No multiple associations can be formed in a single apartment complex: Karnataka Apartment (Ownership and Management) Bill, 2026

The Karnataka Apartment (Ownership and Management) Bill, 2026 prohibits the formation of multiple associations within a single apartment complex. The draft Bill, presented during the Monsoon Session on August 19, initially proposed a federation to manage shared infrastructure, but this provision was removed in the final version.

Each project will now have a single registered association, although subcommittees may be formed as needed. For phased developments, the required majority for association formation is determined by the first phase. Occupants or flat owners will be added to the same association after each phase completion.

The promoter must establish the association within three months of flat allocations, and the governing body must be registered with the relevant authority. Earlier, the authority could impose penalties for late registration; now, it can also create and operationalize the association.

Initially, community and commercial facilities were meant for flat owners and occupants, with restricted use by others after two-thirds approval at a general meeting. The final Bill strictly bars non-flat owners from accessing these facilities, even on a commercial basis. Defaulters in common expenses can be penalized by the association through recovery, interest, or legal action.

In case of redevelopment, the executive committee can be dissolved with approval from the second appellate authority, leading to the formation of a new committee. The government must appoint a second appellate authority within three months of the Act's commencement, either through local or planning authority officers. If sale agreements exist for flats before the Act's start but deeds are not executed, the new Bill's provisions apply at the time of deed execution.

However, for flats with executed sale deeds before the Act's commencement, the former laws apply for transfer deeds.