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A recent ruling by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has clarified the legal protections available to homebuyers against unauthorized changes to their flats after purchase. According to the latest guidelines issued under Section 14 of the RERA Act, builders are legally bound to maintain the sanctioned plans and specifications shared with buyers during the sales process. These rules apply to both individual units and common areas within a residential complex. Once the sanctioned plans, layout designs, specifications, and details of fixtures and amenities are disclosed to a buyer, the developer is prohibited from making any alterations or additions without the prior consent of the buyer. This restriction holds true regardless of any contractual agreements or other laws. The only exceptions allowed are minor modifications deemed necessary for structural or architectural reasons, which require approval from an authorized architect or engineer and must be communicated clearly to the buyer. The definition of “minor” changes is strictly regulated. Structural modifications, such as adding space or altering the height of a unit, removing parts of a building, or modifying load-bearing elements like columns, beams, or floors, are explicitly excluded from this category. Similarly, any change affecting access, ingress, or egress, or adjustments to fixtures and equipment, cannot qualify as a minor adjustment. Any deviation from the sanctioned plans that exceeds these limits requires explicit written consent from the buyer. When it comes to changes affecting the entire building or common areas, such as converting a garden into parking spaces, the developer must secure written consent from at least two-thirds of the allottees in that building. Each allottee is considered a separate vote, irrespective of how many properties they or their affiliated entities have purchased. This ensures that major decisions impacting the community are made collectively rather than unilaterally by the developer. Buyers who discover structural or workmanship defects within five years of taking possession of their property are entitled to immediate rectification without additional charges. If the developer fails to address these issues within thirty days, the buyer is eligible for compensation as stipulated by the Act. Importantly, the developer’s liability for such defects persists even after the final conveyance deeds for all units have been executed. This clarification underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in real estate transactions. Homebuyers are protected from last-minute design changes or unapproved modifications that could significantly impact their living conditions or investment value. Developers are now more accountable for maintaining the integrity of the original plans and ensuring that any proposed changes align with the expectations set during the sales process. The implications of these regulations extend beyond individual buyers. They reinforce the broader regulatory framework designed to prevent unethical practices in the real estate sector. By setting clear boundaries on what constitutes permissible changes, RERA aims to restore consumer confidence and ensure fair treatment of buyers throughout the lifecycle of a housing project. As the real estate market continues to evolve, these guidelines serve as a critical reference point for both developers and consumers navigating the complexities of property ownership.