India, July 23 -- In many apartment complexes, residents often justify alterations by pointing to what others have already done. "Everyone has enclosed their balcony," or "Several neighbours have extended their bedrooms," are common arguments during renovation disputes. Legally, however, one unauthorised alteration does not justify another.

If a flat owner erects a permanent shade over a balcony, encloses it to create additional living space, or demolishes partition walls to enlarge a bedroom without obtaining the approvals required under the sanctioned building plan or municipal laws, those changes remain unauthorised, even if several other residents have carried out similar works.

Recognising the confusion faced by homeowners, the Bom...