Society maintenance/service charge is not dependent on the occupation of the flat

We were staying in Virar with our son after getting possession in 2009 for the last 2 years. The builder has not formed the society as yet. Now we have moved to our old house this April because of the problem of water and travelling, as the builder was mixing municipal water with the tanker water. The builder is asking for the maintenance charges for the current year in full. Have we to pay the maintenance charges even though we are not staying and have locked the flat and go once in a while for cleaning purposes. Is it a must that we have to pay the charges in cash or can we pay by cheque?
—Reynold L. Serrao
The payment of monthly maintenance/service charge is not dependent on the occupation of the flat, because the builder or a society, if formed, has to spend money on the maintenance of the building. If the payment is being made in cash, you should obtain a receipt from the builder, otherwise the payment may be made by cheque.