Kamal Ghorui
In a move aimed at improving upkeep in its residential complexes and boosting demand for its housing inventory, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has decided to take over day-to-day maintenance of its flats, including those constructed before 2021. The new system will come into force from April 1, 2026, according to a notification reviewed by TOI.Under the decision, DDA will collect quarterly service charges from flat owners and directly manage routine services across housing pockets. These services will include security, sweeping of common areas, cleaning of roof and overhead and underground water tanks, basement upkeep, maintenance of electrical installations and lifts, and cleaning of garbage chute areas.The authority will also undertake minor repairs and maintenance of common spaces such as staircases, lift lobbies and corridors, besides maintaining STP-treated water supply lines used for horticultural purposes.DDA will continue to manage maintenance until occupancy in a housing pocket reaches 80% or until a residents’ welfare association (RWA) is registered with DDA, whichever occurs later. In the case of unsold flats, DDA will pay service charges to the RWA as determined under its bylaws.The mechanism has been formalised through a standard operating procedure (SOP) approved by the competent authority to create a structured system for handling day-to-day maintenance across DDA housing complexes.“The SOP will be operationalised in a time-bound and coordinated manner to ensure efficient delivery of maintenance services, clarity of roles and accountability among the departments concerned,” the notification stated.According to the SOP, the provisions will apply to housing pockets under schemes launched between 2010 and 2021. Flats allotted under schemes introduced in 2023 and thereafter already include maintenance costs for the first year, collected along with capital maintenance charges. As a result, regular service charges for these projects will be levied only after completion of the first year.“Where this period is already completed, bills will be generated with the addition of arrears,” the SOP stated.Officials explained that when DDA sold flats earlier, it collected a one-time capital maintenance charge from buyers for major repair works such as improving sewerage systems, whitewashing and structural repairs.“However, day-to-day maintenance charges were not collected under the schemes introduced till 2021. That is why a decision has now been taken to implement a regular maintenance mechanism,” an official said.Under the new system, monthly service charges will be calculated per square metre of plinth area, based on the flat category and building typology, with GST applicable separately. Initial rates have been derived from estimated inputs provided by engineering zones and averaged to ensure uniformity.From subsequent financial years onward, rates will be determined pocket-wise based on actual expenditure in the previous year, pending liabilities and the cost inflation index notified by the Central Board of Direct Taxes. These revised charges will be approved annually by the competent authority or the chief engineer of the concerned zone.Residents will receive quarterly bills and will have a grace period of 10 calendar days from the date of billing to make payment without interest.“Payments can be made through digital platforms or at cash deposit counters in the complex. If payment is not received within 10 days, simple interest at the rate of 12% per annum will be levied. Interest will be calculated from the date of billing,” the authority stated.In cases of continued non-payment, dues may be recovered as arrears of land revenue under Regulation 17 of the Delhi Development Authority (Management and Disposal of Housing Estates) Regulations, 1968.
