To make rent-paying a convenient and easy affair for the residents, we have introduced the ‘Rent’ Module on the ApnaComplex app.
By logging into the ApnaComplex app, the tenants can now easily pay their rent by following a few simple steps:
Click on ‘Rent’ under Quick Actions.
In the ‘Add Rental Details’ page, add the rental details and enable reminders under ‘Set Reminders’.
Then add the owner’s account details in the ‘Add Bank Details’ page.
On the ‘Pay Rent’ page, select the owner’s bank account and click ‘Pay Now’.
In the ‘New Payment’ page, enter the rent amount and select the ‘Rent Period’ and click ‘Pay Now’.
Choose the payment method – debit or credit card, UPI etc.
Post the payment completion, you will land on the Rent receipts page and further download the receipt.
In case the owner has multiple units, s/he can select the unit and add themselves as the owner.
What are the advantages of paying rent through ApnaComplex?
A single place for rental transactions
By choosing to pay rent via the ApnaComplex app, the residents can have an exclusive consolidated place for all their rental transactions.
Instant rent payment
Using the ApnaComplex app, the tenants can set reminders to pay the rent on the agreed date and instantly make the transaction.
Zero-convenience charges
The tenants can pay their rent at zero-convenience charges on UPI transactions.
Reward Points
While paying their rent through a credit card on the ApnaComplex app, tenants can earn reward points on every transaction.
Interest-free credit period
Tenants can enjoy an interest-free credit period for credit card payments for up to 45 days while paying their rent using the ApnaComplex app.
Download rent receipt
The ApnaComplex app allows the tenants to download the rent receipts from a consolidated place. This can be very useful when the tenant has to submit relevant documents for HRA – house rent allowance.
For over a decade, ApnaComplex has been creating fool-proof solutions keeping in mind the welfare of management committees, residents, and tenants. Our one-stop ERP solutions are holistic and specifically tailor-made for gated communities. It is worth mentioning that we have also won the BEST ERP SOLUTION of the year 21-22 at the PropTech Realty+ Awards.
If you would like to simplify the operations of your gated community, visit apnacomplex.com and schedule a free demo.
Effectively managing a community’s gate is quite a task indeed. Large communities that are in the middle of bustling streets always have visitors and residents entering and exiting the community. Given this, an impeccable security system must be in place to track every visitor and vehicle entering the building.
ApnaComplex’s Gatekeeper/Gate Management solution will certainly provide all the security you ask for, nevertheless, deploying tools that leverage the best of technology in addition to ApnaComplex will give the perfect security solution your society deserves.
In this article, we share the importance of installing boom barriers in gated communities and how they can effectively help keep track of visitors/vehicles entering and leaving the society.
Understanding Boom Barriers
While visiting some societies or a mall, you would have noticed a horizontal bar (usually in red and white) moving up and down to allow/deny vehicles after issuing or collecting parking tickets. That is exactly a boom barrier.
This device is used solely to control and regulate pedestrian and vehicular movement and offers additional security to the premises. Of late, boom barriers are integrated with gated communities as well.
The increasing demand for boom barriers among housing societies
Societies today want to secure their premises absolutely and having boom barriers and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) vehicle tags allows them to keep track of vehicles and visitors entering and leaving the building.
Since the functioning of a boom barrier is automated and it can efficiently track vehicle and visitor entry and parking, it is one of the best tools to deploy for foolproof visitor and gate management.
In the long run, boom barriers are cost-efficient, can be effortlessly maintained and operated, and are the best solution for managing visitors and vehicles inside gated communities.
Benefits of having a boom barrier inside societies
Below, we are sharing a handful of benefits of installing a boom barrier.
Approved entries only
With boom barriers in place, only vehicles that have RFID tags provided by the society can enter the building and have access to the gate. Vehicles that do not have RFID tags will be denied entry, at least, until they have authorised approval. This makes boom barriers a very effective tool in curbing the entry of unauthorised vehicles.
