The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has introduced a proposal requiring real estate developers to provide an annual self-declaration of their project’s quality assurance. This self-assessment will cover multiple parameters, including structural design, stability, testing, quality of input materials, workmanship, and other critical aspects. The initiative aims to set standards for construction processes and materials, minimizing defects and reducing issues for homebuyers.
Initially, compliance with the new regulations will be optional. Developers who voluntarily adopt the system will have their names displayed on the MahaRERA website, enhancing their credibility with potential homebuyers. After the transition phase, the self-declaration will become mandatory for all developers.
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, includes a provision on defect liability, which protects flat purchasers by holding developers accountable for rectifying any structural defects reported within the first five years. Developers are required to fix these defects at their own expense within 30 days of notification.
MahaRERA has issued a draft regulation for project quality assurance and invited feedback until May 23. This proposal follows a discussion paper released in December on improving home quality and preventing homebuyer complaints about construction defects.
The need for such regulation arose from ongoing discussions and concerns about construction quality in the real estate sector. The proposed measures are expected to address these concerns, and MahaRERA has consulted multiple stakeholders to develop the draft regulation.
The self-declaration will require developers to provide detailed technical information about their projects. Key areas include structural design and stability, such as soil testing before the design process, the appointment of structural engineers, and periodic quality control certifications.
The self-declaration will also cover on-site testing facilities for inspecting raw materials, regular construction site inspections to ensure the quality of materials like cement, concrete, steel, electrical wires, and plumbing fittings.
Upon project completion, developers must document and certify fire safety measures, earthquake-resistant features, and other safety aspects. The project supervisor and engineers must verify these details, and the promoter must re-validate them before submitting the ‘Self-Declaration on Quality Assurance’ to MahaRERA.
