By Arosh John | Founder – John Real Estate (MahaRERA Reg. No. A51700001835) | Editor-in-Chief – Thane Real Estate News
Why are there two maintenance bills?
In Maharashtra townships, residents often receive two maintenance demands:
- Society Maintenance → For building-level operations (lifts, internal common areas, cleaning, repairs, sinking fund).
- Federation/Common Area Maintenance (FCAM) → For township-level infrastructure (internal roads, gates, security, landscaping, water/sewage treatment, clubhouses).
This isn’t duplication. The Maharashtra Housing (Regulation and Development) Act, 2012, explicitly recognises an Apex Body/Federation to manage layout-level common areas, while each society operates its own building.
What FCAM typically covers
- Township gates, boundary walls, and central security
- Internal roads and street lighting
- Central utilities like STP, WTP, and rainwater harvesting
- Township-level gardens and landscaped zones
- Clubhouses, sports facilities, and shared amenities
Why residents must pay FCAM
- Smooth operations: Shared infrastructure can’t be left unmanaged.
- Higher property values: Well-maintained campuses enjoy stronger resale demand and rental yields.
- Cost efficiency: Centralised contracts reduce per-household costs.
- Resident control: Once federation is registered, residents approve budgets and audits democratically.
Common objections addressed
- “I don’t use the clubhouse, so why pay?” → Township amenities are collective; all residents must contribute unless carved out by registered documents.
- “We already pay tower security.” → Tower guards protect your building; FCAM secures the entire township perimeter.
- “Our smaller tower pays unfairly more.” → Charging formulas (per unit vs per sq ft) must be set in the federation bye-laws. Push for transparency.
Best practices for residents
- Review the federation bye-laws and charging formulas.
- Demand annual FCAM budgets and audited statements.
- Keep a clear “Society vs Federation responsibilities” matrix.
- Pay on time; resolve disputes through the Registrar/MahaRERA, not by withholding.
Want to know what happens before the federation takes over from the developer? Please read our guide on the Developer-to-Federation handover process → From Developer to Federation: How Township Handover of Common Areas Works in Maharashtra
About the Author
Arosh John is the Founder of John Real Estate (MahaRERA Reg. No. A51700001835) and Editor-in-Chief of Thane Real Estate News. Widely recognised as an expert on Thane real estate, he has over a decade of experience in the market. Arosh specialises in resale transactions, NRI advisory, and luxury villas, combining on-ground deal expertise with deep knowledge of local regulations and infrastructure developments.
Consultation
Looking to buy your next home, invest in Thane, or plan a resale/NRI transaction? Book a one-on-one consultation with Arosh John for structured guidance on property selection, documentation, and deal closure.
Disclaimer
This article summarises township maintenance frameworks under the Maharashtra Housing (Regulation and Development) Act, 2012, Model Bye-laws (2014), and current MahaRERA guidelines. It is for informational purposes only. Actual liability, billing formulas, and amenity scopes may vary by project documents, registered bye-laws, and federation constitutions. Laws are subject to amendments and judicial interpretation. Readers should verify their society/federation documents and consult qualified legal or financial professionals for advice on disputes or compliance. Neither the author nor Thane Real Estate News accepts liability for actions taken solely on this content.