Entry and exit of vehicles automated
Boom barriers are automated and the vehicles entering a society are pre-approved, thereby making monitoring of vehicles an effortless task. Residents’ and visitors’ vehicles are differentiated, for the latters’ vehicles are approved manually after taking permission from the residents. This directly adds additional security to a society.
Contactless entry
Boom barriers pave the way for contactless vehicle approval which can be a great benefit, especially in this world post-COVID. The system automatically collects details of the vehicles entering and the approvals are done digitally ensuring that there is no need for the security to be in close proximity to the vehicle unless absolutely necessary. Here, boom barriers not only add security but also ensure that there is very minimal contact between staff and visitors.
Fool-proof security checks
Boom barriers offer the highest level of gate security a society can ask for since they are operated via biometric sensors, remote controls, and/or push buttons. This technology prevents impostors from breaking in, and the digitally-integrated system offers efficient entry and exit security checks.
Cost-effective
Boom barriers are now becoming popular among the residents of gated communities, developers, and gated community management systems for their fool-proof security. They can cost between ₹40,000 to ₹60,000, and the installation can go up to ₹90,000.
For larger societies that see considerable traffic and footfall, boom barriers will come in handy in controlling vehicle movement and the overall cost is also negligible if we see it in the long run.
ApnaComplex and boom barrier integration
Residents’ safety, security, and privacy are of utmost importance to ApnaComplex and we do everything in our power to ensure that. Our system is integrated with boom barriers enabled by RFID and can effortlessly be installed in your society for effective gate management.
To have this technology installed and to simplify your society’s management, visit apnacomplex.com or schedule a free demo
We are excited and thrilled to announce that ApnaComplex has won the best Community & Society Management ERP Solution Award for its unique Community & Society Management ERP platform at the REALTY+ PROPTECH EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2021 – 22.
Shajai Jacob, MD & Country Head of ApnaComplex, who received the award said, “The ApnaComplex app is a unique ERP solution actively used by over 6000 societies and more than 6,00,000 households in India. Its tailor-made features and modules offer unmatched services to the residents by automating all the bespoke needs of gated communities. This award is a testimony to the efforts and brilliance of the team behind ApnaComplex, as well as the trust reposed in us by our users”.
The PROPTECH EXCELLENCE AWARDS by REALTY+ is known for recognising and honouring outstanding proptech innovation, solutions, and initiatives in the realty sector. It recognises and honours the best solutions and innovation in the Indian Property Technology business
The award ceremony was graced by several important people from the PropTech industry, both from India and abroad. Vivek Agarwal (Co-founder & CTO, Square Yards), Aryaman Vir (Founder & CEO – MYRE Capital), Amit Gehlot (Founder & CEO, PropertyXpo.com), Amit Agarwal (Founder & CEO – NoBroker.com), and Pankaj Kapoor (Founder & MD, Laises Foras Real Estate Rating & Research Pvt. Ltd.), to name a few.
Since its inception, ApnaComplex is regarded as the No 1 gated community management and ERP Solution in India. ApnaComplex is one of the few companies of its kind to be in the industry for more than a decade. The solutions offered by ApnaComplex have gone through several changes and modifications based on the feedback received from management committees to suit and accommodate all their needs.
From Gate Management to Billing & Accounting Solutions, Facility Management, Asset Management, Help Desk, etc, every module is customised for gated communities to offer a holistic ERP Solution. Spread across 80 Indian cities, ApnaComplex continues to expand and free societies from the clutches of manual management through the innovative blend of remote tech – SaaS deployment and on-ground support.
It is also worth mentioning that ApnaComplex has also pioneered its presence and business in the GCC region, operating through a dedicated team based in Dubai under the brand ANACITY, and working with the Dubai Land Governance as well as various owner associations in order to provide premium condominium management solutions. Such has been the uniqueness of the offering that ANACITY in its very first year of operations has garnered much acclaim and public accolades.
