MahaRERA drafts framework for senior citizen homes

While housing for senior citizens is becoming a popular segment for developers in India, not all projects are created keeping in mind the key requirements of the target audience.

With a view to control and monitor development in this segment, the Maharashtra Real Estate Development Authority (MahaRERA) on February 6, 2024, introduced a model draft on guidelines that a senior home should comply with. The regulatory body is the first housing regulator in India to outline regulations with priority given to the needs of senior citizens in retirement homes.

When will the MahaRERA guidelines for senior homes be effective?

With effect from the date of coming into force of this order, every promoter is required to ensure the fulfillment of the following minimum physical specifications in their projects before advertising.

MahaRERA senior citizen homes guidelines

According to a notification issued by the ministry of housing and urban affairs for development and regulation of retirement homes in India, given the specific nature of the promoters and allottees of retirement homes, states/ UTs may enunciate some of the special provisions, which are required to be covered under ‘agreement of sale’ and other relevant documents. Taking this forward, MahaRERA has established minimum physical criteria that every project must meet to be eligible for advertising as a ‘retirement home/senior home/equivalent’.

Building design

• All buildings of more than one floor must be provided with lifts.
• Door openings should not be less than 900 mm in width.
• Preference should be given to sliding windows.
• Easy to grip door knobs and lever types handles of large size should be used
• Ergonomic design of furniture specific to the requirements of senior citizens should be used. Note that the furniture should be lightweight, sturdy and without sharp edges.

Green building principles

• To minimise the exposure of senior citizens to the fumes, there should be maximum use of non-polluting and renewable energy sources in retirement homes.
• The norms defined in chapter 10 and 14 of model building bylaws 2016 should be complied with fully.

Lifts and ramps 

• All lifts must have audio and visual signage and signalling systems and to accommodate users requiring assistance and using wheelchairs and similar mobility tools.
• Mandatory ramps to be incorporated into throughout the building to provide for wheelchair access

Staircase

• Provision of clear width should not be less than 1500 mm.
• Handrails should be fitted on both sides of stair flights.
• Treads and risers should be as per the standards prescribed in the harmonised guidelines applicable to senior citizens
• Avoid long flights of steps; a single flight should not have more than 12 treads in a single flight.
• Projecting nosing and open stairs should not be provided to minimise the risk of stumbling. Spiral stairs should be avoided.
• Illuminated, fluorescent or radium strips should be installed on all stairs to act as guides, especially in low light and night time conditions.
• Specification of lighting and ventilation of staircases as per NBC.
• Handrails should be extended 12 inch at top and bottom of the staircase and ramps. Ends of handrails should be rounded.

Corridors 

• Steps should not be introduced into corridors. If change in level is unavoidable, then ramp may be provided.
• Where there is difference in the floor level, the steps must be distinguished with contrasting strips on the edges.
• It is essential to provide handrails along the walls on either side of the corridor, at suitable heights above the floor level.

Kitchen 

• The design of the kitchen shall be as per the National Building Code (NBC) with natural lighting and ventilation.
• Mandatory gas leak detection systems should be installed in all kitchen and rooms with an attached kitchen.

Bathrooms

• Wash basins should be provided with provision of grab rails.
• Toilet paper roll dispensers should be able to withstand heavy loads.
• Bathrooms must have anti-skid tiles.
• Bathrooms should be provided with outward opening doors so that it can be accessed in an emergency.

Lighting and ventilation 

• Power back up facilities to be provided in each apartment of retirement home and with mandatory connection in bathroom and kitchen
• The lighting and ventilation for all buildings and components to be in compliance to Model Building Bye-Laws (MBBL) and NBC.
• Lightings in areas including corridors, lobby and lifts should be supplied with undisrupted electricity with power backup facility.

Safety and security

• Incorporate alarm system in the premises, especially with separate switches in main entry doors, bathroom, bedroom and common areas.
• Emergency alarm and lights controls at bedside and bathrooms near toilet seat.
• Appropriate safety measures in all electrical equipment
• Properly trained and skilled security personnel at all required locations to be deployed.
• Security guards should be deployed at ground floor at each entry and exit gates with access to intercom facilities and basic telephone facilities.
• Security personnel to restrict trespasser in society, entry passes for all visitors including service providers to be issued.
• CCTV cameras to be installed on each floor of the premises near lift area and in all the common areas, lobbies/receptiory all the gates, parks, etc.
• Surveillance of these CCTV footage to be monitored on regular basis by the security personnel.
• Emergency fire-fighting services, disaster preparedness for evacuation to be provided.
• Emergency and important contact numbers should be provide to all residents and displayed in all common areas i.e. outside lifts.

MahaRERA has called for suggestions and feedback from all stakeholders on the draft order on regulation of Retirement Homes by February 29, 2024 by email to suggestions.maharera@gmail.com

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