NEW DELHI: In a strategic initiative to enhance flat sales, including those built before 2021, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will now oversee the daily maintenance of these housing complexes.
The DDA will levy quarterly fees from flat owners to provide essential services such as security, maintenance of communal areas, cleaning of rooftop and water tanks, upkeep of basements, and management of electrical installations and elevators.
The services will extend to minor repairs of shared spaces—like staircases, lift lobbies, and corridors—as well as maintaining water supply lines for horticulture.
The DDA will continue its maintenance operations until occupancy in a housing block hits 80% or until a residents’ welfare association (RWA) is established, whichever comes first. For unsold flats, DDA will cover service fees as per its regulations.
A recently approved standard operating procedure (SOP) defines a structured approach to managing daily maintenance within various DDA housing areas, set to take effect on April 1, 2026.
This SOP aims for a timely and coordinated execution of maintenance services, ensuring clearly defined roles and accountability among relevant departments. The provisions will apply to housing schemes introduced between 2010 and 2021. For flats allotted under schemes launched in 2023 and beyond, maintenance costs for the first year will have been collected upfront with the capital maintenance fee, meaning regular service charges will only begin after the first year concludes. “Where this period has already elapsed, bills will include any outstanding amounts,” the SOP stated.
Officials clarified that when selling flats, DDA collected a one-time capital maintenance charge for major repairs, such as upgrading sewerage systems or structural repairs. “However, ongoing maintenance fees were not initially collected under schemes established until 2021, prompting the decision to implement a regular maintenance framework,” an official explained.
Monthly service fees will be assessed per square meter of plinth area, varying by flat category and building type, with GST applied separately. Initial rates were derived from estimated inputs across engineering zones for standardization.
For future financial periods, rates will be determined based on actual expenses from the previous year, outstanding liabilities, and the cost inflation index as notified by the Central Board of Direct Taxes. Annual approval will be required from the competent authority or the chief engineer of the respective zone.
Service charges will be billed quarterly, with a 10-day grace period for payments without interest, available through digital platforms or cash deposit counters in the complex. Late payments after this grace period will incur simple interest at 12% per annum, calculated from the billing date. The authority noted that delinquent payments may be recovered as outstanding land revenue under Regulation 17 of the Delhi Development Authority (Management and Disposal of Housing Estates) Regulations, 1968.
