How to Make Sure Your Real Estate Maintenance Team Doesn’t Cheat You When You Live Away

Imagine your family owns a flat or a small office building in India, but you all live far away maybe in Canada or Dubai. You pay a team to look after it, called property management firms or real estate maintenance teams.

Here’s the problem: Since you aren’t there to watch, it’s super easy for those teams or their repairmen to send big, fake bills. They might charge ₹15,000 for a plumbing fix that should cost only ₹5,000. This is how they cheat people who live abroad.

This guide gives you simple, clear steps to stop the overcharging and make sure your family’s money stays safe. We will show you how to control your property, even from the other side of the world!

What’s the Big Deal? Real Estate Maintenance Is Risky When You Are Far Away

Real estate maintenance just means keeping the house or apartment in good shape fixing lights, stopping leaks, painting, and cleaning.

When you manage a property from another country, you face a few main problems:

• You Can’t See the Work: Did they really replace the whole water pump, or did they just glue the old one back together? You can’t tell.
• You Don’t Know Local Prices: They charge you ₹500 for a tube of sealant that costs ₹100 in the local market. You have no idea what is fair.
• Late Bills, Quick Fixes: If a pipe bursts, they fix it fast, send a huge bill later, and say, “It was an emergency! You had to pay!”

This lack of control is why your family often pays too much for house upkeep.

The Challenges: What Do Real Estate Maintenance Cheaters Do?

The people trying to take advantage of your family know you are not around. They usually:

• Add Secret Fees: They send a bill for “general repairs” without listing what they actually bought or did.
• Delay Simple Repairs: They wait until a small issue (like a leaky tap) becomes a huge, expensive emergency (like a flooded room).
• Use Cheap Materials: They charge you for the best paint but use the cheapest brand, keeping the extra cash.
• Ignore the Law: They might not follow local building rules, which can lead to big government fines later.

Simple Steps to Stop the Overcharging (The Checklist)

Here is exactly what you need to tell your property management companies to do:

1. Set Clear Spending Rules

You need a clear rulebook from the start for real estate maintenance.

• Put a Limit on Money

Tell your manager: “You can only spend up to ₹5,000 without asking me first.” For anything bigger, like a painting job, they must get your permission in writing (like a WhatsApp text or email). This single rule saves a ton of money.

• Get Three Price Tags

For any big job that costs more than your limit, the manager must bring you at least three different quotes from three different repair people. You compare the prices and choose the cheapest, best one. Make sure the quotes list every small item and the cost of the worker’s time.

2. Demand Proof (Be a Photo Detective)

Proof is your superpower when you live far away.

Photos and Videos, Always!

For every single repair, big or small, the team must send you two sets of pictures:

• BEFORE Picture: Show the broken item (the burst pipe or the damaged wall) so you know the fix was needed.
• AFTER Picture: Show the repair completed and cleaned up. This proves they actually did the work.

If they refuse to take photos, they are hiding something.

Get Real Bills, Not Scribbles

Do not accept a bill that just says “Fixing stuff: ₹12,000.” You must demand a real, detailed invoice. This invoice needs to list:

• Materials: (e.g., “3 cans of Brand X paint,” “10 metres of copper wire”).
• Labour: (e.g., “Plumber worked for 5 hours at ₹500 per hour”).
• Taxes: (The GST number must be on the bill).

3. Use Technology to Watch Them

Use easy tools to keep track of every rupee spent on commercial property maintenance services.

Create a Shared Folder

Ask the manager to put all bills, photos, and approvals into one shared Google Drive or Dropbox folder right away. You check it from your phone, anytime.

Pay Them Yourself

Make sure your family pays the repair person or the home rental management company using a bank transfer or an online app (like UPI). Never let your manager use cash for big jobs. Online payments create a perfect, clear record.

4. Have a Secret Checker (The Spot Check)

For big repairs, tell your manager: “My friend/relative will visit the house next week to quickly check the progress.” Even knowing someone might check on them makes the manager and the repair team much more honest. Some NRI property management services in India offer this ‘neutral checker’ as part of their service.

Expert Tip: Your Contract is Your Shield

The most important thing is the contract you sign with your real estate management companies. A good contract must clearly state that the management company cannot take any secret money, gift, or kickback from the repair people they hire for your home. This makes them work for you, not for the contractors.

A Quick Story That Will Feel Familiar

Imagine Alex, a student in Australia, manages his family’s rental property management in Chennai. He noticed that the monthly repair bills always looked the same and were high. He told his manager: “Send me three quotes and before-and-after videos for everything over ₹7,000.” The repair bills suddenly dropped by half! Why? Because the manager could no longer use his one expensive, cheating contractor. Alex saved thousands just by asking for proof.

Your Quick Safety Checklist

• Spending Limit: Always set a clear spending cap (e.g., ₹5,000). Do not approve bills that just say “Fixed stuff.”
• Pricing: Get at least three quotes for big jobs. Do not accept the first quote the manager shows you.
• Proof: Demand photos/videos before and after the repair. Do not assume the work was done well because they sent a bill.
• Payment: Pay online to keep a clear record. Do not pay large amounts using cash.
• Manager: Choose best property management companies who only work for NRIs. Do not hire a small, local guy who has no clear rules.

FAQ Section

1. How can I ensure my property maintenance costs are fair while abroad?

Use detailed contracts, request digital invoices, and partner with reputable NRI-focused property management firms.

2. Are remote inspections reliable for verifying maintenance work?

Yes, with clear video updates, photos, and occasional third-party checks, remote inspections can be highly effective.

3. What legal compliance should NRIs watch for?

Ensure all property work adheres to local building regulations, RERA norms, and municipal bylaws to avoid fines.

4. How often should I review my maintenance bills?

Monthly reviews are recommended, with immediate checks for major repairs or irregular costs.

5. Can technology prevent overcharging by maintenance teams?

Yes, apps for tracking work, expenses, and approvals reduce human error and potential fraud.

Conclusion

You worked hard for your property in India. You deserve peace of mind, not stress over high real estate maintenance bills. When you set clear rules, use technology for proof, and choose a trustworthy team, the overcharging stops. You stay in full control of your property’s money, no matter where you are in the world.

About lawcrust Realty

At LawCrust Realty, we stand apart as a premium and top real estate consulting partner for NRIs across the globe, offering end-to-end solutions in Property Management Services, Property Regularisation, Construction & Redevelopment, and Project Management Consulting. Born out of a legacy in legal and hybrid consulting, we understand the unique challenges NRIs face in protecting and growing their Indian assets – and we bridge them with compliance-driven execution, strategic expertise, and client-first innovation. Whether it is managing NRI-held properties, transforming long-pending assets into legally regularised ones, delivering turnkey redevelopment solutions, or guiding housing societies with independent project management consulting, LawCrust Realty combines authority with accessibility. By choosing us, you do not just solve property challenges from overseas – you future-proof your assets with one of India’s best and most trusted realty partners.

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