Apartment residents in Bengaluru have raised concerns over outdated laws and rising garbage collection charges, urging the Karnataka government to act swiftly on long-pending reforms.

Demand for modern apartment law

The Bangalore Apartments Federation (BAF), representing residents across the city, has called for the immediate implementation of the Karnataka Apartment Ownership and Management Act (KAOMA) 2025.

Currently, apartment governance is based on a law enacted in 1972, which residents say no longer reflects the realities of modern high-rise living. The outdated framework, they argue, creates complications in land ownership, management of common areas, and dispute resolution among residents and builders.

BAF has emphasised that the proposed KAOMA 2025 would provide clarity on ownership rights and establish transparent rules for managing apartment associations. Despite earlier assurances that the law would be introduced by mid-2025, it is yet to be passed.

Concerns over rising garbage collection charges

Residents have also flagged steep waste management charges imposed on apartment complexes. Under current rules, large apartment buildings are categorised as “bulk waste generators”, leading to significantly higher fees.

While independent houses reportedly pay around ₹100 per month through property tax, apartment residents are charged approximately ₹360 per flat, including GST. Residents argue this creates an unfair financial burden.

Residents question policy fairness

Many apartment complexes have already invested in composting systems to manage waste internally. Despite these efforts, residents say they are still being penalised with higher charges.

The federation has urged the government to reconsider the classification system and ensure equitable treatment for all citizens, regardless of housing type.

Suggested reforms and solutions

BAF has proposed several measures to address the issue, including removing GST on waste charges, incentivising composting by purchasing compost from apartments, and involving residents in policy decisions.

Call for urgent government action

The federation has reiterated that apartment residents contribute significantly through taxes and deserve fair treatment. They have urged authorities to prioritise the new legislation and rationalise waste charges.

The issue highlights the growing challenges of urban living in Bengaluru, where high-rise residents are seeking both legal clarity and economic fairness.