Highlights
- 51% of respondents acknowledge conflicts within their societies, with 14.4% reporting frequent conflicts and 34.6% experiencing them occasionally.
- Non-compliance with community guidelines (32.3%) and defaulted payments (24.7%) are the primary causes of conflicts.
- Among communities without owner-tenant conflicts, 76.9% of respondents attribute the absence of disputes to effective management and community engagement.
- Fines or penalties (39.7%) and verbal or written warnings (29.1%) are the most common measures used to combat issues.
- 13.4% of respondents have remarked that no formal measures have been implemented for conflict resolution.
- Over half (59.4%) of RWAs have separate guidelines for tenants, with 22.8% admitting that these guidelines aren’t strictly enforced.
- 52.9% of respondents state that tenants do not enjoy equal voting rights compared to homeowners, while only 38.2% affirm that tenants have equal voting rights.
Managing a residential community presents unique challenges, particularly in maintaining harmonious relationships between owners and tenants. A recent nationwide survey conducted among RWA members provides revealing insights into owner-tenant dynamics, conflict resolution, and community governance, uncovering the often-overlooked tensions that simmer beneath the surface.
“Conflicts with tenants are a real headache. They disrupt the peace and harmony we’ve worked so hard to maintain,” says Priya Sharma, an RWA member from Bengaluru. Her sentiment echoes across numerous communities, with the survey revealing that 51% of respondents acknowledge conflicts within their societies. While 14.4% report frequent conflicts, 34.6% experience them occasionally. The primary culprits? Non-compliance with community guidelines (32.3%) and defaulted payments (24.7%), followed by inter-resident disputes and the misuse of amenities.
“Sometimes it feels like we’re playing referee in a never-ending match,” laments Rajesh Nair, an RWA president from Mumbai. Yet, intriguingly, among communities without owner-tenant conflicts, 76.9% of respondents said the absence of disputes wasn’t due to a lack of tenants. This suggests that factors such as effective management and community engagement are pivotal in maintaining peace.
However many RWAs have turned to strict measures in place to combat the issues, fines or penalties (39.7%) and verbal or written warnings (29.1%) being the most common. Structured strategies such as these provide a path to manage disputes effectively. Among respondents, 13.4% have remarked that no formal measures have been implemented. “We often rely on ad-hoc solutions, which are neither fair nor effective,” admits Meera Joshi from Pune.
Regarding tenant guidelines, over half (59.4%) have separate guidelines in place, with 22.8% admitting that these aren’t strictly enforced. “Without stringent rules in place, misunderstandings are inevitable,” says Anil Verma, a resident from Chennai. Establishing clear guidelines could help reduce conflicts and foster community cohesion.
The survey also uncovers disparities in voting rights, with 52.9% of respondents stating tenants do not enjoy equal voting rights compared to homeowners. Only 38.2% affirm that tenants have equal voting rights, while 8.8% note variations depending on the poll.
The findings highlight the effectiveness of clearer guidelines, efficient conflict resolution, and equitable governance to foster harmonious and inclusive living environments. By addressing these areas, RWAs can enhance the overall living experience within their communities, ensuring peace and stability for both owners and tenants.
