BENGALURU: The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) plans to implement a new maintenance policy for its apartment projects starting next month. This policy will apply to new developments and aims to bring existing apartments under a similar framework.
Although BDA currently oversees essential services, including lifts, security, garbage disposal, and common areas, officials acknowledge the absence of a formal maintenance management and funding policy.
The proposed policy will clarify the duration of the developer’s maintenance responsibility—likely one to two years—after which duties will shift to resident welfare associations (RWAs). It also aims to standardize maintenance charge calculations and collections.
Currently, BDA charges about 1% of a flat’s cost for maintenance on new projects, but it is assessing other models, such as per-square-foot charges, uniform per-unit fees, and a hybrid approach with fixed and variable elements.
The policy is especially relevant amid legal uncertainties surrounding apartment registrations. The Karnataka High Court has suggested associations ought to be formed under the Cooperative Societies Act, but the lack of a formal government order has delayed these registrations. Thus, BDA cannot legally mandate RWAs or transition common areas until these issues are resolved.
“The policy is being developed with input from resident groups and serves as a temporary framework until the proposed Apartment Act is enacted. BDA is also working on a mechanism for transitioning maintenance responsibilities to RWAs,” stated a BDA official.
Residents generally welcome the initiative but seek clearer accountability. Kiran Ramana, a resident of BDA apartments in Whitefield, remarked, “In a recent meeting, we discussed hiring a private vendor for maintenance since our association isn’t formed. The new policy could improve our situation since it’s challenging to collect maintenance fees and deal with defaulters without an association. If BDA takes charge, they can adjust dues from amounts previously paid by residents. However, we still believe creating an association would help expedite pending work.”
Shashank S, a founding member of the BDA Apartment Owners Forum, stated, “We appreciate this initiative, but careful implementation is crucial. Presently, BDA collects 1% of the flat’s value as a maintenance fee during sale deed registration, yet there is no defined standard operating procedure for managing these funds.”
He further urged BDA to issue comprehensive guidelines that delineate a clear framework for service charges, collection methods, daily maintenance responsibilities, and future transfer mechanisms to RWAs. They could take inspiration from structured approaches used by entities like the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
