Maharashtra Housing Society Rules 2026

Maharashtra’s 2026 amendment gives co-operative housing societies a dedicated set of rules for the first time. The new Chapter XI-B, covering Rules 106C-1 to 106C-14, replaces the use of several general co-operative rules for housing societies and creates a more housing-specific framework.

For resale buyers, the most important changes concern membership and transfer of flats. An ordinary member must hold at least five shares and pay a ₹500 entrance fee, along with submitting the required registered ownership document. The rules also formalise associate, joint, nominal and provisional membership.

A provisional member may represent a deceased member temporarily as a nominee or legal heir, but does not automatically receive ownership rights or a place on the share certificate. This is particularly important when purchasing a flat from heirs. The final ownership record must still be completed through the appropriate succession and society process.

The rules also recognise transfers through a registered family-arrangement deed, subject to a public notice process. This gives families a clearer route for documenting internal property arrangements, but buyers should still ensure that the society records, share certificate and title papers are consistent.

Maintenance charges are now more clearly apportioned. Service charges are to be shared equally per flat, while property tax, insurance and lease rent are linked to carpet area. Water charges may be based on taps, non-occupancy charges are capped at 10% of service charges, and interest on unpaid dues cannot exceed 12% simple interest.

The new framework should make society records and charges easier to understand. But buyers should not assume every society has already updated its systems. A resale purchase still requires careful review of the share certificate, society dues, transfer records and committee correspondence.

What buyers should do: Ask for a written statement of pending dues, maintenance breakup, membership status and any succession or family-arrangement documents before purchasing a resale flat.