The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has introduced new guidelines to oversee the advertisement and development of senior living communities. These measures aim to address concerns about misleading promotions and substandard conditions in projects marketed as “Retirement Homes.” This blog will break down the key aspects of the new guidelines and their implications for community residents and management committees.
Why New Guidelines?
To combat these issues, MahaRERA has set several mandatory physical criteria for projects to be advertised as “Retirement Homes/Senior Homes.” Here are the main points:
- Building Design:
- Buildings with more than one floor must have wheelchair-accessible lifts.
- Door openings must be at least 900 mm wide.
- Door knobs and handles should be easy to grip, and furniture should be lightweight, sturdy, and free of sharp edges.
- Green Building Principles:
- Emphasis on using non-polluting and renewable energy sources to reduce exposure to harmful fumes and exhaust.
- Projects must comply with green building norms specified in the model building bylaws.
- Lifts and Ramps:
- Lifts must have audio and visual signage.
- Mandatory ramps throughout the building for wheelchair access.
- Staircase:
- Staircases must have handrails on both sides, with treads and risers meeting standards for senior citizens.
- Stairs should be illuminated with fluorescent or radium strips, and long flights of steps should be avoided.
- Corridors:
- No steps should be introduced in corridors; if unavoidable, ramps should be provided.
- Handrails must be installed along corridor walls at suitable heights.
- Kitchens and Bathrooms:
- Kitchens should have gas leak detection systems, and bathrooms should have anti-skid tiles, outward-opening doors, and grab rails near wash basins.
- Lighting and Ventilation:
- Power backup facilities must be available in each apartment, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Lighting and ventilation should comply with the model building bylaws and the National Building Code (NBC).
- Safety and Security:
- Emergency alarms should be installed in main entry doors, bathrooms, bedrooms, and common areas.
- Trained security personnel and CCTV cameras must be deployed in common areas.
- Firefighting services and disaster preparedness plans must be in place, with emergency contact numbers prominently displayed.
These guidelines are intended to ensure that senior living communities offer a safe, accessible, and comfortable environment for senior citizens. For residents, these standards mean better living conditions and enhanced safety measures. For management committees, the guidelines provide a clear framework for maintaining and promoting retirement homes.
