Society maintenance charges: typical per-sq-ft rates and who pays

Maintenance, often called CAM (common area maintenance), is billed monthly or quarterly by the builder's facility team or the residents' association and is separate from rent. On a 1,000 sq ft flat it adds a meaningful amount to the monthly cost, so ask for the current rate before you decide between two societies.

Typical rates

Large townships such as Gaur City charge in the region of ₹2–3 per sq ft per month on super built-up area; mid-range societies on the Noida Expressway run ₹3–4; premium projects with clubs, large green areas and 24×7 power backup charge ₹4–6 or more. Some societies bill a flat amount per flat type instead. Electricity for the flat is always extra and in many societies is prepaid through a smart meter that also recovers power backup usage at a higher tariff.

What it covers

• Security, housekeeping of common areas, lifts and their AMC.
• Landscaping, water supply and sewage treatment plant running.
• Common lighting and the diesel or grid cost of common areas.
• Club and swimming pool upkeep (some societies charge club membership separately).
• A sinking fund contribution for future repairs, usually a small fixed amount.

Who pays

In NCR the tenant normally pays monthly maintenance unless the agreement says otherwise, while one-time or capital charges (interest-free maintenance security, sinking fund lump sums, structural repairs) stay with the owner. Write the split into the agreement; disputes arise when a society raises the rate mid-tenancy.

Before signing

Ask the society office for the last bill, whether there are pending dues on the flat (they transfer with possession, and buyers should insist on a no-dues certificate), and whether a move-in or move-out charge applies. Many societies charge a refundable move-in deposit and a non-refundable shifting fee of a few thousand rupees.

Figures are typical for Noida, Greater Noida West, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad as of 2026 and change with notifications; verify the current rate on the official portal named in the guide before paying.

Spotted an outdated figure? Email hello@zeorent.com with the guide URL; corrections are made within two working days per our editorial policy.