MahaRERA suggests that builders self-declare the quality of their projects.

MUMBAI: Real estate developers are expected to submit an annual self-declaration of the quality assurance of their projects to the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA). This self-declaration will be based on a number of factors, including structural design, stability, testing, input material quality, workmanship quality, and other important considerations.

The action is intended to guarantee that standards are defined for procedures, materials, and to reduce the likelihood of errors and difficulties for purchasers.

It is suggested that compliance with the new rules will be voluntary in the beginning. Developers who voluntarily accept the method will have their names listed on the MahaRERA website, which will help to enhance their reputation with prospective purchasers. Following suit will become necessary for all developers after the transition phase ends.

Defect liability is covered by the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. The law protects the interests of flat buyers by holding developers responsible for fixing any structural flaws that are discovered within the first five years of occupancy. Within 30 days, the developer is expected to fix these bugs at their own cost.

A draft regulation for the project’s quality assurance has been floated by the regulator. The developer will be required to submit a self-certification declaration for the project that includes comprehensive details on its technical features. Up to May 23, comments on the same are welcome.

MahaRERA published a discussion paper in December outlining steps to improve the quality of homes and anticipate complaints from buyers over construction flaws or inadequate construction quality.

Such a rule was required due to ongoing discussions and worries about the quality of construction provided by the real estate industry. MahaRERA has already conferred with several real estate players in order to compile the draft, therefore it is anticipated that this action will allay worries regarding the caliber of construction in the real estate industry.

MahaRERA states that although the law offers corrective options for fixing problems, it is crucial to protect the interests of homebuyers, necessitating the establishment of procedures and guidelines to reduce the likelihood of defects.

According to the self-declaration, there are a few crucial issues that must be resolved right away. Some of these are to soil testing prior to the design process, hiring structural engineers, periodic certification for quality control, etc. in terms of structural design and stability.

It will also include elements like a facility for on-site testing to check the quality of raw materials and routine site inspections to guarantee the quality of building supplies like steel, concrete, cement, electrical cables, plumbing fixtures, etc.

In addition, the project manager and engineers must document and certify information about earthquake-resistant construction, fire safety, and other related topics after the project is finished. Before submitting the “Self-Declaration on Quality Assurance” to MahaRERA, the project promoter will also need to revalidate these.