By Mousmi Chouhan
New Delhi: Choosing a PG, hostel or rented flat is not just about location, rent and amenities. Before moving in, residents can carry out a few basic safety checks to identify obvious red flags and ask the owner or management for relevant approvals and safety documents.
These checks are particularly important in older or heavily occupied buildings. The National Disaster Response Force notes that dense populations, multi-storey buildings, poor construction and inadequate maintenance can increase the risks associated with structural collapse. It also stresses the importance of safe practices and compliance with building codes.
Here are five checks to make before moving in:
1. Check If The Building Matches Its Approved Plan
Ask the owner or management whether the building has an approved or sanctioned building plan and whether the structure matches the approved construction.
Look for obvious discrepancies, such as additional floors or major alterations that appear to have been carried out later. Delhi’s Municipal Corporation provides a building-plan sanction system and publishes information related to sanctioned plans and unauthorized construction.
A sanctioned plan should not be taken as proof that a building is structurally safe. However, unexplained additions or alterations are a reason to seek clarification before moving in.
2. Look At The Basement And Any Ongoing Construction
If the property has a basement, check for persistent waterlogging, seepage or other visible signs of water-related problems.
Also ask whether construction, renovation or structural alterations are underway. Avoid moving into an area where major structural work is taking place without understanding what work is being carried out and whether it has the required approvals.
The Satya Niketan building collapse has brought particular scrutiny to basement work and waterlogging. Reports from the site said repair work was underway in the basement and that waterlogging and seepage were issues at the building. However, these details are part of the ongoing investigation and should not be treated as a confirmed cause of the collapse.
3. Don’t Ignore Signs Of Structural Distress
During a viewing, look for visible signs such as significant structural cracks, noticeable deformation or other damage to structural elements.
However, residents should not attempt to determine a building’s structural safety simply by looking at a crack. Bureau of Indian Standards guidance on periodic building evaluation says that when a building shows signs of distress, such as structural cracks, an immediate structural evaluation may be undertaken by a registered or empanelled structural engineer.
If you notice serious or unexplained damage, ask the owner to have it assessed by a qualified structural professional before moving in.
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4. Check Fire Exits, Staircases And Escape Routes
A building may appear structurally sound but still pose a serious emergency risk if occupants cannot get out quickly.
Delhi Fire Service advises residents to keep escape routes and staircases free of obstructions. It also says people should be familiar with available escape routes and should not use lifts as a means of escape during a fire.
For buildings covered by Delhi’s fire-safety requirements, check whether the property has the applicable Fire Safety Certificate and whether escape routes and firefighting equipment are being properly maintained.
Delhi Fire Service states that its Fire Safety Certificate is subject to conditions, including keeping means of escape, entry and exit free of obstruction and maintaining firefighting equipment in working condition.
5. Ask When The Building Was Last Inspected
Don’t rely only on fresh paint, new furniture or a recently renovated room.
Ask the owner or management whether the building has undergone a structural inspection, particularly if it is an older property or has undergone significant alterations.
BIS guidance states that high-rise and special buildings should undergo a structural audit or inspection by a registered or empanelled structural engineer from the 10th year after the occupancy permit and every five years thereafter. It also says that if a building shows signs of distress, such as structural cracks, an evaluation may be conducted immediately.
Before You Sign The Rental Agreement
Check the building, not just the room.
Ask for information about the sanctioned building plan, applicable fire-safety certification and any recent structural inspection.
If you find unexplained structural damage, blocked escape routes, major unauthorised alterations or ongoing work that raises safety concerns, seek clarification before moving in.
NDRF guidance makes clear that structural-collapse risk can be linked to several factors, including construction quality, building type and maintenance. A visual check by a tenant cannot replace a professional structural assessment when one is warranted.
