India, July 20 -- A homebuyer in Kochi thought the toughest part of buying a home was over once the sale deed was registered and the bank loan was disbursed. Instead, just days after moving into the apartment, he found himself facing an unexpected demand: pay Rs.80,000 in maintenance charges that allegedly belonged to the previous owner.

"I purchased a flat in Kochi through a bank loan in 2022. Most of the deal was handled by a broker, and I only met the actual owner near the final stage of the transaction. Before the purchase, I noticed on the apartment notice board that the owner had around Rs.80,000 in pending maintenance dues. When I asked him about it, he assured me that he would settle everything. Trusting that, I completed the pur...