Maharashtra Housing Societies Set for Major Change: New Maintenance Rules May Decide Who Pays More and Who Pays Equally

For thousands of housing societies across Maharashtra, maintenance charges have remained a topic of debate for many years. From Mumbai’s high-rise buildings to housing complexes across the state, residents often disagree over one question — should maintenance be calculated according to the size of a flat or should every member contribute equally?

The Maharashtra government is now preparing a new framework to bring clarity to this issue. The proposed changes in cooperative housing society rules are expected to define how different types of expenses should be collected from members.

The move is aimed at reducing conflicts between residents and housing society committees while creating a fair and transparent maintenance system.

Long-Standing Confusion Over Maintenance Charges

In many societies, owners of larger flats are charged higher maintenance because the amount is linked to the area of their homes. However, some residents argue that many facilities provided by the society are common for everyone.

A person living in a 500-square-foot flat and a person living in a 1,500-square-foot flat both use the same security services, elevators, common areas, society office, and administrative facilities.

Because of this, questions have repeatedly emerged about which expenses should depend on flat size and which should be equally shared.

The government’s upcoming rules are expected to provide a clear answer.

New Rules May Bring a Standard Maintenance Formula

The proposed changes are expected to strengthen the existing guidelines for cooperative housing societies. Instead of allowing different societies to interpret maintenance rules differently, the government wants to create a uniform system.

The new framework may clearly separate expenses into two categories:

1. Expenses that should be shared equally by all members

2. Expenses that should be calculated according to the size or value of the property

This will help societies prepare maintenance bills more accurately and reduce unnecessary disagreements among members.

Common Charges That May Be Equal for Everyone

Several expenses are related to the functioning of the entire society and benefit all residents equally. These charges may continue to be divided equally among members.

These may include:

• Security and service-related charges

• Salaries of society workers

• Administrative expenses

• Audit fees

• Legal expenses

• Common electricity costs

• Office expenses

• Meeting-related costs

The idea behind this rule is that these services are not connected to the size of a person’s flat. Every resident receives the same basic benefit from them.

Expenses That May Depend on Property Size

Some expenses are directly linked to the property itself. These charges may continue to be calculated based on factors such as carpet area, built-up area, or property value.

These may include:

• Building insurance

• Repair-related funds

• Sinking fund contributions

• Certain taxes and property-linked charges

• Lease-related expenses

A larger property may have a higher share in such expenses because its value and maintenance requirements can be greater.

Relief Expected for Society Members

The biggest advantage of the new system could be transparency. Many residents complain that they do not understand how their maintenance amount is calculated.

Clear rules will allow members to know exactly why they are paying a particular amount. This can improve trust between residents and managing committees.

Housing societies will also benefit because committee members will have a proper guideline while preparing budgets and collecting charges.

Why This Change Matters for Maharashtra

Maharashtra has one of the largest networks of cooperative housing societies in India. With increasing urbanisation and rising maintenance costs, managing these societies has become more complex.

Buildings require regular repairs, security services, infrastructure upgrades, and daily maintenance. A proper charging system is necessary to ensure that expenses are shared fairly.

The government’s proposed changes aim to create a balance between small and large flat owners. The purpose is not only to decide who pays more or less, but to build a system where every resident understands the reason behind the charges.

If implemented, the new rules could bring a major improvement in housing society management and reduce one of the most common disputes faced by residents across Maharashtra.