Bengaluru: Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) will introduce a new maintenance policy for its apartment projects from next month, primarily for upcoming apartment projects, while also exploring ways to bring existing apartments under a similar framework.BDA currently maintains essential services such as lifts, security, garbage disposal and common areas, but officials admit that a formal, structured policy governing how maintenance is managed and funded has been lacking. The proposed policy aims to clearly define the developer’s responsibility period — likely one to two years — during which BDA will handle maintenance before transferring responsibilities to resident welfare associations (RWAs). The policy focus is on standardising how maintenance charges are calculated and collected. Currently, BDA collects around 1% of the flat cost for newer projects, but it is evaluating alternative models, including per-square-foot charges, uniform per-unit costs, and a hybrid model combining fixed and variable components. The move also comes in the backdrop of legal uncertainty over apartment registration. While the Karnataka high court has indicated that associations should be formed under the Cooperative Societies Act, the absence of a formal govt order has stalled registrations. As a result, BDA cannot legally mandate RWAs or transfer common areas until clarity emerges, leaving many apartment complexes in a transitional phase. “The policy is being developed in consultation with resident groups and is intended to act as an interim framework until the proposed Apartment Act is notified. Alongside, BDA is working on a transition mechanism to hand over maintenance to RWAs,” a BDA official said. Residents have largely welcomed the move but are seeking clarity and accountability. Kiran Ramana, resident of BDA apartments in Whitefield, said: “We recently had a meeting where, since there is no association, we may hire a private vendor for maintenance. We are open to the new policy because without an association, it is difficult to collect maintenance charges and address defaulters legally. If BDA manages it, they can adjust dues from the amounts already paid by residents. However, we still believe that forming an association will help streamline maintenance, and push BDA to complete all pending work faster.”Shashank S, founding member of BDA Apartment Owners Forum, said: “We welcome the step. However, it requires clear and thoughtful implementation. At present, BDA collects 1% of the flat value as maintenance fee at the time of sale deed registration, but there is no defined SOP outlining the scope, duration or management of these funds.” He added: “We urge BDA to issue comprehensive guidelines covering a clear service charge framework, collection and compliance mechanisms, defined scope of day-to-day civil maintenance, and well-defined contractual provisions for future transfer of responsibilities to RWAs. Similar structured approaches adopted by authorities such as Delhi Development Authority (DDA) can serve as useful reference points.“MSID:: 130284696 413 |
