Sreedhar S Sharma is a housing activist and consultant for housing societies. He is the chairman of Revathi Memorial Foundation

We have a flat in old Mumbai (Kalbadevi) area. We have lost the share certificate issued to us. I wanted to know what would be the procedure to get it back? As of now we have sent a written letter to the society, but I haven't received any reply.
— Pranay
Make an application to the society alongwith the prescribed fees for getting a duplicate copy supported by an affidavit duly notarised. You also need to give an advertisement in one leading English newspaper and one vernacular language newspaper.

I own a flat in Charkop, Borivali. I have given it on rent through an agent and pay the monthly maintenance regularly. But the society is charging me Rs 400 extra. 
— Prashant B Gaikwad
Under the bye laws of your society, you are supposed to pay only the maintenance charges fixed by the General Body which is applicable to all flat owners/shopkeepers. The society cannot demand Rs 400 extra from you. However, they can charge a maximum of 10 per cent as non occupancy charges since you have rented out the flat.
 
What are non occupancy charges? Why are they charged?
Non occupancy charges are levied by the society on the member who sub-lets his/her flat by giving it on leave-and-license basis or parts its possession in any other manner for a period of 11 months or more to an outsider and not a family member.
Non occupancy charges shall be charged in accordance with the circular issued by the Commissioner of Cooperation, Government of Maharashtra. The society can charge a maximum of 10 per cent only as non occupancy charges.
 
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