Harish Kewalramani 19 September 2021

Flat renovation with construction of toilet

Hi,

We have recently bought a flat in a 10+ year old building in Mumbai suburbs. We have just started the renovation work and came to a rude shock when society declined the request to construct a toilet within the flat. This isn’t any additional toilet, it was part of the approved plan handed over to me as part of agreement by the seller.

When building was constructed, the then owner requested not to create this toilet in one of the bedroom to have a larger area. However, the builder has provisioned for the plumbing line outside and sewage pipe is also passing through the duct beside this area. The society is saying that we can still go ahead for construction if we so wish but we cannot connect the sewage and bathroom exit to society line as that is against the policy. They are suggesting to take the bathroom exit to nearby other bathroom in the house through floor which according to me is both impractical and high on maintenance in case of any leakages.

We have a super senior citizen in our family who needs a dedicated toilet due to her gait and balance problem. We need to have her bathroom dry at all times to avoid any accidents and hence we don’t wish to have her share her bathroom with kids etc.

Request the expert advise if society has the rights to stop us from going ahead with this work and stop us from not using the common sewage line outside this area. Am open to explore the legal route but not sure if the society stand is tenable.

Regards

Reply Follow

3 Replies

Rama chary Rachakonda (Secunderabad/Telangana state Highcourt practice watsapp no.9989324294 ) 19 September 2021

you can submit your grievance to registrar of societies

Harish Kewalramani 19 September 2021

Thanks Mr. Rachankonda sir for the time and efforts, appreciate your inputs. Considering this for sure and will share the update as well. Looking for more inputs from experts from Mumbai in case there are other options as well. Thanks in advance for your efforts.

redef fdeed 26 August 2025

That sounds like a really tough and frustrating situation, especially since the toilet space was part of the original approved plan. From what I know, housing societies do have significant control over modifications that connect to shared infrastructure like sewage lines, and often their policies are pretty rigid. If the bathroom was shown in the sanctioned plans, though, you may have grounds to push back—either through the builder’s documentation or by consulting a local property lawyer who can check if the society’s refusal is actually enforceable under municipal bylaws.

Since this also impacts a senior citizen in your family, you could consider highlighting the accessibility and safety angle when negotiating with the society—it sometimes makes them more cooperative if the request is framed as a health and safety necessity.

On a lighter note, once the renovation hurdles are sorted, you’ll have a chance to really make the new flat feel fresh and welcoming. Even small design touches like adding a tropical wall mural in a bedroom or living area can instantly change the vibe and make the space more uplifting—something that can help offset the stress of dealing with renovation politics.