Maharashtra Housing Federation Calls for Clarity on Parking Charges and Redevelopment Rules

The Maharashtra Housing Federation has expressed concern over the parking, maintenance dues, redevelopment, membership, governance, and flat transfer issues in the Maharashtra government's proposed Model Bye-Laws 2026 for cooperative housing societies. The Maharashtra State Co-operative Housing and Apartment Federation has suggested a few amendments prior to the finalisation of the proposed bye-laws.

The federation has urged the state government to clarify the provisions to make the laws more specific and practical for housing societies and their members to understand their rights and responsibilities. It has also suggested that the proposed framework should be in sync with the new Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act and Rules, and the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA).

Over 700 emails were received by the Cooperation Department from citizens with suggestions and objections regarding the draft Model Bye-Laws 2026. The comment period for suggestions and objections ended on August 27. The feedback received from housing federations and other stakeholders is being assessed now.

One of the major areas highlighted by the federation is parking. It has asked for the review of the parking-related clauses in the proposed bye-laws in the backdrop of the Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act, the RERA, and the laws pertaining to common areas. The federation has urged clarity on the rights of parking in order to minimize parking disputes among members and housing society management.

The federation has also highlighted the issues of dues recovery and maintenance, transfer of flats, membership, and redevelopment. Representatives from residential developments have requested more clarity about the role of representatives and members in all matters that involve the society.

Another key topic that continues to be discussed is redevelopment. The proposed by-laws aim to offer a clearer and more orderly approach to issues in connection with redevelopment. The federation has also requested clarification of the powers, duties, and accountability of the administrators and authorised officers deployed to run the affairs of the society.

In the case of a Maharashtra cooperative housing society, having more precise rules might be able to create clearer procedures for regular administration and significant decisions. The federation has also identified some provisions that should be updated to account for new developments in the law and regulations.

Recommendations do not just involve parking and redevelopment. The federation has recommended a procedure in relation to double share certificates and name changes of members after the Official Gazette has been published. It has also asked for more definite rules on the probate of wills and the voting and ballot rights of various categories of members.

The draft Model Bye-Laws 2026 also covers the newer problems that have been cropping up in housing societies, such as digital communication, charging of EVs, structural safety, and redressal of grievances. Representatives of the housing federation have requested that these provisions be made clear enough to be put into practice.

The draft Model Bye-Laws 2026 have not been finalised yet. The Cooperation Department is considering the recommendations and concerns being heard in the consultation process. The final provisions will thus be arrived at after being considered by the Government based on the feedback received from the housing societies, federations, and other stakeholders.