Mumbai May Get Law Mandating Rent For Tenants In Stalled Redevelopment Projects
Mumbai is poised for a significant legislative change as the Maharashtra government actively considers a new law to mandate rent payments for tenants impacted by stalled redevelopment projects. This crucial move aims to alleviate severe financial hardships faced by thousands of residents, ensuring greater equity and stability within the city’s urban landscape. The proposed legislation underscores a commitment to sustainable and inclusive urban development, safeguarding the rights of vulnerable populations amidst ongoing infrastructural transformation.
The persistent issue of incomplete redevelopment projects, particularly concerning dilapidated buildings, has long plagued Mumbai’s urban fabric. Many residents, displaced and awaiting rehabilitation, often face erratic or non-existent monthly rent disbursements, jeopardising their financial stability and well-being. This systemic challenge not only creates social inequity but also hinders the efficient renewal of urban spaces. To address these bottlenecks and expedite the redevelopment of both cess and non-cess buildings, the government has already approved vital amendments to the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR), laying the groundwork for more streamlined processes.
Under the amended DCPR provisions, eligible tenants residing in cess-affected properties are now entitled to a minimum rehabilitation unit of 300 square feet. For those who previously occupied larger units, the entitlement extends to a unit of equal size or up to a maximum of 120 square metres, provided free of cost in the new building. Should the occupied area exceed 120 square metres, the tenant or resident would be responsible for bearing the construction cost of the additional space. These meticulous details within the Brihanmumbai Development Control and Promotion Regulations aim to standardise rehabilitation benefits and prevent exploitation.
Furthermore, the government has clarified that incentive Floor Space Index (FSI) will only apply to rehabilitation areas up to 120 square metres, ensuring that development incentives are primarily directed towards providing equitable housing solutions rather than disproportionately benefiting larger, more affluent units. These provisions are designed to foster a more balanced and gender-neutral approach to urban planning, ensuring that the benefits of redevelopment are broadly distributed across all sections of society. The new framework for dilapidated and dangerous buildings with tenants will now officially allow for designated rehabilitation areas for existing occupants, coupled with an additional 50% incentive FSI, thereby encouraging developers to undertake such crucial projects.
The proposed law mandating rent payments represents a critical step towards enhancing the accountability of developers and protecting the fundamental rights of tenants. By ensuring a steady income stream for those displaced, the government is fostering a more secure and predictable environment for urban renewal. This measure is vital for building trust between developers and residents, accelerating project completion, and ultimately contributing to the creation of more resilient, equitable, and sustainable cities where every citizen has access to safe and dignified housing. The move signals a proactive stance by the state to mitigate human hardship and ensure that urban growth is truly inclusive.
