# **The Great Indian Homebuyer Scam: Paying Maintenance for a Flat You Don’t Even Own Yet**
Imagine being forced to pay for the upkeep of a house you haven’t even received the keys to. Sounds absurd, right? Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality for countless homebuyers across India, where builders brazenly demand maintenance charges *months or even years* before handing over possession.
I recently experienced this shocking injustice firsthand with **Arihant Superstructures** for my flat in **Arihant Aloki Phase III (Flat No. A2-1308)**. Despite not being given possession or completing the mandatory formalities, I received an email **demanding immediate payment of maintenance fees**—**Rs. 31,200 (Rs. 2,600 x 12 months)**—within **15 days**, or face "strict action."
### **The Audacity of Builders: Pay Up or Face Consequences**
The email states:
> *"Any delay in payment attracts delayed payment charges. If no payment is made within the stipulated period, strict action will be taken against the defaulter by the society to be formed, and the Builder will not be responsible for such delay in payment."*
**Let’s dissect the absurdity:**
1. **No Possession = No Liability** – How can I be liable for maintenance when I don’t even legally possess the flat?
2. **Society Formation Farce** – The builder claims a "society to be formed" will take action. But without possession, how is a society even formed?
3. **Arbitrary Maintenance Calculation** – Who decided the maintenance amount? Where is the transparency? Why should buyers pay without any discussion or audit?
### **Is This Even Legal?**
The **Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA)** clearly states that **maintenance charges can only be levied from the date of possession**, not before. Builders cannot force buyers to pay for services they aren’t even availing.
Yet, **Arihant Superstructures** (and many other builders) are flouting norms, exploiting homebuyers by bullying them into paying unjustified fees.
### **What Can You Do?**
1. **REFUSE TO PAY** – Do not give in to illegal demands.
2. **File a Complaint with RERA** – Every state has a RERA authority where you can escalate such violations.
3. **Collective Action** – If multiple buyers face the same issue, unite and send a legal notice to the builder.
4. **Social Media & Media Pressure** – Share your story. Tag consumer forums, housing activists, and journalists.
### **Final Thoughts**
This is not just about **Rs. 31,200**—it’s about the systemic exploitation of homebuyers. Builders delay projects for years, charge illegal premiums, and now demand maintenance *before possession*. **Enough is enough.**
If you’re a homebuyer facing a similar situation, **speak up**. Share this post. Tag **Arihant Superstructures**, **RERA**, and **housing authorities**. Let’s expose these unethical practices and fight for our rights.
**#HomebuyerRights #StopBuilderFraud #RERA #ArihantScam #ConsumerAwareness**
*(Have you faced a similar issue? Share your story in the comments! Let’s make this go viral!)*
**Why This Should Go Viral:**
✅ **Relatable Issue** – Thousands of homebuyers face this.
✅ **Anger-Inducing** – Builders exploiting buyers = instant outrage.
✅ **Call to Action** – Encourages others to share & fight back.
**Share this now! Let’s hold these builders accountable!** 🚨
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