Mumbai: In a major reform aimed at improving transparency, accountability and governance in cooperative housing societies, the Maharashtra Government has officially notified amendments to the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Rules, 1961accordingThe to reliable sources. The revised regulations seek to address long-pending issues related to maintenance charges, nominations, inheritance, redevelopment, society administration and members’ rights.
The new rules are expected to benefit lakhs of residents across Maharashtra by bringing greater uniformity in the functioning of housing societies.
Key Highlights of the New Rules
Equal Service Charges: Common service charges must be shared equally among all flats.
Water Charges: Water charges will be calculated based on the number of taps in each flat.
Parking Allocation: Car parking spaces will be allotted through decisions taken by the General Body.
Non-Occupancy Charges: Capped at a maximum of 10% of the service charges.
Interest on Dues: Interest on delayed maintenance payments has been reduced from 21% to 12% per annum.
Society Registration Fee: Increased from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000.
Maintenance Expenditure: Annual maintenance expenditure limits have been revised according to the size of the society.
Mandatory Funds: Members must contribute a minimum of 0.25% of the construction cost towards the sinking fund and 0.75% towards the repair and maintenance fund.
Self-Redevelopment: Housing societies undertaking self-redevelopment can now raise loans of up to 10 times the value of their land, based on valuations by empanelled valuers.
Commercial Premises: The rules now formally recognise ‘premises societies’, bringing commercial establishments and shops within the cooperative housing framework.
Provisional Membership: Nominees of deceased members can be granted provisional membership with voting rights until the transfer of ownership is completed.
Housing Associations: Provision introduced for forming associations of multiple cooperative housing societies located within the same layout.
Virtual Participation: Special General Body Meetings for redevelopment can now be attended online, subject to prescribed quorum requirements and proper record-keeping.
The amendments also streamline procedures relating to nomination, succession and transfer of flats, while strengthening the financial management of societies. The State Government believes the new framework will reduce disputes, improve transparency and ensure more efficient administration of cooperative housing societies across Maharashtra.