CHENNAI: Apartment politics and a lack of awareness about the Tamil Nadu Apartment Ownership Act are impeding the registration of residents associations with the state govt. In many apartment complexes, residents are yet to reach a consensus on who will be president and secretary, while some remain unaware of the rules altogether.
The recently unveiled Tamil Nadu Apartment Ownership Rules stipulate that a minimum of four apartment owners must form an association, draft bylaws, and register it before pursuing redevelopment.
Additionally, redevelopment can proceed if two-thirds of flat owners consent. The rules also outline penalties for those who fail to pay maintenance charges.
Despite these provisions, the state registration department has not seen a significant increase in registrations. This year, only 150 associations registered in the Chennai zone, with around 6,000 registered to date.
In the Tambaram zone, only 10 associations register monthly, most of them new complexes rather than because of the new redevelopment rules, said a registration department official.
V Rangan, retired customs official and member T Nagar residents association, said the rules appear to be more in favour of the builders. “If the value of the apartment complex is more than 25 crore or measures four grounds (1 ground = 2,400 sq ft), a committee with experts should be appointed by the competent authority to inspect the building for stability and useful life for the remaining years.
The rules should also mention the maintenance of the building including whitewash at least once in eight years. At least one resident should have owned the apartment for 10 years and more,” he said.
Residents of older apartments are still hesitant to form associations due to internal conflicts. “As long as there is no sense of unity among residents, many hurdles will remain before properties can be redeveloped,” said Raghukumar Choodamani, convener of the Perambur Neighbourhood Development Forum.
D Neelakannan, president of the Alliance of Resident Welfare Associations, said ego and trust issues were major barriers. “Residents are often reluctant to collaborate with others to form an association, fearing mismanagement of funds. Additionally, many resist adhering to the mandatory bylaws associated with forming an association,” he said.
V S Jayaraman from T Nagar residents welfare association said more clarity about the rules is needed. “The govt has provided model bylaws, but many associations are confused whether they can include clauses specific to their needs,” he said.
