Bengaluru homebuyers have urged the Karnataka government to address long-standing regulatory gaps ahead of the proposed Karnataka Apartment Bill 2025, warning that legal ambiguity around ownership rights and resident governance continues to expose apartment residents to financial and administrative risks. Their appeal comes as the state prepares to overhaul decades-old apartment laws governing one of India’s fastest-growing urban housing markets.
In a detailed submission to the state administration following a recent public consultation, homebuyer groups welcomed the government’s intent to modernise apartment legislation but stressed that reform must go beyond intent to execution. Industry observers say the outcome of the proposed law could shape governance standards for millions of apartment residents in Bengaluru, a city where vertical housing dominates new supply. At the heart of the concerns is the lack of clarity on how resident welfare associations are registered and recognised. Housing collectives formed under different state statutes currently face legal uncertainty, particularly in enforcing maintenance charges and managing shared infrastructure. “Without a clearly notified competent authority, associations remain structurally weak and vulnerable to disputes,” an industry expert said, noting that this gap undermines everyday operations such as security, waste management, and upkeep of common amenities. Homebuyers have also called for stricter enforcement of provisions under the Real Estate Regulation Act, particularly those mandating the transfer of common areas and land titles to associations of allottees. Delays in such transfers, they argue, have left residents without clear ownership over essential assets, complicating redevelopment, financing, and sustainability upgrades such as rooftop solar or rainwater harvesting systems.
Another major concern flagged is the absence of defined timelines for disposing of cases before Karnataka RERA. While the regulator was established to improve accountability in real estate, prolonged case backlogs have weakened buyer confidence. Legal professionals say predictable timelines would not only benefit residents but also bring certainty to developers and lenders operating in the housing ecosystem. The proposed Karnataka Apartment Bill 2025 is expected to consolidate and clarify apartment ownership laws, including governance of common areas, association rights, and dispute resolution mechanisms. State officials have indicated that the legislation aims to align apartment regulation more closely with RERA, reducing friction between developers and residents. Urban planners see this moment as critical for Bengaluru’s future growth. As the city densifies, well-governed apartment communities will play a central role in managing resources, reducing carbon footprints, and ensuring inclusive access to shared spaces. “Clear ownership and accountability are foundational to sustainable urban living,” a senior planner noted.
For residents, the message is straightforward: legal clarity is no longer optional. As Bengaluru’s skyline continues to rise, the effectiveness of the Karnataka Apartment Bill 2025 may determine whether apartment living evolves into a resilient, equitable urban model or remains mired in uncertainty.
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