Maintenance is a big part of housing societies. To maintain the building, the common facilities, and to pay the society staff (security, janitors), every resident is charged a maintenance amount.
Before moving into a gated community, owners and tenants must know all about the society’s maintenance structure and how their contribution will be used.
In this article, we explain all about maintenance charges, how a unit is charged, how the collected money is used, how they can impact you financially, etc.
Charging maintenance
The management/RWA (Residents’ Welfare Association) has the right to collect maintenance charges from the owner or tenant. The maintenance amount is charged per square foot, or a uniform amount is levied on all the residents – whichever is agreed by the majority of the residents.
When a building is constructed, the builder takes the onus of maintaining the building until the building is substantially occupied for an RWA to form. The builder might request initial buyers to pay the maintenance amount of a year upfront during the purchase or in installments. This is perfectly legal as long as the builder uses the money only for the welfare of the building and has a valid audited record.
How should the builder handle the maintenance money collected?
There are certain guidelines involved here and the builders must abide by them. These guidelines and how a builder should discharge his/her duties when it comes to maintenance charges are discussed below.
Maintenance charges belong the society
The maintenance charges collected from the buyers belong to the society only and builders cannot use them for their gains. Here, the builder only takes care of the building for a limited period and the responsibility of managing and maintaining the building and its premises, in the long run this falls under the responsibility of the RWA once it is formed and fully functional.
An exclusive bank account
The builder/developer is required to create a bank account for depositing maintenance contributions exclusively. Once the RWA is formed, the builder should hand over the accumulated maintenance amount or the balance amount to the RWA along with the income, expenditure, and bank account details.
When the builder hands over the maintenance to RWA, it is mandatory that an auditor or CA (chartered accountant) endorse that the maintenance money has been used for the welfare of the building only.
Similarly, the lump sum maintenance amount deposited in the bank account will accrue interests. This interest amount solely belongs to the maintenance account only and cannot be used by the builder.
What is included in the maintenance charges?
– Common electricity and water charges
– Insurance charges
– Property and non-agriculture taxes
– Sinking or reserve fund
– Car-parking charges
– Society election fund
– Service charges
– Training and education fund
– Non-occupancy charges
– Expenses arising due to repairs and general maintenance of the building, including lift and other facilities maintenance and services.
– Salaries of society staff including security personnel, janitors, maintenance staff and their travelling allowances, etc.
What are the criteria for maintenance charges?
There are six types of maintenance charges with each having a different criterion and the residents are charged accordingly.
Sinking Fund – 0.25% of each unit’s construction cost (per annum).
Repairs and maintenance expenses of building – 0.75% of each unit’s construction cost (per annum).
Repairs and maintenance expenses of lifts – Divided among residents equally.
Service charges (security, assets, common area electricity, etc) – Divided among residents equally
Parking charges – According to parking slots given to each unit.
Water charges and property tax – Depending on the consumption of each unit.
Maintenance charges and GST
For the first couple of years post the construction of the building, maintenance charges will be unclear since the unit will only begin to occupy and the application of maintenance charges will be work in progress. The homeowners will set a standard and decide the maintenance charges that work for them both in the short and long term.
However, in July 2019, the Finance Ministry ordered that flat owners must pay 18% GST if their monthly maintenance contribution is more than ₹7500 and RWA’s annual turnover of supply of goods and services is more than ₹20 lakhs.
Maintenance charges and RERA
According to the RERA – Real Estate ACT (Regulation and Development) of 2016, the developer is responsible for the maintenance of the building and providing essential services to the residents until it is taken over by the RWA.
RERA also clearly states that home buyers who have agreed to the sale of a unit are responsible for making the required maintenance payments towards the association and contribute towards common electricity and water charges, municipal tax, ground rent, registration charges, etc. The owners are required to make the payment on the agreed date, time, and place as outlined in the agreement
Financial implications of maintenance charges
A society’s maintenance charges are decided based on the building’s life cycle cost and can influence the buyers’ decision. When the building construction is underway, developers might not bring up the maintenance nor discuss it in detail.
