8 Years After Possession, MahaRERA Orders Repairs at Crescent Bay Parel

Crescent Bay Residents Secure MahaRERA Order

Nearly eight years after residents began receiving possession at Crescent Bay Tower 5 in Parel, MahaRERA has directed the project's developer to complete outstanding repairs and safety-related works.

The complaint was pursued by the chairperson of the L&T Crescent Bay T-5 Co-operative Housing Society with authorisation from its members.

The September 3 order was passed against L&T Parel Project LLP, a joint venture between Larsen & Toubro Realty and Omkar Realtors & Developers.

What Problems Did Residents Report?

The dispute involved more than routine maintenance.

Residents sought permanent rectification of leakages, completion of the automatic fire alarm system, correction of other work deficiencies and proper physical demarcation of the project's boundaries.

The society also wanted outstanding dues from defaulting neighbouring towers recovered and credited to the common-area fund.

Apartments Were Handed Over in 2018

Tower 5 received its occupancy certificate on March 15, 2018, and possession was handed over by September 4, 2018.

However, residents continued to report problems in subsequent years.

The developer argued during proceedings that various rectification measures had been undertaken after defects were brought to its attention. MahaRERA nevertheless found that several issues remained pending.

MahaRERA Protects Earlier Defect Complaints

The key issue was whether the expiry of the defect-liability period could affect the residents' claims.

MahaRERA found that complaints concerning defects had already been raised within the applicable periods.

The authority therefore concluded that subsequent expiry of those periods could not nullify complaints that were raised on time but remained unresolved.

The developer has now been directed to fully complete the pending works, including effective leakage rectification, safety-related measures and boundary demarcation.

For homebuyers, the ruling highlights the importance of formally reporting defects as soon as they are discovered and preserving records of communication with the developer.

Sandeep Sadh’s Take:

“For homebuyers, the lesson is simple: report defects formally and within the prescribed period. Taking possession does not mean genuine construction and safety issues should remain unresolved indefinitely.”