Maintenance Charges for Flats in Kolkata- Calculation and Rules
Maintenance charges for flats are one of the most crucial and misunderstood factors when purchasing or renting an apartment. Such charges take care of a housing society’s common facilities, basic services, and infrastructures, enabling them to stay operational and in good condition. Maintenance is especially applicable to the homeowners of Kolkata since residential complexes in the city are often multi-tower societies with various flat sizes, different amenities, and different ownership structures.
What Are Flat Maintenance Charges?
Flat maintenance charges are periodical charges paid to the builders, housing societies, or Resident Welfare Association (RWA) by all the owners of the units to maintain and manage the residential community. These items are normally covered to clean common areas, maintain the elevators, lighting, water supply, waste disposal, security, and general repairs in Kolkata.
Components of Maintenance Charges in Kolkata
Maintenance charges on flats in Kolkata might vary depending on the bylaws of the society or agreements of the builders; however, they contain the following:
Things like services and utilities
- Power to common facilities, e.g., corridors, staircases, car park, community halls, etc.
- Pumping water and borewells or overhead maintenance.
Security and Safety
- Pay of security guards.
- Installation and services of CCTV cameras.
- Fire safety system upkeep.
Cleaning and Sanitation
- Cleaning, mopping, and cleaning staircases, lobbies, lifts, and parking areas.
- Collection and disposal of wastes.
Common Amenities
- Gyms, swimming pools, playgrounds, and clubhouses are available.
- Lawns and gardens and walk tracks.
Repairs and Sinking Fund
- Frequent fixing of lifts, water pumps, and buildings.
- To a sinking fund to cover major repairs such as repainting, waterproofing, or structural repair.
Staff Salaries
- Expenses on paying housekeeping, gardeners, plumbers, and electricians who work in the society.
Read Also: CCTV Rules in India
Importance of Maintenance Charges
The residential complexes of Kolkata, particularly those in places such as Rajarhat, New Town, and EM Bypass, are frequently in the form of high-rise towers with modern facilities.
The operation of elevators, 24/7 security, sufficient supply of water, and maintenance of landscape gardens are all subject to the collection of maintenance fees on time. Without such funds, the quality of life rapidly decreases, resulting in safety risks, decreased property prices, and multiple conflicts between inhabitants.
Read More on: Society Maintenance Charges
Calculation Methods of Maintenance Charges
Kolkata follows multiple methods for calculating maintenance charges, depending on the complexity of the housing society and the variation in flat sizes.
Fixed Rate Method
All flats are charged the same, irrespective of size or use. As an illustration, when the monthly cost of the society is 2,000,000 and the flats are 100, the contribution of each flat is 2,000.
- Advantages: Easy and clear.
- Disadvantage: Small flat owners will believe they are overcharged, and large flat owners will gain excessively.
Per Square Foot Method
The rates are designed on the super built-up area of the flat. Taking an example, when the rate is 3/ft/ sq, then:
- A 1,000 sq ft flat pays ₹3,000.
- A 2,000 sq ft flat pays ₹6,000.
- Advantages: Larger flats add more.
- Disadvantage: The dwellers of larger flats claim that not every cost is proportionate to the space.
Hybrid Method
A combination of both models. There is equal distribution of fixed components, such as security and cleaning, and variable costs, such as repairs or sinking funds, are determined by the square feet.
Example for Hybrid Model for Flats in Kolkata:
| Expense Head | Basis of Division | Example Monthly Cost | Small Flat (1,000 sq ft) | Large Flat (2,000 sq ft) |
| Security & Cleaning | Equal | ₹80,000 | ₹2,000 | ₹2,000 |
| Utilities & Repairs | Per sq ft | ₹1,20,000 | ₹3,000 | ₹6,000 |
| Total | ₹2,00,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹8,000 |
This model is gaining acceptance within Kolkata because it gives balanced treatment to the residents with different flat sizes.
Who Determines the Charge of Maintenance in Kolkata?
To begin with, the developer or the builder must handle the maintenance, collection, and management upon project delivery. When the housing society or RWA is registered formally, it becomes the responsibility of a body of residents, electively appointed.
The majority consensus in general body meetings determines the maintenance structure by the RWA. The society bylaws, however, specify whether the charges should be fixed, per sq ft, or hybrid. The dispute in the small flat owner vs per sq ft model and equal distribution among numerous societies in Kolkata has become common.
Guidelines and Legal Framework of RERA
RERA Kolkata The West Bengal Housing Industry Regulatory Authority (WBHIRA), a regulatory body established based on RERA, offers developers and societies in Kolkata a regulatory framework.
Key Provisions Include:
- The developers will list the estimated maintenance costs during the sale.
- Maintenance is the builder’s responsibility until the time of the residents’ association.
- Once handed over, society should set its own rules on collecting and using the charges.
- The funds should be used strictly for maintenance purposes and not diverted to any other activities.
GST on Maintenance Charges
Maintenance charges are subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST) under certain conditions.
- Threshold: In the case of monthly charges per flat that are more than 7500 rupees, and the annual turnover of the society is over 20 lakh, GST is calculated at 18 per cent.
- Below Threshold: No GST is levied.
Example Calculation:
- Flat paying ₹6,500 per month → No GST.
- Flat 8,000 monthly → GST = 1440 and total = 9,440.
This renders it essential that societies in Kolkata be careful in structuring charges, since going beyond the limit causes a greater burden to the residents.
Read:
Difficulties and Typical Conflicts Within the Kolkata Societies
Although the structures are clear, there are always arguments about the maintenance fee on apartments in Kolkata.
Unequal Burden
- Small flat owners complain that their charges are not based on per sq ft, and large flat owners complain that the bed should be equally distributed. This strain is typical of complexes with 1BHK, 2BHK, and luxury apartments.
Occupancy-Empty Flats and Non-Occupancy
- Owners who lock flats demand lower charges. Nevertheless, this is often not tolerated by society, since providing services such as security and infrastructure continues to benefit empty units indirectly.
Unused Amenities
- Not all residents will visit gyms, swimming pools, or clubhouses, but will be obliged to pay towards their maintenance. These costs are to be shared by all residents unless otherwise defined in the bylaws.
Lack of Transparency
- Lack of adequate disclosure of the use of funds is one of the factors that can cause disputes. Annual reports and regular audits are always promoted, but not always conducted.
Escalation of Charges
- Societies tend to increase prices with an increase in the price of labour, electricity, and raw materials. The residents insist on justification and transparency to grant increases.
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Summary
It is important that any homeowner, as well as any tenant, understands the maintenance charges in Kolkata. Such costs are not mere daily routine costs- they make society clean, safe, and operational. Conflicts usually occur when there is no transparency or fair calculation in society. This can be done by utilising simple models, which are fixed, per square foot, or hybrid, and obeying RERA and GST regulations.