Nevertheless, when the property is ready-to-move-in, the developer will quote a maintenance amount considering all the expenses taxes, and other deposits. At this stage, the buyers have to pay one or two years of maintenance amount upfront.
For example, if the monthly maintenance is ₹4000, they will have to pay ₹48,000 (4000 x 12 months) or ₹96,000 (4000 x 24 months) initially and this will have an impact on their purchasing decision.
Waiving off maintenance charges
Though payment of maintenance charges are a mandate, they can be reduced or waived off for a stipulated time due to unexpected circumstances. The classic example would be the COVID-19.
Several societies in India had reduced the maintenance fee or have waived it off for a few months when the pandemic was raging and people had to take salary cuts or lost their jobs,
To conclude, buying a property is a decision that involves a substantial amount of money. Before signing the agreement, buyers must consider and analyse all the expenses including the maintenance amount they will be paying during their tenure. This amount that will be paid every month can amount to a significant amount in the long run if saved.
Want to simplify and streamline your society’s daily operations and make maintenance dues collection and payment an easy affair? Visit apnacomplex.com and schedule a free demo!
Gated communities come with comforts, security, rules regulations, and of course restrictions too. Not all residents have access to certain areas. Some areas can be accessed only by the management committee, security, and maintenance staff.
Having said so, kids certainly should be kept out of these areas for their safety as well as to ensure the operations of the society are uninterrupted.
In this article, we bring out the common restricted areas in societies and why children and residents should seldom enter.
Mechanical and electrical closets
Mechanical closets hold the air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems of the whole society and are located in the common area. The controls are sensitive and power several appliances in the building.
Electrical closets also function similarly. They house the entire power supply to the building and the community’s power connections are managed here. Since the controls are very sensitive and even one wrong move can cause a power outage. Only electricians have access to the electrical closets.
Both mechanical and electrical closets are locked. Nevertheless, remember reminding children to not play near these closets or shooing them away when they are too close to these closets will not hurt.
The communication duct
All the communication-related cables including the broadband, internet, and telecom cables, and their wirings are kept here, and meddling with them will cause great inconvenience for the entire society. Hence, keeping kids away from this duct is important for continued internet services and communications.
STP area
It is now mandatory that societies have Sewage Treatment Plants installed on their premises. An STP processes the wastewater and the recycled water can be used for gardening purposes.
Since STPs carry toxic waste, residents, especially children should be kept away from that area since the waste can cause health hazards.
Water tanks and pumping stations
Water tanks and their pumping stations are out-of-bounds to not only children but to adults alike. The pipes that push water can sometimes be fragile and can break when colliding with them while playing or moving around. Only plumbers know how to handle these pipes.
Also, the water moves with such force inside these pipes that if a pipe bursts, the gushing water that comes out can cause grievous injuries if it comes in contact with skin. Additionally, if any damages are caused, it will hamper the water supply to the entire community.
Lift maintenance room
Lift malfunctioning while you are stuck inside one can be nightmarish and no resident should go through that (well, power cuts are unavoidable and that is why we have generators!).
If children fiddle with it, it will cause the lift to malfunction and cause great inconvenience to other residents. To avoid such mishaps, children should be strictly prohibited from entering the lift maintenance room.
Gas cylinder storage area
If a society has such an area, then they must ensure that no one enters the area except for security. Even accidental gas leaks are risky and God forbid, if there is a spark, it can cause great damage to the society.
It is best to store cylinders in the open and prohibit children from coming near to these cylinders for obvious safety reasons.
Garbage area
Every society has a garbage collection area and the entire society’s dry, wet, and medical wastes are dumped here. For health and safety reasons, children should be forewarned and prohibited from playing near the garbage collection area.
Terrace area
Most societies restrict residents from accessing the terrace and the keys remain with either security or the management. Playing on the terrace may lead to accidents and for this very reason, children should be kept away from this area.
