I am an NRI and had bought a flat in Calcutta in December. I got a receipt for the advance I made. Now, the promoter is asking for an advance of Rs 33,000 against maintenance at the rate of Rs 25 per square foot and an additional Rs 2,500 for the formation of the association. But he did not mention these things when the deal was made.

The agreement, too, has flaws. He has not mentioned the area of the flat in the document. I have paid the advance by cheque and, thus, am safe in the eye of law. Can I claim the money back as I find the whole thing fishy?

Kaushal Bharvada, Ireland Industrial Estate, Chesterfield

Maintenance charge at Rs 25 per square foot seems very high but it is difficult to pass a judgement without seeing the cost incurred. It holds true for the cost of association formation. You may ask for the break-up of the cost.

The agreement should have mentioned the area. It is your mistake if you signed the agreement without checking it.

But if you have lost confidence in the builder and want to get out of the deal, you can do so. Hopefully, the agreement has an explicit termination clause .

I have bought a 1,274-sq-ft flat for Rs 19,98,000 in Calcutta. This included the cost of the garage.

a) The developer is asking for Rs 70,000 for the electricity connection. Is it justified? I have been asked to pay Rs 10,500 as security deposit. I have paid for all electrical fittings in my flat.

b) The bathroom tiles fitted by the developer do not have white cement between gaps. I have pointed it out to him, but he’s not doing anything. What should I do?

Kavita Singh, Calcutta

Ask your promoter to give a break-up of the cost involved in setting up the electrical connection. Pay only if you are satisfied with the explanation.

White cement would have looked good in the tile gaps. But you cannot demand it unless it has been specified in the agreement.

I want to buy property and have chosen a plot with a two-storeyed building. But the landowner has misplaced the deed of the property. His father’s will states the property belongs to him. He has the probate of that will in his name. Should I take a bank loan and buy the property?

Amit Singh, Tollygunge

If you want to take a loan, consult the bank first before making a decision. If the bank has no problem, you can go ahead.

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Sambit Saha, Business Telegraph, ABP Ltd,
6, Prafulla Sarkar Street, Calcutta — 700001