New apartment law has potential to become one of India’s strongest apartment governance laws: BAF

The Bangalore Apartments’ Federation has welcomed the enactment of the Karnataka Apartment Ownership and Management Act (KAOMA) 2026. The new law has a greater focus on “powers of residents’ associations, promoter accountability, protection of common areas, legal recognition for future development rights, building safety and redevelopment”, the federation said.

“KAOMA, 2026, is a significant improvement compared to the 1972 legal framework and has the potential to become one of India’s strongest apartment governance laws. Effective implementation will now be the key priority,” BAF president Satish Mallya said on Monday.

The BAF said the new law ensures that the promoter continues to be accountable even after handover of the flats. “Even after the management is transferred to the association, promoter obligations under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, will continue. It also specifies that promoters cannot retain control over common areas after management is transferred,” BAF said.