays for itself when you sell, so if you're unsure, it's simpler to just install one.
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