Dispatch
A carefully curated directory for residential societies across Chennai.
| Service | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Greater Chennai Corporation | Toll free Number: 1913, https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/who-is-who/index_data.jsp |
| Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board | https://cmwssb.tn.gov.in/depooffice044-2845 1300 |
| Tamilnadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited | 94987 94987 |
| Solid Waste Management | 9499956220 / 25619228 / 25619385 |
| Chennai Corporation Property Tax Office | 098404 44148 |
| Commissionerate of Revenue Administration & Disaster Management | https://www.cra.tn.gov.in/contact.php |
| Fire Stations | https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/about-GCC/about-chennai/fire-station/ |
| Police Stations | https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/about-GCC/about-chennai/police-station/ |
| Registrar of Cooperative Societies | 044 2836 4858 https://www.rcs.tn.gov.in/contactus.php |
| Toll-free Number: 1913, https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/who-is-who/index_data.jsp | https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/animal_husbandry/animhus_ animal%20welfare%20org.html |
| Stray Animal Helpline | 044 46274999 / 044 71819575 |
| Chennai Corporation’s Public Grievance | 1913 |
| Hospitals | https://chennai.nic.in/public-utility-category/hospitals/ |
| Blood Banks | https://www.chennai.com/bloodbank1.html |
| Tamilnadu Senior Citizens’ Association | 044 2621 3908 |
| Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board | 18004256750 |
| Police | 100 |
| Fire Control | 101 |
| Traffic Police | 102 |
| Senior Citizens’ Helpline | 103 |
| St. John’s Ambulance Association | 108 |
| Disaster Helpline | 1077 |
| Child Helpline | 1098 |
| Child Helpline | 1098 |
| Women Helpline | 181 |
| Lions Blood Bank | 28415959 |
| Tourism Office of the Government of India | 28194630 |
| Chennai Corporation Complaints | 1913 |
| Railways Reservation Enquiry | 132 |
| Automated Reservation Query | 139 |
| Tourist Enquiry | 1913 |
| Animal Husbandry | 28460285 |
| BSNL Telephone Directory Enquiry | BSNL Telephone Directory Enquiry |
| BSNL Telephone Local Assistance | 199 |
| Eye Bank | 1919 |
| Gas Helpline | 1716 |
The Tamil Nadu Apartment Ownership Act, 2022, was passed to replace the outdated 1994 legislation and bring clarity, consistency, and legal strength to apartment ownership across the state. It clearly defines the rights and responsibilities of apartment owners, including undivided shares in common areas like corridors, lifts, and gardens. The Act also standardises how an Association of Apartment Owners must be formed, registered, and managed, ensuring every resident has a say in the affairs of the community.
One of the most important updates in the Act is its provision for redevelopment. If two-thirds of the owners agree, a building can be redeveloped, especially if it’s been declared unsafe or unfit. For societies that haven’t yet registered under this new law, compliance is not optional, but it’s crucial. It impacts how your society is governed, how funds are managed, and even how disputes are legally resolved.
A carefully curated directory for residential societies across Hyderabad.
| Service | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| 040-21111111, 040-23225397 | 040-23225397 |
| Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board | 040- 23433933 |
| Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited | 1800-425-5368 |
| Telangana Fire Disaster Response Emergency and Civil Defence Department | https://fire.telangana.gov.in/WebSite/Contact.aspx |
Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) | 040-23815631 |
| Registrar of Societies | 040 2465 0911 |
| Property Tax Department | 040-23225397 |
| Hyderabad Police | https://hyderabadpolice.gov.in/Important_Contacts.html |
| Stray Dog Helpline | 040-21111111 , 040-23225397 |
| Veterinary Services | 1962 |
| Fire | 101 |
| Police | 100 |
| Ambulance | 102,108 |
| MeeSeva Call Center | 1100, 9121006471, 9121006472, and 1800 425 1110 |
| Women Helpline | 181 |
| Blood Bank | 040-24745243 |
| Railway Enquiry | 131/135 |
| Electricity Complaint | 1912 |
| State Control Room | 1070 |
| Child Line (For children in distress) | 1098 |
| Crime Stopper | 1090 |
| Child Helpline | 1098 |
| Traffic Help | 1073 |
| 040-21111111, 040-23225397 | 1091 |
| Osmania General Hospital | 040-23538846, 040-24600146 |
| Gandhi Hospital | 040-27505566 |
| Government Chest Hospital | 040-23814421/22/23/24 |
| Government ENT Hospital | 040-24740245/24742329 |
| PDS Public Grievance Redressal Cell | 1967 |
| Senior Citizen Helplines | 14567 |
| WCDM | 040 2330 5263 |
As the city builds taller and denser, firefighting systems need to go beyond reach. On April 12, 2025, Telangana’s Fire Services Department announced a major shift – internal fire safety systems, not just external response, will be the key focus for high-rise buildings going forward.
