New Delhi, Sept. 9 -- Days after seven people were killed in the collapse of a five-storey PG building in south Delhi's Satya Niketan, the Delhi government has proposed new regulations aimed at bringing paying guest accommodations under a formal licensing, safety and rent-control framework. Under the proposed Paying Guest Accommodation Regulation and Welfare Bill, every PG in Delhi would have to register and obtain an operating licence from the zoning authority within 90 days. The process would require no-objection certificates from the police, municipal corporation and local administration. Registered PGs would also receive a unique Paying Guest Registration Number, with verified accommodation details to be listed on a proposed digital platform.
The proposed rules seek to regulate rents and security deposits as well. A Rent Regulation Committee would determine area-wise rent bands, while PG operators would be prohibited from charging more than three months' rent as a security deposit or taking more than three months' advance payment. Tenants would also have to be given a 30-day notice period before leaving. The framework proposes mandatory CCTV cameras at all entrances and common areas, with footage to be retained for 30 days. PGs housing 15 or more students would have to deploy security guards at night. Visitor registers would also be mandatory, along with the availability of a warden within a 500-metre radius.
A proposed GovPG portal would provide information on verified PGs, including rent, amenities and security arrangements. Students would be able to file complaints anonymously, while a compliance rating could help them assess accommodations before moving in. The proposal also calls for colleges and coaching centres to play a role through Institutional Accommodation Committees comprising faculty, student representatives, police and municipal officials. These committees would inspect PGs every quarter and would have a proposed 15-working-day deadline for resolving disputes. The proposed regulations follow the collapse of a five-storey boys' PG in Satya Niketan, where seven people, including five students and two labourers, were killed and five others were injured. The building collapsed while repair work was underway in its basement.
The proposal cites concerns including fire and safety violations, sexual harassment complaints, hidden cameras and arbitrary electricity charges as reasons for strengthening regulation of Delhi's PG sector.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.