TG RERA Orders Hyderabad Builder to Fix Water Seepage Without Additional Charges
The Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TG RERA) has issued a directive to a Hyderabad-based builder, Sri Karthikeya Constructions, to address water seepage issues in a complainant’s flat within 60 days, without collecting any additional charges from the flat owner. The builder’s claims were disputed, and penalties will be imposed if the orders are ignored under the RERA Act 2016.
The complainant, Madhusudhan Rao Udutha, residing in flat no. 432 of Sri Karthikeya Constructions (SKC) Bliss in Bachupally, reported noticing water seepage in the master bedroom, washroom, and kitchen areas from December 1, 2023. He had purchased the flat for Rs 46 lakhs with a built-up area of 1,336 sq ft in 2022. Despite notifying the developer multiple times through phone calls and emails, the issue remained unresolved.
Furthermore, the complainant alleged that the external walls were constructed with a thickness of six inches instead of the agreed eight inches, violating the construction standards and compromising the structural integrity and safety of the building. The complainant sought several reliefs from the builder, including carrying out necessary repairs at no cost, ensuring compliance with the agreed specifications for wall thickness, and making the required corrections. Additionally, the complainant requested that a penalty be imposed on the builder for the delay and distress caused.
The builder, Sri Karthikeya Constructions, filed a counterclaim, disputing the allegations. They argued that the water seepage was due to the improper usage of washrooms and kitchen sinks by the complainant, leading to blockages in the PVC water lines. The builder also denied the complaint about the wall thickness, stating that the walls were constructed using six-inch bricks with plastering on both sides, ensuring compliance with the specified 8-inch thickness. They claimed that all seepage issues had been promptly resolved.
The complainant refuted these claims, stating that the allegations made by the builder were false and defamatory, and that the builder was attempting to avoid addressing the pipeline defects and wall seepage.
In response to the complaint, the TG RERA chairperson, N Satyanarayana, and two other RERA members, K Srinivasa Rao and Laxmi Naryana Jannu, issued orders directing the builder to complete the rectification work related to the water seepage in the master bedroom, washrooms, and kitchen area of the complainant’s unit within 60 days, without any additional charge to the complainant. If the builder fails to comply with the orders, penalties will be imposed following section 61 of the RERA Act 2016.
This decision by TG RERA underscores the importance of adhering to construction standards and addressing the concerns of flat owners promptly. It also highlights the role of regulatory authorities in ensuring that builders are held accountable for the quality and integrity of their projects.