Why? Because after the 30th floor, no ladder can save you.
Following the 45th Standing Fire Advisory Council (SFAC) meeting in Hyderabad, the department unveiled plans to enhance both internal and external preparedness:
- All high-rise buildings must be equipped with:
- Smoke and heat detectors
- Sprinklers
- Marked fire exits
- A designated fire safety officer trained in emergency response
- Third-party fire audits are now being scaled up, with new empanelled consultants authorised to check compliance, especially for EV risks, basement parking, and older structures.
- Digitised fire safety systems like Telangana’s real-time Daily Situation Reports (DSR) are being proposed as national models.
Also in the works:
- Expansion of fire NOC rules to cover non-high-rise commercial buildings
- Upgraded hydraulic platforms, capable of reaching up to 100 metres
- Revised National Building Code with new rules for parking and EV fire safety
➡️ Check out the complete fire safety guidelines and make sure your building meets all mandatory requirements issued by the Telangana government.
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) has significantly transformed the Indian real estate landscape, bringing transparency and accountability to the sector. While RERA primarily focuses on builders and developers, it also has implications for Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and their interactions with both builders and residents.
What is RERA?
RERA is a central legislation enacted to protect the interests of homebuyers and promote transparency in the real estate sector. It establishes regulatory authorities in each state to oversee real estate projects, ensure timely completion, and resolve disputes.
How RERA affects RWAs:
While RWAs are not directly regulated by RERA, their formation, functioning, and interactions with builders and residents are indirectly influenced by the Act. Here’s how:
- Formation of RWAs: RERA mandates the formation of RWAs within a specified timeframe after a certain percentage of units in a project are sold. This gives legal recognition to RWAs and empowers them to take over the maintenance and management of the society.
- Handover of maintenance: RERA outlines the process for the builder to hand over the maintenance responsibilities and common areas to the RWA. This handover should be smooth and transparent, with proper documentation and transfer of funds.
- Defect liability: RERA holds builders accountable for structural defects or deficiencies in services for a specified period after the handover. RWAs can leverage this provision to address any issues in the building’s construction or amenities.
- Transparency & disclosure: RERA promotes transparency by requiring builders to disclose all project details, including approved plans, specifications, and timelines. This information is crucial for RWAs to understand the project and ensure it meets the promised standards.
- Dispute resolution: RERA establishes a fast-track dispute resolution mechanism through the RERA Authority and Appellate Tribunal. RWAs can utilize this mechanism to resolve disputes with builders related to project delays, defects, or non-compliance with RERA regulations.
- Model agreement for sale: RERA mandates the use of a standard agreement for sale between builders and homebuyers. This agreement protects the rights of homebuyers and provides clarity on the terms and conditions of the sale, which indirectly benefits the society as a whole.
Key Compliance Guidelines for RWAs
- Registration of RWA: While not directly under RERA, it’s advisable for RWAs to register themselves under the relevant state’s Cooperative Societies Act or other applicable laws. This provides legal standing and facilitates interactions with builders and other authorities.
- Bylaws and rules: RWAs should have well-defined bylaws and rules that govern the functioning of the society, including maintenance, collection of dues, and use of common areas. These bylaws should be in line with the principles of RERA and other relevant laws.
