What Society Maintenance Typically Covers
| Expense Category | Typical % of Budget | Monthly Cost (500-unit complex) |
|---|---|---|
| Security staff and systems | 30–45% | ₹1.5–₹3 lakh |
| Housekeeping and sanitation | 15–20% | ₹75,000–₹1.5 lakh |
| Common area electricity | 10–20% | ₹50,000–₹1.5 lakh |
| Lift maintenance (AMC) | 5–10% | ₹25,000–₹75,000 |
| Water supply and pump | 5–10% | ₹25,000–₹50,000 |
| Gardening and landscaping | 3–8% | ₹15,000–₹50,000 |
| Generator fuel and maintenance | 5–10% | ₹25,000–₹75,000 |
| Miscellaneous and administration | 5–10% | ₹25,000–₹50,000 |
Your Rights Regarding Society Maintenance
Member Rights on Maintenance Charges
- Itemised bill: Right to receive itemised maintenance bills — not just a total amount
- Inspect accounts: Right to inspect society accounts with reasonable notice — verify expense claims
- AGM approval: Maintenance budget should be approved at AGM — increases beyond AGM approval are challengeable
- No arbitrary charges: Society cannot levy charges not approved in bye-laws or AGM resolution
- Interest on default: Society can charge interest on late payment — check bye-laws for rate
- Cannot cut water/electricity: Society cannot cut water or electricity supply as penalty for non-payment — must use legal process
- GST on maintenance: If monthly maintenance exceeds ₹7,500/flat — society must charge 18% GST
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Society maintenance is the monthly charge collected from all flat owners to fund common area upkeep — security, housekeeping, lift maintenance, common electricity, water supply, generator, and gardening. It is mandatory for all members. Amounts range from ₹1,000–₹15,000+/month depending on complex size, amenities, and city. Maintenance charges must be based on actual expenses — society must present audited accounts at AGM.
Three common methods: (1) Per square foot of super built-up area — proportional to flat size, (2) Equal per flat — every flat pays the same regardless of size, (3) Mixed — flat base amount plus per-sq-ft component. Most modern societies use per-sq-ft calculation. The Managing Committee proposes the rate based on projected annual expenses, which is approved at the Annual General Meeting.
Consequences of non-payment: (1) Society can charge interest on overdue amount per bye-laws, (2) Access to amenities (gym, clubhouse, pool) may be restricted, (3) NOC for flat sale or loan may be withheld until dues are cleared, (4) Society can file a civil suit for recovery, (5) Unpaid dues become a charge on the flat — inherited by the new buyer if flat is sold. Society cannot cut water or electricity as penalty — that requires a court order.
Yes — if monthly maintenance per flat exceeds ₹7,500, the society must collect and remit 18% GST on the full maintenance amount. If maintenance is ₹7,500 or below per flat per month, GST is exempt. Societies above this threshold must register for GST and file regular returns. Check your society's maintenance billing — GST-registered societies should show GST separately on the bill.
Society can increase maintenance within limits approved at AGM. The Managing Committee proposes the revised budget; members vote at AGM. If you disagree with the proposed increase, you can vote against it at the AGM. Societies cannot impose maintenance increases that were not approved at a valid AGM or SGM with proper quorum and notice. Arbitrary mid-year increases without AGM approval can be challenged with the Registrar of Co-operative Societies.