How society maintenance charges are worked out.

A society's monthly maintenance is the yearly cost of running it, divided among its members. How it is divided is set by the society's bye-laws. This guide shows the common methods and lets you try your own numbers.

What goes into the total

Maintenance is the cost of running the society, spread over its members. The heads differ from one society to the next. Common services. Security, housekeeping and gardening. Power and water. Electricity for lifts and common areas, and water for the whole complex. Upkeep and repairs. Lifts, the generator, pumps, painting and day-to-day repairs. Staff and professional fees. Salaries, audit fees and insurance. Funds. Many societies also set money aside for large repairs or a sinking fund. The bye-laws and the general body decide how much.

Two common ways to divide it

Which method a society may use is a matter for its bye-laws and, for a registered society, the law of its state. Check yours before you change anything. Flat-wise. Every flat pays the same amount. It is simple to explain and to bill, and suits societies where the flats are similar in size. Area-wise. Each flat pays a rate per square foot of its area, so larger flats pay more. It suits societies with a mix of flat sizes. A mix of the two. Some societies bill a fixed amount for every flat and an area-based amount on top.

Maintenance per square foot and per flat

Enter the monthly cost of running your society and the size of your flats. The calculator shows what each flat would pay under both methods.

Before you change the method

A change in how maintenance is divided usually needs a decision of the general body under the bye-laws. Bring the working to the meeting so that members can see how each flat is affected. If any member would pay more than ₹7,500 a month, read the guide on GST on society maintenance charges first.

Questions

How is maintenance calculated per square foot?

Divide the total monthly cost by the total built-up area of all the flats to get a rate per square foot. Multiply that rate by each flat's area to get its monthly charge.

What is the difference between flat-wise and area-wise maintenance?

Flat-wise means every flat pays the same amount. Area-wise means each flat pays according to its area, so larger flats pay more.

Who decides how maintenance is divided?

The society's bye-laws set the method, and changes usually need a decision of the general body. For a registered society, the law of the state also applies.