I and nine other members of our cooperative hsg. soc. own a 3BHK flat and have been residing in the same since 10 yrs. Our flats were originally booked as a single 3BHK flat but the builder due to some reason made us to sign two separate agreements, but in the same owner's name/s. For the past 10 years we have been paying monthly maintenance charges on the basis of a single flat only. Initially, for first two or three years when the builder was maintaining the premises, he too was charging us on single flat basis. In the recent AGM, when it came to increasing the monthly contribution, one of the members raised the point that all 3BHK flat owners have to pay double the amount since these are two separate flats combined into one. The society managing committee is since then looking for reasons to justify the point and accordingly pass a resolution in the next meeting. As this would have a serious financial implications in all our future contributions towards the society, I request your advice in the matter. I have gone through the society bye laws and also the Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act, and nowhere there is mention regarding such combination flats. knowingly or unknowling if someone has entered into three or four agreements as suggested by the builder to combine 3 or 4 flats, does it mean he has to contribute accordingly. Is it practical ? Please see the attached file where a judgement regarding income tax matter for a combined duplex flat considers both flats as one. Can this reference be relevant in our case too ?
