Government’s KAOMA Consultation Raises Hope for Comprehensive Apartment Law in Karnataka

Over 500 Apartment Representatives Participate as BAF Welcomes Government’s Assurance to Introduce Bill in Upcoming Assembly Session

Bengaluru, 15 July 2026: The Bengaluru Apartments Federation (BAF) has welcomed the Karnataka government’s public consultation on the draft Karnataka Apartment Ownership and Management Act (KAOMA)-2025, describing it as a major step towards creating a comprehensive legal framework for apartment ownership, management and self-governance in the state.

The consultation, chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, brought together more than 500 representatives from apartment communities across Bengaluru at Prof. U.R. Rao Hall, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium. Participants shared suggestions on key aspects of apartment ownership, maintenance, governance and residents’ rights.

BAF said the government’s assurance that the draft legislation would be refined after considering public feedback and introduced during the upcoming Karnataka Legislative Assembly session has renewed confidence among apartment residents who have been awaiting such a law for several years.

The meeting was also attended by Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department Tushar Girinath, and senior officials of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and the Urban Development Department.

BAF President Satish Mallya said the Federation fully supports the government’s initiative to enact a comprehensive law governing apartment ownership and management.

“This was not merely a consultation on a draft Bill; it was a historic exercise in which the Government directly listened to the voices of lakhs of apartment residents. Karnataka needs a comprehensive law that safeguards the rights of apartment owners, clearly defines the responsibilities of builders, strengthens the powers of apartment associations, and promotes transparent and self-governed community management,” he said.

Welcoming the Chief Minister’s assurance to introduce the Bill after incorporating public suggestions, Mallya described it as an encouraging development for apartment communities across the state.

BAF General Secretary K. Arun Kumar said residents had submitted several constructive recommendations aimed at strengthening the proposed legislation.

“The suggestions focused on protecting the rights of apartment owners, promoting democratic self-governance, enhancing builder accountability, improving transparency, clearly defining the role of the Competent Authority, and reducing future legal disputes,” he said.

During the consultation, apartment residents raised more than 60 questions, all of which were addressed by Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and Additional Chief Secretary Tushar Girinath.

The Karnataka government has invited public comments and suggestions on the draft KAOMA Bill until August 5, 2026. Stakeholders can submit their feedback via email to kaomablr@gmail.com.

Appealing to apartment residents to actively participate in the consultation process, BAF said the proposed legislation presents an opportunity to shape a modern legal framework for apartment living in Karnataka.

“We sincerely hope Karnataka will soon have a modern, transparent and progressive law that protects the rights of apartment residents. BAF remains committed to extending constructive support to the Government in this important legislative initiative,” the Federation said.