Key Factors Influencing the Maintenance Charges of Flats/Apartments in Trivandrum

Posted onApr 03, 2025

When you think of buying property, you need to track the real estate market trends in Trivandrum to get a clear picture about things like the best residential locations, prices, types of residences, builders, stamp duties, registration fees, and other incidental charges. If you’re considering purchasing a flat, there is an additional expense that you should take into account. This is not a one-time expense, but a recurring one, and it's the monthly maintenance charges that you need to pay to the building society. 

What are Maintenance Charges of an Apartment?

To clean and maintain the whole building, its premises, the amenities provided, conduct repairs, and so on, a number of people are required; there is also the question of consumables, utility charges, and so on. The total cost for the maintenance and utilities are estimated and divided by the number of flats. This is the amount that each homeowner has to pay to the association to enjoy the facilities of the building.

What is included in determining maintenance charges?

Cleaning

When you buy a flat, your total area includes the built-up area, which is your share of the lobby, reception, garden, rooftop, and so on. The upkeep of these areas is one of the major expenses.

Wages paid to cleaners, garbage collectors, gardeners, and other staff, and cleaning equipment, soaps, detergents, and other cleaning materials, are one of the major expenses.

Maintenance

The seasonal maintenance tips for homeowners in Trivandrum are also applicable to building managers on a wider scale. Certain preparations have to be taken before monsoon to ensure that water doesn’t come inside, rainwater gutters have to be checked and replaced or cleaned as necessary. 

Apart from that, electric wires and fixtures have to be checked for leaks or short circuits and so on. Fees paid to electricians and consumables used in these jobs are added to maintenance charges.

Security

Today, apartments have 24/7 security guards, CCTV cameras, biometric systems, electronic barriers, and so on. The cost of purchasing and maintaining this equipment, and the salaries paid to the security personnel is another important factor that determines maintenance charges.

Electricity

Apartments have 2-3 high speed elevators, which consume a lot of electricity; lighting in the reception area, lobbies on all floors, stairways, clubhouse, party area, A/V room, and the parking area, and a motor to pump water into the tank, also require electricity. Each resident has to pay their share of the electricity consumed. Power backup is an important facility provided in buildings; inverters or diesel generators are used for this, which again need proper maintenance.

Amenities

Gyms, swimming pools, clubhouse, games rooms, sauna, courts for basketball, badminton, or tennis: these are quite expensive to maintain, especially when it is being done properly to ensure the safety of the residents and to provide a great experience. The cost of purchasing and maintaining equipment, wages and salaries paid to coaches and maintenance staff, form a major chunk of the maintenance charges.

Corporation/Municipality Charges

Water charges, garbage collection charges, and taxes need to be paid to the local governing authorities, and this can also be included in your monthly maintenance charges.

Other Salaries

Some buildings appoint an external agency or individual as the manager of the building association to handle the accounts, ensure collection of the maintenance from the residents, and so on. In such cases, the manager has to be paid an honorarium or salary, the cost of which must be borne by the residents.

If the building accounts are audited by an external auditor, you have to pay fees for the same. 

Conclusion

As we can see, there are a number of factors which go into deciding the maintenance charges payable for the residents in a building. The location of the building is also important; in certain cities, or areas within the city, wages may be higher. The number and quality of the amenities provided also matter. Therefore, there is no standard amount that is charged by all flats.

Varma Homes is one of the leading builders of Kerala, that provide exceptional amenities and facilities for your safety and comfort, at a surprisingly affordable cost. Explore our premium 2 and 3 BHK flats in the best residential areas of Trivandrum.

Also read: home maintenance tips for new homeowners in Trivandrum.

Premium lifestyle without the premium costs. Own beautifully crafted flats in Trivandrum with well-managed maintenance and amenities. Schedule your visit with Varma Homes today.

FAQs

Why do maintenance charges vary between different flats in Trivandrum?
Maintenance charges can vary based on factors like the size of the apartment, number and type of amenities provided, staffing costs, electricity usage, and local municipal charges. Buildings with luxury amenities or located in prime areas may have higher charges due to increased upkeep and service standards.

Are maintenance charges negotiable when buying a flat in Trivandrum?
Generally, maintenance charges are fixed by the residents' association or builder and are not negotiable on an individual basis. However, you can ask for a detailed breakdown and compare charges across properties to ensure you're getting value for money.

What happens if a flat owner doesn’t pay maintenance charges?
Failure to pay maintenance charges can result in penalties, restricted access to certain amenities, or legal action by the residents' association. It's important to stay up-to-date with payments to maintain a harmonious community and avoid complications.