Homeowners of Wuhan Greenland New Metropolis Community Protecting Their Rights


 

Severely Waterlogged Underground Garage


 

Unfinished Bonus Areas

          Recently, complaints were received alleging that Wuhan Greenland New Metropolis Community forcibly required homeowners to take possession of their apartments even though bonus areas were unfinished and strong electricity had not been connected, sparking a rights protection incident.

　　"Taking possession of a new home should be a happy occasion, but seeing the new home before us, all we feel is distress," a homeowner of Wuhan Greenland New Metropolis Community told reporters. April 30, 2013 was the handover date stipulated in the contract. Homeowners arrived at the community excitedly, only to find that their apartments were missing a bathroom, a balcony, or even a bedroom. According to the homeowners, the "missing" rooms were all bonus areas verbally promised by the developer, which would not be completed until four months later. "Asking us to take possession like this, how can we renovate?"

　　What made homeowners even more unacceptable was the extremely unreasonable installation of fire hydrants in the corridors. "Once a fire breaks out, when firefighters connect hoses, our doors can't even be opened. How can we escape?" In addition, some homeowners checked relevant national standards and said that the height of fire hydrants should not be lower than 1.1 meters, but the height of fire hydrants in this community is mostly between 0.9 and 1 meter, which can easily cause bump accidents and personal injury to children.

　　Furthermore, homeowners reported that the passages at the entrances of Buildings 8 and 9 are very narrow, making it impossible to bring in large renovation materials and furniture. According to Article 5.2.1 of the "Residential Building Code" (GB50368-2005), the clear width of unit corridors and public passages should not be less than 1.2 meters. However, the clear width of public passages in Buildings 8 and 9 is only 1.1 meters, far below the standard.

　　In addition to the above problems, the community is still using temporary electricity, and the underground garage is severely waterlogged. According to homeowners, the community plan originally included a power distribution room, but construction has not yet started. Greenland actually replied that the unfinished power distribution room does not affect occupancy. "We chose Greenland's housing for its big brand, but now it seems less reliable than small developers."

　　Nearly 300 homeowners, left with no other choice, launched a rights protection action. Greenland Group's Wuhan Branch only responded to the unfinished bonus areas, stating that the company has formulated an "Explanation of Housing Area Optimization" based on homeowners' requests. Within 45 working days from the start of area optimization construction, the conditions for homeowners to enter and renovate will be met. If the conditions are not met within this period, a penalty of 100 yuan per day will be paid. The "Explanation" will also include optimized housing drawings. As for other issues, as of press time, Greenland has not given any response.