- Maintenance and accounts: RWAs should maintain proper income and expense accounts, ensuring transparency in financial matters. Regular audits and sharing of financial information with residents are crucial.
- Interaction with builders: RWAs should establish clear communication channels with builders during the project’s construction and handover phases. They should actively participate in discussions related to project progress, quality of construction, and handover procedures.
- Taking over maintenance: RWAs should ensure a smooth transition of maintenance responsibilities from the builder. This includes verifying the quality of construction, the functionality of amenities, and the transfer of necessary documents and funds.
- Addressing defects: RWAs should be proactive in identifying and reporting any defects in construction or services to the builder within the defect liability period. They should follow the procedures laid down under RERA for addressing such issues.
- Dispute resolution: If disputes arise with the builder, RWAs can utilize the RERA dispute resolution mechanism to seek redressal. They should be prepared with all relevant documents and evidence to support their case.
- Awareness of RERA provisions: RWAs should familiarize themselves with the key provisions of RERA that are relevant to their interactions with builders and residents. This includes understanding the builder’s obligations, the handover process, and the dispute resolution mechanism.
RERA’s impact in Hyderabad
When RERA was implemented in Telangana through the Telangana State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TS-RERA), it brought regulatory oversight to the state’s real estate sector, particularly affecting how developers and RWAs operate in Hyderabad.
Registration requirements in Telangana
In Telangana, any project larger than 500 square meters or involving more than eight units must be registered with RERA. This registration is mandatory before developers can market or sell their projects. This requirement ensures that RWAs are only formed for projects that have met basic regulatory compliance standards.
What does this mean for RWAs?
- Legal compliance assurance
Since developers cannot advertise or sell units without RERA registration, RWAs can be confident that their projects have met the minimum regulatory requirements. This eliminates many issues that RWAs previously faced with unregistered or non-compliant developments.
- Access to project information
RERA requires developers to disclose project details, timelines, and approvals. This transparency gives RWAs access to important information about their projects that wasn’t always available before.
- Regulatory oversight
Projects registered under Telangana RERA operate under regulatory supervision, which means there’s an official authority overseeing compliance. This provides RWAs with a regulatory framework to work within when dealing with developers.
- Practical implications
- Project verification
RWAs can verify their project’s registration status through official channels, ensuring they’re dealing with compliant developers.
- Compliance monitoring
The mandatory registration system means RWAs are operating within a regulated environment where developers must follow specific guidelines and timelines.
The implementation of RERA in Telangana has created a more regulated environment for real estate development, providing RWAs with the assurance that their projects operate under official oversight and comply with established regulatory standards.
RERA has brought greater transparency and accountability to the real estate sector. By understanding the provisions of RERA and following the guidelines outlined, RWAs can effectively protect the interests of their members, ensure a smooth handover process, and contribute to a well-managed and thriving community.
Renting out your home is a common way to earn a steady second income. But if you’re a flat owner in a cooperative housing society, there’s one charge you shouldn’t overlook non-occupancy charges.
This is a fee that applies when your flat is not occupied by you or your immediate family, and instead is rented out to tenants. While it’s not a very large charge, it’s important to understand when it’s applicable, how it’s calculated, and what to do if you’re being overcharged.
What are non-occupancy charges?
Non-occupancy charges are levied by housing societies when a flat owner rents out their property to a person who is not a close family member. This fee is collected in addition to your usual monthly maintenance charges.
The purpose of this charge is to ensure that members who are earning rental income from their property also contribute a little extra to the upkeep of common services used by the tenant, such as security, lifts, water, and other shared facilities.
When are non-occupancy charges applicable?
These charges are applicable only if your flat is rented out to someone who is not your immediate family.
You will not be charged non-occupancy fees if:
- You, the owner, are living in the flat.
- The flat is occupied by close family members, such as your parents, spouse, children, siblings, in-laws, or grandchildren.
- The flat is locked, vacant, or unoccupied.
The charge becomes applicable when the flat is used to earn a commercial benefit (i.e., rent) by giving it to non-family members.
