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Society Maintenance Split

Three common methods: equal (per flat), per-sqft (proportional), or hybrid (60% sqft + 40% equal). Hybrid is fairest in most societies.

₹23,077
₹26,769
₹32,308
₹37,846

The three allocation methods

Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act and most state housing rules allow three legal bases for splitting monthly maintenance. Equal split — every flat pays the same, easiest to administer, fair for elevator and lift costs. Per-sqft— pure proportional charge, fair for property tax, water, lobby cleaning.Hybrid (60% sqft + 40% equal) — the most common modern choice, balances usage-based and shared-benefit costs.

Worked example

A 40-flat Pune society has monthly expenses of ₹4,00,000. Flats range from 600 to 1,800 sqft, total 40,000 sqft. Equal split: every flat pays ₹10,000. Per-sqft: rate is ₹10/sqft, so a 600-sqft flat pays ₹6,000 and a 1,800-sqft flat ₹18,000. Hybrid 60:40: ₹2.4L splits per sqft (₹6/sqft) and ₹1.6L splits equally (₹4,000/flat) — the 600 sqft pays ₹7,600, the 1,800 sqft pays ₹14,800. Hybrid avoids extreme disparities that create AGM friction.

When to switch methods

  • Penthouses paying triple a 1-BHK's charge under per-sqft — switch to hybrid
  • Mixed-size tower with smaller flats unhappy under equal split — switch to hybrid
  • Older single-tower societies — equal is fine, all flats are similar size
  • GST registration triggered — aggregate above ₹20L/year, society needs GSTIN at 18%

GST applies on per-flat charge above ₹7,500/month and when the society's annual aggregate crosses ₹20L. Below ₹7,500/month per flat there's a full exemption. Use the GST calculator for the 18% breakup on common-area maintenance bills.

FAQ

Which method is fairest?

Hybrid (60% sqft + 40% equal) is most defensible — bigger flats use more of certain amenities, but lifts / security / common lighting are fixed costs that benefit everyone equally.

Are penal interest and sinking fund separate?

Yes. Maintenance covers monthly opex. Sinking fund (capex reserve) is collected separately. Penal interest applies on late payments — typically 18-21% p.a.

Can the society override the rules I picked?

Yes — society's AGM decides via majority vote. The bye-laws can specify the split method. Most state Cooperative Societies Acts default to per-sqft if not specified.