Non-Occupancy Charges in Housing Societies: What You Must Know Before Renting or Leaving Your Flat Empty
Many homeowners in India face confusion and unnecessary financial burden when they do not personally occupy their flats in housing societies. Whether you rent your property to a tenant, leave it vacant, or allow a family member to use it, understanding non-occupancy charges is crucial. Unfortunately, most residents are unaware of their legal rights, which often results in excessive or illegal charges by society committees. 1. What Are Non-Occupancy Charges? Non-occupancy charges are fees that a housing society can levy on a flat owner when the owner does not personally reside in the flat and it is used by someone else, such as: A tenant who rents the flat A relative not defined as a “close family member” in the society’s bylaws However, if the flat is kept locked and unused , non-occupancy charges cannot be imposed. These charges are separate from regular maintenance or service charges, which all members must pay regardless of occupancy. 2. Why Do Societies Charge No...