A cooperative housing society (CHS/the Society) is designed to operate on democratic principles, with rules in place to protect the interests of all its members. Yet, many residents continue to face confusion over what the Society can or cannot legally do — from levying arbitrary charges to ignoring government notifications or mishandling ownership transfers. This week’s queries highlight three such common issues: lift usage fees and refundable deposits, property tax exemptions for small flats and ownership transfer complications in societies built on collector’s land.

Each of these problems stems from a mix of misunderstanding and non-compliance — either by the managing committee or by members unfamiliar with the legal process. The answers below explain the correct procedures, the limits

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