Bengaluru: Builders in Bengaluru and elsewhere in Karnataka are allegedly refusing to execute registered conveyance deeds, allowing some developers to mortgage land or undertake new construction, even years after completion.
Sections 11 and 17 of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Act, builders are mandated to transfer the undivided proportionate title in common areas to the association of flat owners within three months of receiving the occupation or completion certificate.
This issue was highlighted during a session organized by the Bangalore City Flat Owners’ Association (BCFOWA), a non-profit representing apartment owners. Over 30 members from various associations attended to discuss property ownership, management, and maintenance.
One flat owner, Ganesh A from Uttarahalli, shared his concern: “As first-time buyers, we lacked awareness. Despite paying Rs 60 lakh for our flat, apart from the sale deed, we have no documentation proving our ownership of the land. The absence of my name in the encumbrance certificate has raised doubts about my rights.”
Another resident, Bharathi Srivastava from a Whitefield apartment complex, questioned: “Without the title deed for the land, how can we prevent new encumbrances?”
Veena Shantharam Prabhu, who owns a flat in Mangaluru, added her experience: “Our society doesn’t hold the land’s title, yet we pay maintenance for common areas owned by the builder. When I requested a registration certificate, none was provided. Upon refusal to pay, they disconnected my utilities, leading to a legal dispute.”
Flat owners expressed frustration over paying for common areas not legally owned by their associations, demanding clarity and legal compliance from developers.