Bengaluru: The long-awaited Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act has finally come into force, with the state govt issuing a gazette notification on Thursday after the legislation received the governor’s assent.The development marks the culmination of a process that began several years ago, driven by persistent demands from apartment owners and resident groups seeking a modern legal framework to govern apartment communities in the state.The bill was passed by the legislature and approved by the state cabinet earlier this year. However, it was subsequently returned by the governor, who sought clarifications from the govt on certain provisions. After the govt submitted its response last week, the governor gave his assent, paving the way for the law to be notified.According to the notification, the Act seeks to consolidate laws relating to apartment ownership, make an individual apartment a heritable and transferable immovable property, and provide a comprehensive framework for the governance and management of apartment complexes across Karnataka.The law also provides for ownership of an individual apartment along with an undivided share and interest in common areas and facilities attached to the property. It aims to establish clear mechanisms for administration, maintenance and use of common areas within apartment communities.The move addresses a long-standing demand of homebuyers and resident welfare groups, many of whom had complained about confusion arising from the existence of multiple laws governing apartment ownership and associations. The issue had also figured in court proceedings, with Karnataka high court previously noting the ambiguity surrounding the legal framework applicable to apartment complexes.The proposal was first announced by the then deputy chief minister, DK Shivakumar, during a Brand Bengaluru interaction with apartment residents in 2023. Since then, stakeholders have held several meetings with the govt and submitted representations seeking early implementation of the legislation.While the Act has now been notified, sources said the rules required for its implementation are likely to take around six months to be framed before the law becomes fully operational on the ground.
