Karnataka RERA Mandates Detailed Parking Information in Home Sale Agreements

In a significant move aimed at minimizing conflicts between home buyers and developers, the Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA) is set to make it mandatory for developers to include detailed parking space information in the allotment letters and sale agreements. This new regulation is designed to address one of the most pressing issues faced by apartment owners: the allocation of parking spaces.

The move has been welcomed by flat buyers in Bengaluru and other cities in Karnataka, who have long complained about uncertainties, last-minute changes, and discrepancies between the promised and actual parking spaces. According to K-RERA officials, this initiative will ensure that buyers are fully aware of what they are getting in addition to their apartments.

What the New Rule Proposes?

Under the new guidelines, developers are required to provide all necessary details regarding the available parking spaces when issuing letters for allotments and sale agreements. This includes:

- The specific parking spot number - Parking type (covered, open, stilt, or basement) - Size and dimensions of the car park - Precise location within the project premises

Additionally, developers must annex an approved parking layout plan to the sale agreement. This plan must be sanctioned by the competent planning authority and clearly mark the allotted parking slot corresponding to each apartment. The objective is to eliminate ambiguity and prevent misleading representations that often surface only at the time of possession.

Dealing With Long-Standing Complaints

Parking disputes have been a frequent source of complaints to K-RERA. Many flat buyers have accused developers of misrepresenting the parking space while booking the property, only to find that the actual parking space allocated to them at the time of possession is smaller, poorly located, or of a different variety altogether.

In numerous instances, buyers have alleged that no written information was provided to them concerning the dimensions or position of the parking facility, leaving them with limited recourse. This lack of clarity has often led buyers to settle for substandard parking facilities to avoid prolonged disputes.

Accessibility, Safety, and Usability Issues

Beyond ownership disputes, accessibility and safety have been major concerns. Property owners with family members who are senior citizens or persons with disabilities have complained about serious inconveniences caused by poorly planned or distantly located parking spots.

Many residential projects lack slots near lifts, ramps, or smooth surfaces, making daily movement difficult. Buyers argue that these issues could have been avoided if the parking layout had been clearly disclosed before booking the property.

Safety and usability issues have also been highlighted. Some parking spaces are virtually unusable by standard vehicles due to narrow turning radii, insufficient door clearance, and the squeezing of parking slots between pillars. Many buyers have only become aware of these problems after taking possession, when changes were no longer possible.

Learning from Maharashtra's Model

K-RERA has taken inspiration from the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Maha RERA), which introduced a similar provision in 2024. Since then, there has been a reduction in litigations pertaining to parking rights and allotments in Maharashtra.

By adopting the same framework, Karnataka aims to align itself with best practices in regulating the real estate sector and instill confidence in consumers in the organized market.

Builders’ Perspective and Industry Consultation

While the general public has enthusiastically welcomed this development, some developers have expressed concerns. They argue that parking space designs may need to be adjusted during the construction process.

To address these concerns, K-RERA has been holding discussions with industry associations such as the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) and industry professionals from major real estate companies in Bengaluru. K-RERA officials have stated that they are taking these inputs into consideration while drafting the final guidelines.

However, they maintain that transparency cannot be compromised and that buyers have the right to know exactly what they are purchasing. Once informed, the new rule will bring more discipline to project documentation and reduce post-possession conflicts. Legal experts believe that clearly defined parking disclosures will strengthen the enforceability of sale agreements and limit the scope for interpretation.

For homebuyers, this legislation reflects a move towards better decision-making and equitable dealing. For developers, it signals a need for greater careful planning and documentation. As the scale and complexity of Karnataka's real estate market grow, the need for such regulatory interventions becomes increasingly important to ensure sustainable and buyer-centric development. The final notification is expected to be issued by K-RERA soon, and once implemented, it may set a new standard for transparency in residential real estate transactions across the state.