The 5-Year Structural Defect Liability Period
Section 14(3) of the RERA Act is the strongest shield for homebuyers. In Bangalore, if you discover leakage in your slab, walls, or plumbing within 5 years of possession, the builder is legally bound to fix it. This is not a ‘favor’ the builder does; it is a statutory obligation.
Structural Defect
Leakages that compromise the integrity of the building or cause significant damage.
Timeline
The 5-year clock starts from the date of the Occupancy Certificate (OC) or actual possession.
How to Properly Notify Your Builder
Many homebuyers make the mistake of complaining over WhatsApp or phone calls. For a K-RERA complaint to be successful, you must establish a ‘Paper Trail’. A formal legal notice sent via Registered Post is the only recognized proof of notification in court.
Pro Tip: Always attach photographs, videos, and a third-party engineer’s report showing the source of leakage to your notice.
Steps to Take When the Builder Refuses Repairs
If the builder ignores your request or performs a ‘patchwork’ repair that fails, you have three primary legal routes in Bangalore.
Action Checklist
Claiming Compensation for Water Damage
Beyond just fixing the leak, you can claim compensation for the damage caused to your interiors (paint, wooden flooring, electronics). K-RERA has the power to order the builder to pay monetary compensation for the mental agony and financial loss caused by structural negligence.
