Discussions started with question on which model for maintenance collection we need to adopt: Square-feet based, fixed(flat) or hybrid.

First thought was  the flat model, as put forward by the association president. This was because, since the number of 3BHKs are considerably lesser than 2BHKs, there won't be much burden on anyone with a flat model, than on a square feet based model. With a square feet based model, difference between 2BHK maintenance and 3BHK maintenance would be very high upto Rs.700 now and could be more later in case of any issues such as water shortages. Even the previous apartment construction of the same builder and other apartments within the locality where following a flat model.

Only few of the 3BHK people within the association were supporting the flat model. Most two BHK owners within the association were of the opinion that bigger flats need to pay more. One person, who is a very important person within the association, was particularly against a flat model, as he believed that those who have chosen luxury by buying a bigger house should pay more for their luxury. So they put forward the square feet based model.

However, since there are fewer 3 BHKs than 2 BHKs, difference was much higher, and owners with higher square feet started asking the question as to why they should pay a lot more more for the same facilities being used by others.A counter argument put by smaller flat owners were that if two 3BHK was not there, there would have been more 2BHK, and hence we would have got more maintenance. So they have to pay more. Counter argument from the owners of bigger flats was that, ok we can pay, but will 3BHK get more DG cut off limit, more vote share, or other benefits more than 2BHK.

Finally, it was decided to have a standard hybrid model with expenses divided according to expense categories and the division was approximately 50% fixed to 50% square feet based. 

For initial three months, as it was still a transition period, a flat model of collection was employed, but internally it was still a square feet model calculation, which was the preference of the majority. 

Three months got over, and a new square feet based hybrid model was published, pleasing the majority and to the dislike of many big house owners. It was the beginning of a series of activities that shook the apartment.