The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has announced comprehensive guidelines for real estate project developers with regard to essential aspects of housing projects being developed for senior citizens. In a recent circular, the regulator has specified that developers have to meet guidelines and specifications like building design, kitchens, bathrooms, green building principles, lifts and ramps, staircases, corridors, lighting and ventilation, and safety and security.
RERA has directed builders to comply with these physical specifications while executing these projects. Builders across Maharashtra will have to implement the regulations and provisions in the agreement for sale as well.
In February of this year, MahaRERA issued a circular concerning draft model guidelines for retirement and senior citizen housing projects. The regulator invited suggestions and viewpoints from various stakeholders. MahaRERA received several useful suggestions, including from senior citizens and others. These suggestions have been incorporated into the finalization of the minimum physical specifications.
The draft has been finalized based on the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ issued model guidelines.
With an aim to ensure standardised codes and facilities for all senior citizens, MahaRERA has included many important provisions like floor design, accessibility and other amenities.
As per guidelines, all buildings exceeding a single floor must be equipped with an elevator designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and mobility equipment. Both internal and external building designs should facilitate unrestricted wheelchair movement and must have ramps where necessary. Door openings must measure no less than 900 mm and preferably feature sliding doors for enhanced accessibility. Builders also need to use easy-to-grip door levers and knobs of substantial size with smooth edges. Furniture should be ergonomically designed, lightweight yet sturdy, and devoid of any sharp edges for added safety.
A11 lifts must have audio and visual signage and signalling systems and to accommodate users requiring assistance and using wheelchairs and similar equipment/ mobility tools. Mandatory ramps are to be incorporated into throughout the building to provide for wheelchair access, the regulations said.
