Recent Developments in MahaRERA: Strengthening Governance and Transparency in Maharashtra’s Real Estate Sector by CA Lalit Pawar
1. Introduction
The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) continues to evolve as a key regulatory body in ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the state’s real estate sector. Established under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, MahaRERA’s mission has consistently revolved around protecting homebuyers’ interests, regulating promoters and real estate agents, and fostering trust among stakeholders.
In the past year, MahaRERA has implemented several impactful measures—ranging from stringent compliance regulations for developers to mandatory certifications for real estate agents and quality assurance frameworks. These reforms aim to elevate professional standards in the real estate industry, instil buyer confidence, and encourage sustainable development practices across Maharashtra.
2. Enforcement and Compliance: Tackling Developer Lapses
2.1 Suspension of Non-Compliant Projects
In a significant move towards enforcing accountability, MahaRERA in January 2025 temporarily suspended registrations of 1,950 lapsed real estate projects across Maharashtra. This decision was taken after developers failed to update project statuses or respond to notices, which is a clear violation of RERA obligations. The authority also initiated the freezing of associated bank accounts, ensuring that homebuyers’ investments are not jeopardized.
Furthermore, MahaRERA has signalled impending action against an additional more than 3000 non-compliant or lapsed projects, thereby reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy towards negligence and delayed updates. Such initiatives send a strong message to developers, underscoring the importance of transparency and adherence to legal mandates.
“This proactive step aims to safeguard consumer interests and bring errant developers under the regulatory ambit,” a senior official commented.
2.2 Timelines for Amenities and Facilities
In August 2024, MahaRERA introduced a directive mandating developers to declare the delivery timelines for every promised amenity and facility listed during the project launch. Whether it be clubhouses, swimming pools, or parking spaces, developers are now required to mention specific dates for completion and handover.
This provision is intended to reduce instances of delayed or undelivered facilities—a common grievance among homebuyers. Importantly, real estate developer associations have largely supported this move, recognizing it as a step forward in boosting customer trust and industry credibility.
3. Enhancing Professional Standards: Certification for Real Estate Agents
3.1 Mandatory Registration and Training
From January 1, 2024, MahaRERA made it compulsory for all real estate agents operating in Maharashtra to obtain official certification and register with the authority. This applies to both individual brokers and agencies engaged in any form of real estate transactions, whether for sale, purchase, or lease.
Agents are now required to undergo a certification exam, which tests their knowledge of RERA regulations, ethical practices, documentation norms, and consumer rights. Those without certification are barred from facilitating deals, and MahaRERA has warned of penalties against unregistered practitioners.
The primary objective is to instil professionalism, ensure fair practices, and eliminate the presence of untrained intermediaries who may misguide buyers and sellers.
“Just as doctors and lawyers are certified professionals, so too must real estate agents be qualified to offer sound guidance,”
4. Consumer-Centric Policies: Empowering Homebuyers
4.1 MahaRERA Guidelines for Informed Decisions
In January 2025, MahaRERA issued a comprehensive set of guidelines for homebuyers to assist them in making safe and well-informed property investments. These guidelines recommend buyers to:
• Verify approvals from local planning authorities before booking.
• Check for pending litigations or legal notices against the project.
• Scrutinize the agreement for clarity on amenities, parking provisions, and penalty clauses.
• Ensure MahaRERA registration of the project and real estate agent involved.
This initiative promotes greater awareness and educates consumers about due diligence procedures, which are often overlooked during emotionally driven purchase decisions.
5. Strengthening Infrastructure and Quality: New Quality Assurance Framework
5.1 Third-Party Quality Inspections
Recognizing the importance of construction quality, MahaRERA has proposed a third-party quality control system for all registered projects. Under this initiative, an independent inspection agency will assess the project’s quality during critical stages, especially prior to final possession.
Initially launched as a voluntary mechanism, this initiative is expected to become mandatory in due course. It aims to reduce disputes related to poor workmanship and structural defects, which are increasingly being reported in consumer forums and legal courts.
6. Organizational Reforms and Digital Initiatives
6.1 New Leadership
The Maharashtra Government appointed IAS officer Mr. Manoj Saunik as Chairman of MahaRERA, along with Mr. Prakash Sabale as Secretary. Their leadership brings with it a vision of modernizing the regulatory framework, simplifying registration procedures, and streamlining grievance redressal mechanisms.
6.2 Digital Platforms and Reforms
MahaRERA is increasingly embracing digitization to ensure accessibility and real-time monitoring. Some of the noteworthy digital reforms include:
• Online dashboards for project status updates
• Automated reminders for compliance deadlines
• Digital grievance filing and arbitration systems
7. Revised Agreement Formats: Clarity and Uniformity
As part of its legal reforms, MahaRERA recently introduced revised formats for “Agreement to Sell” and “Allotment Letter”, now applicable across all registered projects. These formats mandate:
• Specific mention of parking allocation
• List of amenities with delivery timelines
• Structured clauses on interest payments, possession delays, and force majeure events
• Maintenance of three separate RERA-linked bank accounts (for land cost, construction, and overheads)
This change seeks to bring uniformity and legal clarity, minimizing potential disputes during registration or possession stages.
8. Conclusion
The recent updates by MahaRERA reflect a strategic and consumer-centric transformation in Maharashtra’s real estate landscape. Through stringent regulatory actions, mandatory professional certifications, improved buyer awareness, and quality assurance initiatives, MahaRERA has reinforced its role as a proactive and transparent regulator.
These measures are expected to yield long-term benefits by:
• Increasing consumer trust
• Elevating construction quality
• Streamlining real estate transactions
• Boosting professional ethics among developers and agents
As the real estate market continues to recover and grow, MahaRERA’s policies will play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and transparent ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders—buyers, developers, agents, and the government alike.
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Blog by CA Lalit Pawar
Recent Developments in MahaRERA: Strengthening Governance and Transparency in Maharashtra’s Real Estate Sector
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information about the importance of checking the RERA website after buying a home. For specific advice and guidance related to your situation, please consult with a RERA expert or a real estate lawyer. Also, always refer to the official MahaRERA website (maharera.maharashtra.gov.in).
Note: As per ICAI guidelines, please remember that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Consult a qualified professional for specific guidance related to your situation.
Author CA Lalit Ashok Pawar
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