How MahaRERA Aims to End Leakage Concerns in Residential Buildings

On August 16, the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) introduced a significant amendment to its rules, aiming to enhance the quality of construction in real estate projects. This new regulation mandates that real estate developers obtain a third-party quality assurance certificate and publish it on their websites at the end of each fiscal year.

What Does the New Amendment Propose?

The amendment requires developers to appoint independent third-party agencies to assess the quality of construction before handing over homes to buyers. This approach, known as Third Party Quality Monitoring, focuses on ensuring high standards from the start rather than dealing with costly and time-consuming defects after possession.

What Does This Mean for Homebuyers?

For homebuyers, this means a greater assurance of quality. The Quality Assurance Certificate will cover various aspects, including construction processes, materials used, structural stability, and the skill levels of the workforce. Developers will also have to disclose any leakages or other issues in the apartments, addressing one of the most frequent complaints received by MahaRERA.

Key Requirements for Developers

1. Quality Checks: Developers must certify that soil testing was conducted before finalizing structural designs and that periodic quality control tests were carried out.
2. Documentation: They need to maintain detailed records of construction practices, materials used, and safety measures taken to prevent issues like leakages and dampness.
3. On-Site Testing: Provision for on-site testing facilities for construction materials is now mandatory.
4. Structural Integrity: High-rises must be declared earthquake-resistant, and flood prevention measures should be implemented.

Why the Change?

MahaRERA has introduced these amendments in response to numerous complaints from homebuyers about construction quality. The aim is to raise construction standards and reduce the reliance on the defect liability period, which holds developers accountable for defects for five years after possession.

Impact on Homebuyers

While developers anticipate a slight increase in project costs due to the need for third-party audits, they believe this will not significantly impact homebuyers. The overall goal is to improve the quality of construction without imposing a heavy financial burden on buyers.

MahaRERA’s new rules represent a significant step towards greater transparency and higher quality in the real estate sector, benefiting both current and future homebuyers.