In such cases, the society usually requires you to:
- Complete police verification of the tenant (mandatory in many cities).
- Inform them in writing about the tenancy.
- Submit a copy of the lease or leave-and-license agreement.
- Fill out any society-required tenant forms.
How is the non-occupancy charge calculated?
Earlier, societies used to charge a flat amount as a one-time non-occupancy fee. This led to disputes and overcharging in many cases. To address this, the Maharashtra government issued a circular under Section 79A of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, which clearly states that:
Non-occupancy charges cannot exceed 10% of the service charges paid by the member.
This rule has since been upheld by the Supreme Court and is now followed by most cooperative housing societies, especially in Maharashtra and major metro cities.
Let’s break this down with an example:
- Suppose your total maintenance bill is ₹3,000 per month.
- Out of this, ₹2,000 is considered “service charges” (expenses such as security staff, society staff salaries, electricity for common areas, housekeeping, etc.).
- You will be charged 10% of ₹2,000 = ₹200 as non-occupancy fees.
Important: Service charges do not include sinking fund, repair fund, property tax, or water charges.
What if you are overcharged?
This is unfortunately not uncommon. In many housing societies, members have raised complaints that the management committee has either:
- Charged non-occupancy fees even when the flat is used by a relative
- Charged more than 10% of service charges
- Not provided clarity on the breakup of the charges
In such cases, here’s what you can do:
- Write to the managing committee and request an explanation with supporting calculations.
- If you don’t receive a proper response, escalate the issue to the Registrar of Cooperative Societies in your area.
- You can also approach a Consumer Forum for redressal if the charges are unfair or violate the law.
It’s illegal for societies to charge more than what is permitted under the rules. And it is equally illegal to collect non-occupancy charges when the flat is used by a family member.
Is GST applicable on non-occupancy charges?
Yes. As per recent GST clarifications, if the total maintenance charges (including non-occupancy) exceed ₹7,500 per month per member, then 18% GST is applicable.
However, this GST is not paid by the owner to the government directly. The society is responsible for calculating and collecting the GST and remitting it to the government. Make sure your maintenance bill reflects this clearly, especially if you cross the ₹7,500 threshold.
Do tenants have to pay the charge?
By default, non-occupancy charges are the responsibility of the flat owner, not the tenant.
However, if you want your tenant to cover this cost, you can mention it clearly in the rental agreement. That way, you can legally recover it from them along with rent and other maintenance charges. But societies will only deal with the owner for collecting this charge.
Is this rule the same across India?
The 10% rule originates from the Maharashtra government circular and is strictly enforced in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.
In other states like Karnataka, Telangana, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu, most societies either follow similar rules by internal agreement or choose not to charge non-occupancy fees at all. But unless there is a clear by-law stating otherwise, housing societies cannot arbitrarily fix this charge.
In Bangalore, for example, many RWAs do not charge non-occupancy fees unless it has been included in the society’s registered bye-laws.
Why should committee members understand this?
If you’re part of your RWA’s managing committee, you’re expected to:
- Inform members about non-occupancy charges when they rent out their flat
- Collect it as part of the maintenance bill
- Explain how the amount is calculated
- Ensure the society stays within the legal limits
Many disputes between owners and societies arise due to lack of communication or incorrect billing. Being transparent and following the law helps keep things smooth for everyone.
What if the owner refuses to pay?
If a flat owner does not pay the non-occupancy fee when it is due, the society can:
- Issue a payment reminder notice
- Declare the member as a defaulter for society billing purposes
- Withhold the No Dues Certificate required for property sales or rentals
However, societies must still act within the legal limit and cannot use coercive tactics or harassment.
Non-occupancy charges are legal and necessary but they must be applied fairly, transparently, and within the limits defined by law.
If you’re a homeowner renting out your flat:
- Check your society’s by-laws
- Inform the committee and submit documents
- Verify your monthly bill for correctness
- Know your rights if you’re being charged unfairly
If you’re on the committee:
- Know the rules
- Educate members
- Stay accountable
Understanding non-occupancy charges helps everyone avoid unnecessary conflict and ensures smoother community living.