The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has come up with draft model guidelines for retirement and senior citizen housing projects, a first for a housing regulator in India. The aim is to ensure that seniors have the facilities they need when they move into retirement housing projects.
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Once the guidelines are implemented, developers will have to include some special clauses in sales agreements and other relevant documents. The draft Regulation of Retirement Homes is available on the MahaRERA website. Suggestions and comments can be sent to “suggestions.maharera@gmail.com” before February 29.
The model guidelines were drafted after MahaRERA received feedback that developers had misled potential allottees by falsely promoting their real estate projects as “nursing homes”. MahaRERA also noted that some projects did not meet the minimum standards and norms required for senior citizen housing.
Earlier, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) issued model guidelines. The ministry recommends that national regulators should take appropriate steps to roll out these regulations. Accordingly, MahaRERA has prepared a draft regulation on retirement homes.
Main terms
The draft also details the minimum physical standards each project must meet, including construction specifications for the buildings. Minimum physical specifications include building design, green building principles, elevators and ramps, stairs, corridors, lighting and ventilation, safety and security.
The draft has important provisions, such as:
- Buildings with more than one floor should be equipped with elevators
- All elevators should be equipped with audio-visual systems
- The elevator is easily accessible for wheelchairs
- Mandatory ramp for wheelchair accessibility
- Doors should be larger than 900mm, preferably sliding doors
- Furniture provided should be lightweight, sturdy and free of sharp edges
- The width of the stairs should not be less than 1500 mm
- Handrails should be provided on both sides of the stairs
- There should be no fully open spiral staircases
- Stairs should not exceed 12 steps
- Building corridors should not have steps
- Ramps should also be provided where necessary
- Handles should also be placed at a specific height for convenience
- Wherever there are differences in levels, they should be indicated in bold colors that are easy to notice.
- The kitchen should have a gas leak detection system
- The bathroom should have a washbasin and grab bars
- Bathrooms must have non-slip tiles
- Toilet doors should open outwards
- There should be backup power arrangements.
official statement
Ajoy Mehta, director, MahaRERA said, “Housing projects for senior citizens are necessary for the changing society. In view of the growing demand, many developers have launched such projects, but these constructions do not seem to take into account the basic needs of this segment. To avoid possible fraud and frustration among retirees/senior citizens, MahaRERA has issued draft model guidelines for this emerging housing project. MahaRERA is working towards finalizing the framework and implementing it as soon as possible.”
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