Break and storage rooms
A Break room is the only place where the staff take some rest and have their meal in peace. Causing disturbance over there while they rest and relax is unacceptable. To ensure that the maintenance staff are well-rested, children must not be allowed inside break rooms.
Likewise, storage rooms have chemical-laden cleaning agents, acids, cleaning, mowing, and other expensive equipment. It is best to prohibit children from playing in these or near these rooms.
Before you move into a new society, check with all the rules and regulations, restricted areas, and general guidelines. Move-in only after considering everything. Also, constantly remind children not to enter the restricted areas for safety reasons.
About ApnaComplex
Regarded as the No 1 society management app, ApnaComplex has 11 years of expertise in community management. Every feature offered by us is carefully curated to meet the needs of the management committee.
ApnaComplex is the only mature solution that has undergone modifications based on the feedback given by management committees, making the software for and by the management committee.
To know about the modules we offer and how they help streamline your gated community operations, please visit apnacomplex.com.
Becoming a homeowner or property owner ticks a huge milestone in one’s life. However, it also involves an understanding of a handful of legal processes including home registration, obtaining NOC, occupancy certificate, etc.
Having said this, the one question we are often asked is the difference between the Apartment Owner Association (AOA) Act and Resident Welfare Association (RWA) Act; and which of these two acts should a society follow.
In our quest to find all about AOA and RWA and their impact on society, we posed a smattering of questions to an RWA member based out in Gurgaon whose responses can be found below.
Q: What are the prime preambles of the AOA (Apartment Ownership Association) act and RWA (Resident Welfare Association) act?
AOA – A voluntary body formed by the owners of an apartment complex. It is responsible for enforcing regulations, building and amenities maintenance, etc. An Owner Association is bound to follow the rules and regulations of the respective State government’s Act and the owners can provide the builder with a power of attorney to register the association. While a registered AOA can enjoy few legal benefits, the association doesn’t need to be registered mandatorily.
RWA – It is also a voluntary body whose roles, rules, and responsibilities are established solely for the welfare of the residents. It is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. However, RWA does not hold any legal authority or power.
Q: The difference between the AOA and RWA acts. Which of the two-act is beneficial for a society?
The HAOA 1983 (Haryana Apartment Owner Association) is a special Act for Apartment Owners, where the HRRS (Haryana Registration and Regulation of Societies) 2012 is a general Act for all sorts of societies.
Q: In case of any dispute, what are the legal remedies applicable to residents in case they are following these two acts.
Under the HAOA 1983, one can approach the Town & Country Planning Department, file legal cases, and approach RERA – Real Estate Regulatory Authority of India.
Under the HRRS 2012 Act, one must approach the District Registrar, Firms & Societies, then the State Registrar, and finally the Registrar General (RG) who is the final deciding authority. Once the RG gives a ruling it cannot be challenged in court.
Q: Which of the two acts should a society follow during the formation of the committee and why?
Maintenance is handed over by the builder under the provisions of the HAOA 1983 to the RWA/AOA, hence the committee is formed at this stage itself.
If an AOA/RWA wishes, it may register itself under the HRRS 2012 Act. It is not mandatory to do so, but since everyone registers, there is a misconception that it is mandatory.
*Kindly note that the above answers are in accordance with the laws applicable to the state of Haryana.
About ApnaComplex
We are one of the top apartment management solutions in the country that offers tailor-made management solutions of Indian gated communities.
In the last 11-years since our inception, oue solutions have been through constant development, modification, and modernisations based on suggestions and feedback provided by various management committees and RWAs. This makes ApnaComplex one of the few solutions that is for and by the Management Committee.
To know how we can simplify and streamline the operations of your gated community, please visit ApnaComplex.
Housing Societies, especially in India, are rarely pet friendly. Some residents and association members who are wary of pets and annoyed at their shenanigans often get into arguments with residents who own pets.
However, these arguments and disagreements can easily be avoided if the management and the residents simply follow a handful of pet rules and laws.
What does the law say when it comes to pets?
