Cleaning, security, repairs, and common amenities are all included in the ₹2–25 per square foot monthly maintenance fees for apartments in India. For example, apartments in Hyderabad typically cost ₹1,500–6,000 per month, whereas those in Mumbai usually cost ₹4,000–15,000. Societies bill using equal, hybrid, or per square foot models. To properly budget before making a purchase, be aware of these RERA-compliant rules and factors.
What are Apartment Maintenance Charges?
Apartment maintenance charges are recurring fees paid by residents to cover the upkeep and management of shared spaces and services within a housing society or apartment complex. These charges fund essentials like security, housekeeping, water supply, elevator upkeep, common area electricity, gardening, and repairs to shared infrastructure. Typically collected monthly, quarterly, or annually, the amount depends on factors such as apartment size, amenities offered, and the society's operational costs, ensuring smooth day-to-day functioning and long-term upkeep of the residential community.
Also Check: Franking Charges
What Is Typically Covered By Apartment Maintenance Charges?
| Component | Details |
| Salary of Core Team Members | Security guards, janitors, electricians, plumbers |
| Maintenance and Upkeep of Facilities | Lifts, water pumps, club house, drainage systems, society office. |
| Utilities | Electricity and water in the common areas |
| Emergency and Repair Fund | To save for unexpected major repairs in the future |
| Community Events | Festival, functions and social gatherings within the society |
Section 6 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 mandates all apartment owners to contribute towards maintenance costs. Many societies will also allocate funds to a “Sinking Fund“, which would be for future large projects such as repainting, lift replacements, or other major repairs, which has also generally have oversight of funding and managing the costs of the works involved in these projects.
When your monthly payment is above ₹7,500, and the society has an annual turnover above ₹20 lakhs, you are liable to pay apartment maintenance GST at 18% as per current tax laws.
Also Check: Guide to Society Maintenance Charges as Per Bylaws
How to Calculate Maintenance Charges for Apartments?
Housing societies generally have three main methods of apartment maintenance charges calculation, each affecting residents differently.
1. Per Square Foot Model
The most common maintenance calculation method in India is based on apartment size.
For example: A flat size of 1,000 sq ft at ₹3 per sq ft = ₹3,000/month.
Advantage: Fair when contemplating small units.
Disadvantage: For bigger units, payment relies on space and they may pay more irrespective of actual consumption.
2. Equal Distribution Model
Total costs appear on an equal basis to all units. Size of the apartment is not taken into account.
This model is suitable for: Societies with comparable unit sizes.
Limitation: Small apartment owners may believe they overpay.
3. Hybrid Model
Fixed costs (e.g. improvements in security costs, electricity, etc.)are divided on an equal basis.
Variable costs (e.g. repair, sinking fund, etc.) are divided according to the apportionment of the size/area of apartments.
Commonly regarded as a fair system.
Recommended in the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Model Bye-Laws.
Some societies even have “pay-per-use” options, meaning that residents only pay additional costs for the use of amenities such as a gym or clubhouse if they actually use them.
Read Also: Maintenance Charges for Flats in Kolkata
What Does Maintenance Charges in Apartment Cover?
Maintenance charges are monthly fees paid by apartment owners or tenants to ensure the proper upkeep, cleanliness, safety, and smooth functioning of the residential community. These charges help maintain shared spaces and essential services, creating a comfortable and well-managed living environment for all residents.
Common Area Maintenance
Common Area Maintenance (CAM) refers to the upkeep of shared spaces within the apartment complex. These areas are used by all residents and require regular maintenance to remain clean, safe, and functional.
Common areas typically include:
- Corridors
- Stairwells
- Lobbies
- Terraces
- Gardens
- Parking areas
- Elevators
Security and Utilities
Salaries for Security, CCTV maintenance, upkeep of lighting, water, and sewage systems
Sinking Fund and Repairs
0.25% of the building price for future repairs, lift maintenance, plumbing, and electrical work
Other Charges
Building Insurance, administrative costs, non-occupancy charges, parking, etc.
GST on Maintenance Charges
The following are the points for essential GST charges on maintenance
- 18% GST is applicable if both of the following are true:
- Monthly Maintenance Charges for a flat are greater than ₹7,500.
- The Society has an annual turnover of greater than ₹20 lakhs.
- Taxes such as property tax, water bills, and non-agricultural tax do not fall under GST.
Also Check: TDS on Society Maintenance Charges
Rules and Regulations of Apartment maintenance Charges in India
Apartment maintenance charges, rule,s and regulations ensure fair upkeep of housing societies. Governed by RERA and state acts, these cover essentials like security and repairs. Rates vary by location, size, and amenities, helping residents budget wisely.
Important Elements Affecting Apartment Maintenance Charges
Several elements shape apartment maintenance charges rules and regulations:
- Location: Mumbai averages ₹4 to 15 per sq ft; Hyderabad ₹2 to 6.
- Flat size: Larger units pay more under per sq ft models.
- Amenities: Pools or gyms increase costs by 20–30%.
- RERA compliance: Mandates transparency in billing.
Also Check: Apartment Maintenance Charges Rules and Regulations
Supreme Court Verdict on Apartment Maintenance Charges
- Common areas aren't the builder's to sell. Nahalchand Laloochand v. Panchali Co-op Housing Society (2010) held builders can't separately sell parking/common areas; maintenance obligations attach to the whole building, not carved-out bits.
- Builders can't hold maintenance hostage. Under RERA, promoters must hand over maintenance to the RWA/AOA within a fixed period; courts have penalized builders who delay this or keep dictating terms after possession.
- Charges must be reasonable, not arbitrary. Courts defer to an RWA's bye-laws (equal split vs. per-area) but strike down charges levied without proper resolutions or transparent accounts.
- Defaulters can lose perks, not essentials. RWAs can restrict amenities for non-payment, but courts frown on cutting off water/electricity as coercion.
How Nobrokerhood Accounting Software Simplifies Apartment Maintenance Charges Calculation
NoBrokerHood simplifies apartment maintenance charges calculation through automated billing, expense tracking, and GST compliance. As a reliable society accounting software, it helps cooperative societies manage finances transparently, accurately, and without manual effort.
| Task | How NoBrokerHood Simplifies It |
| Expense Tracking | Automatically records society expenses like security, utilities, repairs, and amenities in one dashboard. |
| Maintenance Calculation | Calculates apartment maintenance charges using per sq ft, equal split, or hybrid models without manual errors. |
| Billing & Invoicing | Generates accurate monthly or quarterly maintenance bills for each flat and sends them digitally. |
| GST Compliance | Separates taxable and non-taxable charges and applies GST only where applicable. |
| Payment Tracking | Tracks paid and pending dues in real time, reducing follow-ups and disputes. |
| Financial Reports | Provides income–expense statements, balance sheets, and audit-ready reports for the society. |
| Transparency | Gives residents clear visibility into maintenance charges and expense breakdowns. |
All Solutions by NoBrokerHood:
