Bengaluru: Homebuyers across Karnataka have urged the state government to introduce clearer timelines and stronger enforcement mechanisms in the proposed Karnataka Apartment Bill to safeguard their rights on title transfer, apartment association registration, and compliance with Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) norms.

Buyer groups say the new legislation must remove long-standing ambiguities that have allowed developers to delay handover of legal ownership and management responsibilities even after projects are completed.

Demand for Time-Bound Title Transfer

One of the key demands from homebuyers is the inclusion of mandatory and time-bound provisions for transferring property titles and common area rights from builders to apartment owners’ associations.

Although RERA requires promoters to execute conveyance deeds after project completion, buyers point out that delays remain common due to weak enforcement and lack of accountability. Many apartment owners continue to wait years for formal land title transfer and khata issuance despite having taken possession of their homes.

Homebuyer associations have stressed that the proposed bill must specify clear deadlines and penalties to ensure that developers complete the transfer process without procedural delays.

Uncertainty Over Association Registration

Another major concern raised by residents is the absence of a clearly defined authority for registering apartment owners’ associations. Conflicting provisions under existing laws have left many associations in legal limbo, limiting their ability to manage common facilities, collect maintenance fees, and represent residents in official matters.

Buyers are calling for the new bill to clearly identify the competent authority for registration and to streamline the process for forming resident welfare associations. They argue that a strong legal framework for associations is essential for the smooth transition of project management from builders to residents.

Push for Buyer-Friendly RERA Timelines

Homebuyers have also demanded that the Karnataka Apartment Bill align closely with RERA by setting firm timelines for dispute resolution and compliance orders. They say that cases before regulatory authorities often take years to conclude, weakening consumer protection.

Representatives of buyer groups believe that the new legislation should define strict schedules for promoters to meet obligations related to conveyance deeds, association formation, and handover of common areas.

They have urged the government to integrate enforcement powers so that non-compliance attracts meaningful penalties rather than prolonged litigation.

Replacing Outdated Apartment Laws

The proposed Karnataka Apartment Bill aims to replace the Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act of 1972, which many stakeholders consider outdated and inadequate for modern real estate development.

Officials have indicated that the new law is intended to modernise apartment governance, clarify ownership structures, and reduce disputes between buyers and developers. However, homebuyers insist that the bill must prioritise their interests through clear language and strict implementation mechanisms.

Awaiting Final Draft and Legislative Approval

While the government has held consultations with stakeholders, the final version of the bill has not yet been tabled in the legislature. Homebuyer groups continue to submit representations seeking amendments that strengthen buyer protections before the law is enacted.

They argue that without explicit timelines and enforcement provisions, the new bill risks repeating the weaknesses of existing laws and leaving apartment buyers vulnerable to delays and legal uncertainty.

  Karnataka Apartment Bill, Karnataka Government, Real Estate Regulatory Authority, Residential Properties