To ensure that domestic pets such as dogs and cats are treated in a just and kind manner, the Animal Welfare Board of India has passed pet-favourable laws. The pet-owning residents and the management of housing societies must be aware of these laws.
Pet laws and rights every pet owner should know
Management cannot ban pets
According to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 – Section 9(k), Housing Societies cannot ban pets even if the majority of the residents voted against allowing them. The law asks citizens to be compassionate towards all living creatures.
Discrimination a no-no
Housing Societies cannot ban, and discriminate against pets based on their size, colour, or breed. Even if a dog barks incessantly, the management cannot ban that pet.
Prohibiting pets from using common facilities
The management of a society cannot ban pets from using facilities such as parks, lifts or impose penalties or levy special charges for using the facilities.
Enforcing leash rules
Though the law advises pet owners to leash their pets while in public places, the management cannot make it a rule that the pet owner leash their pets all the time.
Animal Cruelty is punishable
Housing Societies cannot create laws against harassing pets. Any kind of animal cruelty is a punishable offence according to Section 428 and 429 of IPC ( Indian Penal Code).
Feeding cannot be banned
The management cannot ban residents from feeding stray dogs and cats roaming in their locality.
How can the management make their societies pet-friendly?
Management should be careful about not violating any pet rules, but at the same time should have proper guidelines in place to ensure the welfare of both the residents and the pets.
To maintain peace and to ensure that the society operates smoothly, the below guidelines can come in handy.
Create ‘pet-timings’
Though this cannot be strictly imposed, you can create a ‘pet-time’ and suggest the residents use that time to walk their pets in the parks, gardens, and the society’s grounds.
Request vaccination records
To avoid problems in the future, the association can request pet owners to submit their pet’s sterilisation and vaccination records.
Allot a spot for the pets to defaecate
Outside the premises of your society, create a spot for the pets to go. Also, request/advise the owners to clean the spot.
Pets should not be on their own
Make it a strict rule that owners must always accompany their pets and not let them roam alone to ensure the safety of both the pets and residents.
Allocate spots for feeding
Designate a spot and mark them exclusively for feeding stray dogs and cats. Ensure that these spots are not close to play and residential areas and preferably outside the society.
Pet owners’ responsibilities
Pet owners must shoulder the responsibility of their pets and train, watch and take care of them accordingly to ensure the welfare of their pets and the peace of their community.
The below tips can be useful while raising pets in a housing society.
Provide proper training to your pet
Train your pet on how to behave socially in public and importantly, train it to respond to commands. This will prevent the pet from behaving untowardly in the common areas of the society.
Acquaint your pet with the society surroundings
A society is home to several people and families and your pet will see unfamiliar faces often. Ensure that your pet is familiar with the building so that it doesn’t harm strangers or disturb other residents.
Timely Vaccination
Ensure that your pet is vaccinated in a timely manner and when your society’s management requests for certificates or records, do not hesitate to submit a copy of it.
Respect society rules
Before moving into a new society, take time to read the society by-laws. Look up pet rules if you own one and ensure that you follow those roles to a T.
Clean after your pet
Pets are just like kids and they should be potty trained as well. It is also important that the owners clean after their pets, should they have an accident inside their premises of the society. Similarly, residents who are feeding strays should clean the leftovers to avoid mess.
Accompany your pet always
Your pet might be well trained, well familiar with the premises, and super friendly with other residents, but do not leave your pet to wander alone ever. Leash your pet when you are out to ensure everyone’s safety. Also, ensure that your pet does not exhibit any aggressive behaviour while encountering strays.
Keep your pet engaged
Ensure that your pet gets enough exercise and playtime so that it is not hyperactive. If your pet is home alone for a while, keep plenty of food, water, and toys so that it doesn’t disturb others.
The aforementioned tips can do wonders to your society and little effort coupled with a cooperative attitude will make the pet owners, residents, and of course our furry pals happy.
To know more about our features and how we can help your society’s operations, visit www.apnacomplex.com
