Mumbai, 6th February 2024: The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has introduced draft model guidelines to govern housing projects tailored for retired and senior citizens. This initiative marks MahaRERA as the pioneer among housing regulators in India to establish provisions specifically for retirement housing.
Ajoy Mehta, Chairman of MahaRERA, emphasized the growing necessity of housing projects for retired individuals in our evolving society. He acknowledged that while developers are responding to the rising demand for such projects, they often overlook the fundamental needs of this demographic. To address this, MahaRERA has issued Draft Model Guidelines for retirement housing projects to prevent potential fraud and disappointment among retirees and senior citizens. The regulatory authority is actively working to finalize the framework and implement it promptly.
Once these guidelines are enforced, developers will be obligated to incorporate specific provisions in the Agreement for Sale and other relevant documents. Senior citizen housing projects must align with the prescribed model guidelines.
The draft, titled “Regulation of Retirement Homes,” is available on MahaRERA’s official website. MahaRERA is currently inviting suggestions and views on the guidelines, which can be submitted via email to [email protected] until February 29th.
These model guidelines are a response to feedback received by MahaRERA, revealing instances of developers misleading prospective allottees by incorrectly advertising their projects as “Retirement Homes.” Many of these projects were found to lack the necessary standards for senior citizen residences.
Earlier, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) issued Model Guidelines, urging state regulators to introduce appropriate regulations. In line with this, MahaRERA has drafted regulations for retirement homes, outlining minimum physical criteria that projects must meet. These criteria encompass building design, green building principles, lifts, ramps, staircase dimensions, lighting, ventilation, safety, and security.
Key provisions in the Model Guidelines include mandatory elevators in multi-floor buildings, audio-visual systems in lifts, wheelchair-friendly access, specific door dimensions, light and sturdy furniture, and safety measures such as gas leak detection in kitchens and anti-skid tiles in bathrooms.
MahaRERA encourages public participation and feedback in shaping these guidelines to better serve the needs of retired and senior citizens.
