Regulation and Organisation of Housing Management Activities in Germany, Poland and Latvia

Abstract Multi-dwelling buildings are one of the essential infrastructural elements of a residential area. Therefore, qualitative and professional management of such real estate is of importance. The insufficient investment into maintenance and improvement of housing is stated in Latvian policy planning documents as one of the most significant problems, causing risks for achieving the goal of compliance of the housing fund with energy efficiency, construction, safety and amenity standards. The article examines the main aspects of management of residential buildings, identifies the related risks and offers solutions for their prevention. The article aims at emphasising the significance of building maintenance and exploring management processes of residential buildings in Latvia, Poland and Germany, making a comparison that helps to understand the housing management regulation and organisational approach in each country and identify their common and differing features. In the course of the research, the authors of the article review the sources on management activities of residential buildings, identify and assess the management process risks and make a comparative analysis of housing management processes in Latvia, Poland and Germany. Information regarding the housing management field of the countries examined in the article has been obtained by summarising and analysing the policy documents and regulatory enactments, as well as by interviewing Latvian, Polish and German experts. When analysing the obtained results, conclusions have been made with regards to political responsibility, legal regulation and professional competence requirements in the field of housing management.