The Riga City Council has recently enacted a new regulation that will require the municipal government to start charging rent for municipal apartments from July onwards. Historically, there was no rental fee charged for these properties, a situation attributed to the hesitance of past councils to address the issue. The new directive is expected to introduce rent that varies based on the property’s cadastral value and size, with average costs ranging from €15 to €85 per month.

Elīna Treija, the head of the Housing and Environment Committee, highlighted that the failure to charge rent was not just a matter of policy oversight but also a long-standing historical issue. The absence of rental income has caused financial strain on the municipality, as funds that could have been used for maintenance and repairs have been lacking, leading to the deterioration of these properties over time. Treija emphasized the importance of this reform in alleviating financial burdens on the municipality while ensuring that the apartments are properly maintained.

The implication of this policy change suggests that the city will now be better positioned to manage its housing stock. It addresses not only the financial needs of the municipality but also aims to improve living standards for residents of municipal apartments through proper upkeep. This reform may set a precedent for other municipalities in Latvia, highlighting the need for financial sustainability in managing public housing.