Thermal parasitism. Credit: Pexels, Patrycja Grobelny.
Ever heard of “thermal parasitism”? Residents in Poland are facing fines of up to PLN 500 (€117) for failing to maintain minimum heating requirements in their apartments.
The move, reported by Gazeta Prawna, aims to combat “thermal parasitism,” where individuals turn off their heating and rely on warmth from neighbouring flats.
Heating regulations in Poland
The Polish government has set specific temperature standards to ensure fair heating practices and avoid strain on the infrastructure. Residential areas require a minimum of 20°C, while bathrooms a minimum of 24°C.
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Some housing cooperatives allow temperatures as low as 16-17°C, but exceeding this limit may result in penalties. Inspectors are conducting routine temperature checks in apartments during the heating season to ensure compliance.
The introduction of fines addresses several challenges caused by inadequate heating, such as residents relying on communal heat, which then raises overall energy expenses for others. Heating bills can become disproportionately distributed among tenants. Also, lower temperatures can lead to dampness and mould, risking long-term damage to buildings.
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