If your apartment is connected to district heating or a building boiler and feels cold during winter, this is not just an inconvenience. Under Estonian regulations, the indoor temperature in a residential space must not fall below 18 °C during prolonged occupancy.
Below is a practical step-by-step guide on what to do and where to seek help.
1. Check the most common causes first
Before contacting authorities, inspect basic technical issues:
- Are radiators heating evenly? If the top is cold, they may need bleeding.
- Are thermostat valves working properly?
- Is there noticeable draft from windows or doors?
If the issue affects only one apartment, the cause may be local.
2. Measure and document the temperature
Documentation is essential.
- Measure temperature on multiple days and at different times.
- Take photos of the thermometer showing date and time.
- Record: date, time, room, temperature.
Measurements should be taken approx. 1 meter above the floor in living spaces.
3. Notify the owner or apartment association in writing
In district-heated buildings, the apartment association or property manager is usually responsible.
- Send a written notice (email recommended).
- Attach measurements and photos.
- Request a concrete solution with a deadline.
Written notice is crucial if the issue escalates.
4. Where to get help in Tallinn (City Centre)
If the apartment is located in Tallinn City Centre and the issue persists, contact the Tallinn City Centre Government.
They can forward your complaint to the competent housing supervision specialist.
5. Tenant rights
If you are a tenant and the temperature requirement is not met:
- You may demand elimination of the defect.
- In certain cases, rent reduction may apply during the period of non-compliance.
All actions must be documented—do not stop paying rent without legal grounds.
Summary
In a district-heated apartment, indoor temperature must not fall below 18 °C.
If it does, inspect basic causes, document the issue, notify responsible parties, and contact local authorities if needed.
