How a maintenance bill is actually built

A maintenance bill is not one number. It is several charges added together, each with its own rule — which is why two flats in the same building can pay different amounts.

Once you can read a bill line by line, most member disputes answer themselves. Here is what goes into one.

The charges themselves

Charge heads

Each line — maintenance, water, lift, security, repairs — is a head. You decide which heads exist and how each is worked out.

Per flat or per square foot

Service charges are usually split equally per flat; some heads are charged on area. The bye-laws decide, and the system follows whichever you configure.

Sinking fund

A statutory reserve for major future work. Charged as a percentage of construction cost and set aside, not spent on running costs.

Non-occupancy charges

Payable when a flat is let out rather than occupied by the owner, capped at 10% of service charges under Maharashtra rules.

When it goes out, and what happens if it is late

Monthly, quarterly or annual

Whatever cycle your society runs. A quarterly bill can also be shown split into its months, so members see how it was arrived at.

Due date and interest

Interest on late payment is charged at the rate your general body approved, from the date you configure.

Penalties

Separate from interest and applied by your own rule. Committees can waive a charge where the general body allows it — and the waiver is recorded.

Credit and debit notes

A correction after a bill is issued does not mean editing history. A note adjusts it and stays visible.

Why members ask "why is mine higher?"

Almost always one of three things: the flat is larger and a head is charged on area, the flat is tenanted so non-occupancy applies, or an earlier amount is still outstanding and interest has been added. The bill shows all three.

Next How money reaches the right member

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