What Do Residents Welfare Associations Do?

Resident welfare associations (RWAs) are an important part of community living. These bodies manage day-to-day issues faced by residents, conduct events or awareness programmes, maintain the facilities of apartment complexes and protect the rights of apartment owners. 

While different RWAs may have different set of rules to guard the interests of residents, the most common factors include safeguarding residents' safety, dignity and respect. These bodies are responsible for making sure that the residents are given a choice to select or refuse services.  Apart from this, RWAs ensure residents exercise their individual rights that do not infringe upon the rights or safety of others and are free from neglect, financial exploitation, or any kind of abuse. In case of any grievance, residents may suggest changes in policies and services to either staff or outside representatives. 

Legal action

RWAs elect members from the general body to form a management committee. This committee represents an RWA and looks into all the matters concerning the rights and duties of members. The panel has the right to take legal action against members guilty of any offence.

There are a number of property buyers who often complain that their developer has cheated them by  using low-quality construction material, besides not responding to their queries and failing to keep their promise. RWAs can file a case against such developers. RWAs can issue a notice to the developer first. If the developer fails to respond to the notice, the association can lodge a police complaint. A developer can be also sued for cheating, breach of contract, not responding to the grievance and delivery of poor quality construction.

On the other hand, RWAs can also be sued by members or parties, if they fails to meet their statutory obligation.