In a major move aimed at strengthening homebuyer protection and transparency, the Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA) is set to make it mandatory for builders to clearly specify parking slot details in allotment letters and agreements for sale. This decision comes amid a surge in complaints from apartment buyers over unclear, changed, or unusable parking allotments at the time of possession.
K-RERA Chairman Rakesh Singh confirmed that the regulator is in the final stages of framing the directive and is actively consulting with CREDAI and leading real estate developers in Bengaluru.
Why K-RERA Is Tightening Parking Norms
Parking disputes have emerged as one of the most common post-possession conflicts between homebuyers and developers. Buyers have repeatedly complained that:
• Parking promised at booking differs at possession
• No written details are provided on size or location
• Accessibility and safety issues are ignored
• Builders deny changes citing “approved plans” never shared earlier
Highlight: K-RERA’s objective is to ensure that buyers know exactly what they are paying for, leaving no scope for ambiguity or post-handover manipulation.
What Builders Will Be Required to Disclose
Under the proposed framework, builders must clearly mention the following in writing:
• Exact parking slot number
• Type of parking (covered, open, stilt, mechanical)
• Size and dimensions of the parking space
• Precise location in relation to the tower and lift lobby
In addition, the approved parking layout plan, duly sanctioned by the competent planning authority, must be annexed to the agreement for sale.
Highlight: Parking details will no longer be verbal assurances — they will become contractual commitments.
Learning from MahaRERA’s Precedent
K-RERA has relied heavily on the Maharashtra RERA (MahaRERA) model, where similar disclosure norms have been in place since 2024. According to officials, this has led to a noticeable reduction in litigation related to parking rights.
Highlight: The Karnataka regulator aims to replicate this success and reduce long-drawn disputes in consumer forums and RERA courts.
Homebuyers Welcome the Move
Flat buyers across Bengaluru have welcomed the decision, calling it long overdue.
Anirudh Rao, a homebuyer from Yelahanka, shared that he was promised covered parking but received a slot that barely accommodated his car. “There were no dimensions or marked locations mentioned anywhere, so we had no option but to accept it,” he said.
Accessibility and Safety Concerns Addressed
Parking issues are not limited to convenience alone. Accessibility and safety have emerged as serious concerns.
Ramachandra Rao, a senior citizen from Kanakapura Road, highlighted how his parking slot was located far from the lift, with no ramp access for his wheelchair-bound wife. Despite repeated requests, the builder refused to make adjustments.
Similarly, buyers in gated communities have reported parking slots wedged between pillars, making it difficult to open car doors or park safely.
Legal and Practical Impact
Once notified, these norms will:
• Strengthen RERA compliance
• Reduce scope for misleading representations
• Improve accessibility, safety, and usability
• Empower buyers in disputes and complaints
K-RERA’s proposed parking disclosure rules mark a significant shift towards buyer-centric regulation. By making parking details explicit and enforceable, the regulator is closing a long-standing loophole that developers frequently exploited. If implemented effectively, this reform could redefine fair practices in apartment sales across Karnataka.
