New Maintenance Policy for Bengaluru Development Body Apartments Begins Next Month

Bengaluru, April 20: The proposed policy aims to clearly define the developer's responsibility period — likely one to two years — during which BDA will handle maintenance before transferring responsibilities to resident welfare associations.

Key Features

• Developer responsibility period: 1-2 years (BDA handles maintenance)

• Charge calculation models under consideration:

  • 1% of flat cost (current method)

  • Per-square-foot charges

  • Uniform per-unit costs

  • Hybrid model (fixed + variable components)

Purpose

• Standardise maintenance charges

• Define developer responsibilities clearly

• Act as interim framework until proposed Apartment Act is notified

Background Issue

• Karnataka High Court indicated associations should be formed under Cooperative Societies Act

• Absence of formal government order has stalled registrations

• BDA cannot legally mandate RWAs or transfer common areas until clarity emerges

Resident Reactions

Kiran Ramana, resident of BDA apartments in Whitefield: "We are open to the new policy because without an association, it is difficult to collect maintenance charges and address defaulters legally. If BDA manages it, they can adjust dues from the amounts already paid by residents."

Shashank S, founding member of BDA Apartment Owners Forum: "We welcome the step. However, it requires clear and thoughtful implementation. At present, BDA collects 1% of the flat value as maintenance fee at the time of sale deed registration, but there is no defined SOP outlining the scope, duration or management of these funds."