FCC

Draft Rules To Modernise Maharashtra Housing Societies

2025-06-25

Maharashtra is poised to overhaul the way its 0.125 million co-operative housing societies—home to about 20 million people—are run. The Draft Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Rules, 2025, released for public comment on 15 April, promises digital-friendly governance, clearer redevelopment norms and less day-to-day State intervention. Below are the key proposals.

The one-off society registration fee would double to Rs 5,000, reflecting higher administrative costs. Annual General Meetings could be held online, provided at least two-thirds—or twenty—members join, and resolutions would need a simple majority of 51 per cent.

Managing committees could authorise urgent spending up to Rs 0.3 million without convening a general body, and fill casual vacancies without registrar approval. A formal name-reservation process replaces the old ad-hoc system.

For redevelopment, societies may raise bank finance up to ten times the land value, strengthening their bargaining power and supporting self-redevelopment. Every redevelopment meeting must give fourteen days’ notice, be video-recorded and include a registrar’s representative when appointing a builder.

A new “premised society” category would fold shop and office units into the co-operative so that they gain a statutory share in future redevelopment benefits.

Service charges for common areas would be split equally across flats, irrespective of size, while water charges would depend on tap count. Non-occupancy levies remain capped at ten per cent of service charges. Annual collections must include a sinking fund of at least 0.25 per cent and a repair fund of 0.75 per cent of construction cost.

Interest on overdue member dues is slated to fall from 21 per cent to 12 per cent, easing financial pressure on residents. A “provisional member” status would give a deceased owner’s nominee voting rights until legal transfer of title.

After public feedback is incorporated, the rules will go to the Co-operation Department for vetting and subsequent notification, paving the way for virtual AGMs, faster decisions and transparent redevelopment across the State.