In Russia, Property Management Companies Are Moving Residents’ Chats to the National MAX Messenger
Across Russia, property management firms are switching to the country’s new homegrown messenger, MAX. In the Chelyabinsk region alone, 65 companies are already communicating with homeowners through the app, which integrates public and commercial services in a secure, domestic digital environment.
Expanded Capabilities and Integrated Services
The national messenger MAX is rapidly gaining traction among property management organizations. In Chelyabinsk, 65 firms have already adopted it to coordinate building maintenance, handle resident feedback, and discuss improvement plans. The platform’s transition has streamlined communication while creating a safe, encrypted space for users.
Unlike foreign messengers, MAX integrates business tools, chatbots, and mini-apps alongside access to government and private services. The messenger supports audio and video calls, file sharing, and voice messages. It’s available for both smartphones and desktop computers, allowing flexible use across personal and professional environments.
No Access for Scammers
Cybersecurity was a key design priority. In the past, fraudsters exploited residential chat groups to phish for personal information and steal money. MAX developers built in reputation analysis systems based on specialized databases to prevent this. Accounts involved in fraud are permanently blocked.
The platform also uses end-to-end encryption between clients and servers, and all data is stored on Russian servers to prevent cross-border leaks. Although MAX is integrated with government platforms, user data can only be transferred to state authorities upon formal legal request. Interestingly, the platform even enforces moderation—users can be fined several thousand rubles (about $35–$40) for harassment or inappropriate behavior in group chats, though constructive criticism of management companies is permitted.
A National Push for Secure, Connected Communication
The shift to MAX aligns with Russia’s digital sovereignty policy, aiming to make online communication more secure and locally governed. For the domestic IT sector, the platform’s widespread rollout offers a major growth boost, strengthening national tech infrastructure and reducing dependency on foreign messengers.
The emergence of MAX signals the formation of a more controlled and resilient digital ecosystem—essential for state-level cybersecurity. In the coming months, schools, parent associations, and government offices are expected to join the platform. Integration with national ID systems and digital document workflows will allow users to sign documents via enhanced electronic signatures.
MAX’s growing popularity is further supported by a new regulation: as of September 1, 2025, the app comes preinstalled on all smartphones sold in Russia. Developers now face the challenge of optimizing performance, ensuring reliability, and expanding features so the messenger evolves from a novelty into a daily essential.
Eventually, MAX could become a “super app,” integrating social, business, and administrative tools—and potentially becoming an export-ready product for CIS countries and the Global South.
