New Delhi: In a major move aimed at boosting the sale of its flats, including those constructed before 2021, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has decided to take over day-to-day maintenance of these complexes.The authority will collect quarterly charges from flat owners and provide routine services such as 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 services will also include minor repairs and maintenance of common areas such as staircases, lift lobbies and corridors, and maintenance of STP-treated water supply lines used for horticultural use.DDA will continue to manage day-to-day maintenance until occupancy in a housing pocket reaches 80% or until a residents’ welfare association is registered with DDA, whichever occurs later. For unsold flats, DDA will pay service charges to the RWA as decided under its bylaws.A standard operating procedure (SOP) specifying a structured mechanism to address day-to-day maintenance issues in various DDA housing pockets was recently approved by the competent authority, according to a notification. The SOP will come into effect from April 1, 2026.It 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 the pockets under the housing schemes announced between 2010 and 2021. For the flats allotted under the schemes launched in 2023 and thereafter, the maintenance cost for the first year was already collected along with the capital maintenance cost. As a result, regular service charges will be levied only after the 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 at the time of selling flats, DDA collected a one-time capital maintenance charge from allottees for major repair or revamp works, such as improving the entire sewerage system, whitewashing or undertaking 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.Monthly service charges will be levied per square metre of the plinth area, based on the flat category and the building typology, with the applicable GST charged separately. Initial rates were calculated on the basis of estimated inputs received from the engineering zones and averaged for uniformity.For subsequent financial years, the rates will be determined pocket-wise based on the actual expenditure incurred during the preceding year, pending liabilities and the cost inflation index notified by Central Board of Direct Taxes. These rates will be approved annually by the competent authority or the chief engineer of the zone concerned.Service charges will be billed quarterly and residents will be given a grace period of 10 calendar days from the date of billing to make the 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 case of non-payment, the dues can be recovered as arrears of land revenue under Regulation 17 of Delhi Development Authority (Management and Disposal of Housing Estates) Regulations, 1968.
