13-November-2026:
On 12 November, Uttar Pradesh RERA set out how promoters should seek homebuyers’ consent for changes to sanctioned project plans. The authority called for written disclosure of the proposed modifications and a standard consent format. Section 14 of the national RERA Act already requires prior written consent from at least two-thirds of the relevant allottees, excluding the promoter, for covered changes to sanctioned plans, layouts and common areas. The Act separately addresses alterations to an individual unit and provides for limited exceptions.
Consider a family that bought a flat after studying where the children’s play area, lift and access road would sit. A revision may leave the size of its flat untouched while changing how the family uses the development every day. A generic consent clause signed at booking gives the buyer little basis to judge such a change. Even a full set of technical drawings can obscure the difference if the original and revised plans are hard to compare.
State regulators should require a one-page change sheet with the two drawings side by side, the revised areas marked and an explanation of the effects on access, amenities and maintenance. Buyers should receive it before the consent window opens. The authority should be able to audit who received which version, when consent was recorded and whether the approved plan matches the version shown to buyers.
UP RERA’s implementation will be worth watching. Its test will come when the revised plan is less attractive to some buyers and they need enough information and time to decide whether to sign.
