How do you distinguish between Retirement Housing Projects and the Rest?

In a one-of-a-kind initiative, MAHARERA has stepped in to safeguard the interests and rights of the Senior Citizens. Adapting to the changing trends, there has been a rise in the demands for Retirement Housing Projects. However, developer fall short in providing the basic minimum criteria for these housing projects. Hence MAHARERA has developed model guidelines that must be met, including building’s construction norms as per the needs of senior citizens.

Guidelines:

- A building of more than one floor should have an elevator

- All lifts should have audio visual system

- Easy wheelchair access to enter and exit the lift

- Mandatory ramps for unhindered wheelchair access

-Doors should be larger than 900 mm, preferably, sliding door's

- Furniture provided should be light in weight, sturdy and without sharp edges

-Width of stairs should not be less than 1500 mm

-Handrails should be fitted on both sides of the staircase

- There should not be a fully open and spiral staircase

Staircase should not have over 12 steps

- Building corridors should not have any steps

Ramps should also be provided wherever necessary

-Handles should also be placed at a specific height for convenience

- Wherever there is a difference in the level, there should be an indication in easily noticeable bold color

- Kitchen should have gas leak detection system

-Bathroom should have a wash basin with provision of grab rails

Bathrooms must have anti-skid tiles

- Toilet door should open outwards

- There should backup arrangement for electricity.