First-of-its-kind move aims to prevent default on transit rent and speed up rehabilitation projects.

Mumbai SRA Starts Freezing Builders’ Sale Flats to Secure Slum Dwellers’ Rent.

First, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has begun freezing sale flats and commercial units belonging to developers to secure transit rent and permanent housing for eligible slum dwellers. The measure involves earmarking sale flats equivalent to three years of rent, which will remain frozen until new homes are handed over and all rent dues are cleared. According to SRA officials, this early-stage action is intended to prevent builders from defaulting on rent obligations during project delays. Earlier, developers were mandated to deposit two years’ advance rent; the new policy strengthens safeguards further. As per an SRA circular, flats—generally from lower floors—will be identified based on rent liability and ready reckoner valuation, and cannot be sold, mortgaged, or transferred. SRA CEO Mahindra Kalyankar said pending rent had long troubled slum dwellers, adding that the authority has already collected over ₹1,000 crore in rent. He noted that the reforms align with SRA’s goal of delivering 5 lakh-plus homes by 2030, while ensuring tenants receive timely dues and projects are completed faster in Mumbai.