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The delay in discussions around the proposed Karnataka Apartment (Ownership and Management) Bill has increased concerns among apartment owners and resident welfare groups across Bengaluru and other parts of the state. Homebuyers say the absence of an updated legal framework is creating confusion over ownership rights, maintenance management, common area transfers, and dispute resolution. Resident associations have urged the Karnataka government to move ahead with stakeholder consultations and introduce the Bill soon, stating that the existing apartment law is outdated and no longer suitable for the growing number of apartment residents in the state.
The delay in moving forward with the proposed Karnataka Apartment (Ownership and Management) Bill has led to growing frustration among apartment owners and housing associations across Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru where apartment living has expanded rapidly over the years.
Homebuyer groups and resident welfare associations have said the government had earlier assured that legislators and stakeholders would hold detailed discussions on the draft legislation. However, no formal meeting has taken place so far, leading to concerns over continued delays in implementing long-pending housing reforms.
The proposed Bill is expected to address several long-standing issues faced by apartment owners, including ownership rights over land and common areas, transfer of maintenance responsibilities, functioning of apartment associations, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Residents believe the lack of clarity under the current framework has created repeated disagreements between developers and apartment associations in several housing projects.
The existing Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act was introduced in 1972, long before large-scale gated communities and high-rise developments became common in Bengaluru. Resident groups and legal experts have repeatedly argued that the older law does not adequately deal with present-day apartment governance and ownership challenges.
Apartment associations have also pointed out that many residents continue to face difficulties in obtaining proper conveyance of land and common areas from developers even after project completion. In several cases, associations reportedly struggle with legal authority over maintenance management, financial administration, use of common facilities, and decision-making rights within residential complexes.
Rajajinagar MLA S Suresh Kumar recently wrote to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, reminding the government about its earlier assurance regarding discussions on the draft Bill. In his communication, he reportedly requested the government to convene the meeting soon so lawmakers and stakeholders could review the proposed legislation in detail.
Members of housing bodies such as the Bangalore Apartments Federation and Karnataka Home Buyers Forum have expressed disappointment over the delay, stating that apartment residents continue to face practical problems because of gaps in the current legal system. According to resident groups, issues related to maintenance collection, waste management responsibilities, parking disputes, and handling of association funds often become difficult due to the absence of a stronger and clearer regulatory framework.
The matter has gained importance as Bengaluru has witnessed rapid growth in apartment-based housing over the last two decades. Reports suggest that nearly one-fifth of the city’s population now lives in apartment complexes, increasing the need for updated housing governance laws that clearly define the rights and responsibilities of developers, apartment associations, and residents.
The proposed Bill has reportedly gone through multiple rounds of consultations over the last few years, with the government earlier seeking suggestions from residents, legal experts, and housing associations. Stakeholders believe the legislation could help bring better transparency and accountability in apartment management if implemented effectively.
Homebuyer groups have also sought stronger implementation of ownership transfer provisions under RERA along with fixed timelines for handing over common areas and related project documents to apartment associations. Experts have noted that overlapping provisions under different housing laws have often created confusion for both builders and residents, resulting in lengthy disputes and delays in resolving grievances.
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