Apartment associations seek stronger voice in Bengaluru’s urban future

Bengaluru apartment residents seek reforms to the outdated 1972 Act, demanding fair representation, transparency, and stronger voice in urban development

Apartment residents across Bengaluru are pressing for reforms to the outdated Apartment Ownership and Management Act, which has remained unchanged since 1972. With nearly 90 percent of the city’s population now living in apartments, associations argue that their concerns must be central to urban policy and governance.

At a recent dialogue convened by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, apartment associations, real estate entrepreneurs, and civic officials gathered to discuss the challenges of managing housing in a city that has doubled in population over the past two decades. Bengaluru’s rapid growth — now home to over 1.4 crore people — has made apartment governance a critical issue.

Residents emphasized that apartment living involves complex responsibilities, from maintaining shared infrastructure to managing traffic congestion and parking shortages. With families often owning multiple vehicles and relying on limited road networks, they believe infrastructure planning must prioritize their daily realities.

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Associations also highlighted their contributions to Bengaluru’s development. Apartments have provided housing for millions of professionals, including the city’s vast engineering workforce, while stabilizing urban growth. Yet, residents feel their voices are often sidelined in policymaking. They are calling for a comprehensive bill that ensures transparency, accountability, and fair representation for apartment owners.

Concerns were raised that while large infrastructure projects such as tunnels, flyovers, and double‑decker roads are being planned, the immediate needs of apartment communities — safety, maintenance, and governance — require equal attention. Residents want reforms that empower associations to manage resources effectively and protect them from arbitrary decisions.

The dialogue underscored the need for collaboration between government and citizens. Apartment owners seek guarantees that their contributions will be recognized and that reforms will ease financial and administrative burdens. For them, the upcoming legislation is not just about regulation but about securing dignity, fairness, and a stronger voice in Bengaluru’s future.

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