What are apartment society maintenance fees in India in 2026?

Service charges fund watchmen, cleaners, common lighting, CCTV, and office admin. Repair funds and sinking funds cover lifts, waterproofing, façade work, and major capital repairs under registered bye-laws. Water charges climb when tankers replace municipal supply in dry Bangalore summers. Parking, clubhouse, and non-occupancy charges for let-out flats can appear as separate lines.

How the bill is split varies: equal per flat for some common services, per square foot for others, or a hybrid. Societies must follow their registered bye-laws and General Body resolutions; committees cannot invent formulas overnight. GST at 18% can apply when monthly contribution and society turnover cross published thresholds, while pure utility pass-throughs are often treated differently. Ask for recent invoices, not a broker’s round number.

State whether the tenant or landlord pays society maintenance, parking, and any non-occupancy levy: Rental contracts and deposits. A soft Indiranagar or Bandra rent that excludes ₹5,000–15,000-plus maintenance is not a bargain. Budget diesel generator and tanker months inside Utilities, internet and transport.

Corridor rents still sit in Renting in Bangalore, Renting in Mumbai, and Renting in Delhi. Buyers and OCI purchasers must clear outstanding dues before transfer: Can foreigners buy property. Tenant disputes over surprise hikes belong with the lease and society records: Tenant rights.