By Staff Member
The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) is taking steps for quality monitoring of construction in real estate projects. Alongside the grading of such projects, MahaRERA is actively considering regulations and procedures for effective quality control. A discussion paper outlining these measures is in the drafting phase and is expected to be made public shortly.
MahaRERA’s stance on this matter is grounded in the belief that implementing regulations and procedures can significantly contribute to better control over the quality of construction in real estate projects. This move aligns with the authority’s commitment to safeguard the interests of homebuyers and ensure the delivery of high-quality properties.
Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), a crucial provision pertaining to construction quality is the “defect liability period,” which extends for five years from the date of possession. During this period, the developer is responsible for addressing any defects reported by property owners at no additional cost.
“In case any structural or other defect in workmanship, quality, or provision of services…is brought to the notice of the promoter (developer) within a period of five years by the allottee (homebuyer) from the date of handing over possession, it shall be the duty of the promoter to rectify such defects without further charge,” states the RERA Act. Failure to address these defects within 30 days may lead to compensation for aggrieved allottees.
Ajoy Mehta, Chairman of MahaRERA, emphasised the need for proactive quality monitoring measures during a recent conference organised by the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO). Mehta acknowledged the numerous complaints from homebuyers regarding possession being on time but with compromised housing quality. He stated that MahaRERA is working on introducing a discussion paper addressing construction quality standards, recognizing that waiting for issues to surface is not a viable approach.
MahaRERA’s recent decision to grade real estate projects, starting in April 2024, further underscores its commitment to empowering buyers with information to make informed decisions. The grading matrix focuses on timely project completion, and with the forthcoming discussion paper, the authority aims to comprehensively address construction quality to further enhance the real estate sector’s integrity and transparency.