Society maintenance charges in Pune

Most flats in Pune are in co-operative housing societies registered under the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960. The society's general body decides the maintenance bill, following its bye-laws, usually the state's model bye-laws.

What a maintenance bill usually includes

• Service charges: security, housekeeping, common electricity, lift upkeep, staff salaries and office costs.
• Sinking fund: savings for major repairs or reconstruction of the building in the future.
• Repairs and maintenance fund: for regular repairs to the building.
• Property tax to PMC or PCMC, if the society collects it.
• Water charges, parking charges, insurance and, where relevant, non-occupancy charges on let-out flats.

How charges are set

The model bye-laws link some contributions to the flat (for example the sinking fund is tied to the cost of construction) and share others among members. Ask the society for its bye-laws and the latest approved budget to see how your bill is worked out.

New projects

Before the society is formed, the builder usually collects maintenance in advance for a set period. Check the amount and the period in your agreement, and ask for an account when the society takes over.

Buying a resale flat?

• Ask for a no-dues letter from the society.
• Check the latest maintenance bill and any special levies voted for upcoming repairs.
• Ask whether redevelopment is planned.

Related: selling a flat in Pune and the property glossary.

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