Maintenance charges for flats in India and how they are calculated

When buying a flat in India, one of the recurring costs that homeowners must factor in is maintenance charges. These charges ensure the upkeep of common areas, security, and essential amenities in a housing society. However, many homebuyers and apartment owners often struggle to understand how these charges are calculated, what they cover, and whether they are justified.

In this blog, we will break down the concept of maintenance charges, how they are determined, what services they include, and ways to manage them effectively.

1. What Are Maintenance Charges and Why Are They Important?

Maintenance charges are a monthly or annual fee paid by residents of an apartment complex or gated community to cover the costs of maintaining the property. These charges are collected by the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) or the Apartment Owners’ Association (AOA) and are used to ensure smooth operations and upkeep of the society.

Why Are Maintenance Charges Necessary?

• Upkeep of common areas: This includes the cleaning and maintenance of corridors, gardens, lobbies, and parking spaces.

• Security and safety: Salaries of security guards, CCTV maintenance, and emergency services.

• Basic utilities: Water supply, electricity for common areas, and sewage management.

• Repair and renovation: Fixing lifts, pipes, walls, and other structural elements in the common areas.

• Amenities management: Gyms, swimming pools, clubhouses, and parks require maintenance to remain functional.

Without maintenance charges, the living conditions in a society can deteriorate quickly, affecting property value and the overall quality of life for residents.

2. How Are Maintenance Charges Calculated?

The calculation of maintenance charges varies from one housing society to another. Here are some common methods used:

A. Per Square Foot Model

Many societies charge a fixed rate per square foot of the apartment area. This means that larger flats pay higher maintenance fees, as their owners are considered to occupy more common space.

For example:
If the maintenance charge is ₹3 per square foot and you own a 1,000 sq. ft. flat, your monthly charge will be:
1,000 x ₹3 = ₹3,000 per month

B. Equal Distribution Model

In some societies, each flat pays the same fixed maintenance charge, regardless of its size. This is common in smaller housing societies where maintenance costs are shared equally among residents.

C. Hybrid Model

A combination of both methods is used, where some costs are fixed (like security and staff salaries) while others (such as water and electricity usage) are charged based on usage or apartment size.

D. Pay-As-You-Use Model

Some societies charge for specific facilities separately, such as clubhouse fees, parking charges, and gym usage. Residents who use these amenities pay extra, reducing the burden on others.

3. What Do Maintenance Charges Cover?

Most maintenance fees include basic services essential for the upkeep of the apartment complex. However, some luxury societies may charge higher fees to cover premium services.

A. Common Utilities and Infrastructure

• Electricity for common areas like corridors, lifts, parking, and gardens.

• Water supply and sewage system maintenance.

• Garbage collection and waste disposal.

B. Security and Surveillance

• Salaries for security guards.

• Maintenance of CCTV cameras and intercom systems.

• Visitor management system upkeep.

C. Cleaning and Housekeeping

• Regular cleaning of staircases, lobbies, parking, and recreational spaces.

• Pest control services to keep common areas free of rodents and insects.

D. Repair and Maintenance of Building Structures

• Maintenance of elevators, fire-fighting systems, and generators.

• Plumbing, electrical, and civil repairs in common areas.

• Painting and upkeep of external walls and fencing.

E. Recreational and Lifestyle Amenities

• Clubhouse, gym, and swimming pool maintenance.

• Playgrounds, landscaped gardens, and jogging tracks.

• Special event arrangements within the society.

Not all societies provide these facilities, so it’s essential to check what is included in your maintenance charges before buying a flat.

4. How Much Are Maintenance Charges in Different Indian Cities?

The maintenance costs vary depending on the city, location, type of apartment, and amenities provided. Here’s an approximate range of monthly maintenance charges in some major cities:

• Mumbai: ₹4,000 – ₹15,000 per month (higher for premium societies).

• Delhi NCR: ₹2,500 – ₹10,000 per month.

• Bangalore: ₹2,000 – ₹8,000 per month.

• Pune: ₹1,500 – ₹7,000 per month.

• Hyderabad: ₹1,500 – ₹6,000 per month.

• Lucknow: ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 per month.

Luxury apartments and gated communities with high-end amenities tend to have much higher maintenance costs compared to budget apartments.

5. How to Reduce Maintenance Charges?

While maintenance fees are necessary, there are ways to optimize costs and avoid unnecessary expenses. Here are some effective methods:

A. Opt for Energy-Efficient Solutions

• Installing solar panels can reduce electricity expenses.

• Using LED lights for common areas saves power and reduces costs.

B. Improve Water Management

• Rainwater harvesting systems can reduce water bills in the long run.

• Water recycling plants help optimize water usage.

C. Digitalized Management Systems

• Using automated security systems can reduce the need for additional manpower, cutting costs.

• Mobile apps for complaints and payment management help streamline operations.

D. Encourage Community Participation

• If residents participate in maintenance management, societies can avoid hiring external agencies, reducing costs.

• Organizing regular volunteer-driven cleanliness drives can save expenses.

E. Negotiate Vendor Contracts

• Societies can negotiate better deals with service providers for security, housekeeping, and maintenance work.

• Bulk purchase of essential supplies (such as cleaning materials) can cut down costs.

6. Are Maintenance Charges Legally Binding?

Yes, according to the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), builders must clearly mention maintenance charges in the agreement before selling a flat. Societies also have the legal right to collect maintenance fees from all residents.

Key Legal Points to Know:

• Non-payment of maintenance charges can lead to penalties or restrictions on using certain amenities.

• Developers must hand over maintenance responsibilities to the housing society once most units are occupied.

• Any increase in maintenance charges must be approved by the residents through proper meetings.

Before purchasing a flat, always read the maintenance policy carefully to avoid hidden costs.

Conclusion

Maintenance charges are an essential part of apartment living in India. They ensure that the building and its facilities remain in good condition, providing a comfortable and secure environment for residents. While these charges vary based on location, apartment size, and amenities, understanding how they are calculated can help homeowners plan their finances better.

If you are looking for a flat in a well-maintained, premium residential complex in Lucknow, Rishita Developers offers world-class housing projects with transparent maintenance policies.

Looking for your dream home? Contact Rishita Developers today to explore premium flats with top-notch amenities!