Pioneering Draft Guidelines for Senior Living A Leap by MahaRERA

In a groundbreaking move, the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has unveiled draft guidelines aimed at revolutionizing housing projects for the elderly, making it a trailblazer in India for advocating the specialized housing needs of retirees. These guidelines are set to redefine comfort and accessibility, ensuring that housing projects cater specifically to the fundamental needs of senior citizens.

A Vision for Senior-Friendly Living

MahaRERA's initiative is driven by the ambition to create living spaces that are not just houses but true homes for senior citizens, complete with all the necessary amenities to support their lifestyle post-retirement. The authority is on a mission to make sure that once the elderly decide to move into these housing projects, they find everything they need right at their doorstep.

Setting New Standards

Developers are now facing a new mandate: to integrate specific provisions tailored for the elderly in the Agreement for Sale and all pertinent documents. Moving forward, senior citizen housing projects must align with these pioneering model guidelines. The draft spells out essential physical criteria every project should adhere to, focusing on elder-friendly building construction norms. This includes thoughtful building design, adherence to green building principles, and the inclusion of elevators, ramps, well-lit and wide corridors, and enhanced safety and security measures.

Engaging the Community

MahaRERA has made the draft on "regulation of retirement homes" accessible on its official website, inviting public input to refine these guidelines further. Suggestions are welcomed via email, offering a platform for stakeholders to contribute to shaping this visionary policy.

Why the Need for Guidelines?

The initiative was sparked by feedback received by MahaRERA, highlighting instances where developers falsely marketed their projects as 'Retirement Homes', misleading potential buyers. This revelation, coupled with concerns over projects not meeting the basic standards required for senior living, prompted the authority to take decisive action.

MahaRERA Chairman Ajoy Mehta emphasized the growing necessity for such housing projects, noting the rising demand amidst a changing societal landscape. He pointed out that while many developers are keen to tap into this market, their projects often overlook the essential needs of the elderly.

The draft guidelines are MahaRERA's response to potential fraud and to ensure that retirees and senior citizens are not left disappointed. The authority is dedicated to finalizing and implementing these guidelines swiftly, marking a significant step towards establishing a more inclusive and senior-friendly housing sector.

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has also issued model guidelines, urging state regulators to adopt similar measures. MahaRERA's draft regulation on retirement homes is in alignment with these recommendations, incorporating vital provisions such as mandatory elevators in multi-story buildings, audio-visual systems in lifts, wheelchair-friendly access, and stairs designed with safety handrails and optimal width.