RERA in Maharashtra explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
MahaRERA is Maharashtra\'s real estate regulator under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Projects over 500 sq m or with more than 8 units must register before marketing, keep 70% of allottee funds in escrow, file quarterly updates, and adhere to declared timelines. Agents must register too. Verify current fees on maharera.maharashtra.gov.in.
Overview
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) created state-level regulators to protect homebuyers and bring transparency to real estate. Maharashtra was an early and active implementer through the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA), which registers projects and agents, adjudicates complaints, and enforces disclosure and fund-utilisation discipline.
Applicable Law and Authority
The governing law is the RERA Act, 2016, read with the Maharashtra Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules, 2017 and MahaRERA regulations and orders. MahaRERA is the regulatory authority; a separate Real Estate Appellate Tribunal hears appeals against its orders.
Who Must Register
Registration is mandatory before any advertising, marketing, booking or sale where:
- the land proposed to be developed exceeds 500 square metres; or
- the project has more than 8 apartments (counting all phases together); and
- the project has not received a completion certificate before the Act\'s commencement.
Real estate agents dealing in registered projects must obtain separate agent registration and quote the number in all dealings.
Registration Process and Fees
Promoters apply online on the MahaRERA portal with project details, approvals, title and encumbrance particulars, the proforma agreement, the declaration on Form B, and the fee (a per-square-metre fee that varies by area, subject to a cap). The table summarises the key registration types.
| Registration type | Who applies | Fee basis (indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Project registration | Promoter/developer | Per sq m of area, varying by project type, subject to cap |
| Agent registration — individual | Broker/agent | Fixed fee (lower) |
| Agent registration — entity | Firm/company | Fixed fee (higher) |
| Extension of registration (Sec 6) | Promoter | Half the original registration fee (indicative) |
Fees are indicative; confirm current amounts on the MahaRERA portal.
Key Obligations — the 70% Rule and Disclosures
The cornerstone financial discipline is the 70% escrow rule under Section 4(2)(l)(D): at least 70% of amounts realised from allottees must be deposited in a separate designated bank account and used only for land and construction cost of that project. Withdrawals are permitted in proportion to project completion and must be certified by a practising engineer, architect and chartered accountant. Promoters must also upload quarterly progress reports, maintain accurate project pages, and adhere to the declared carpet-area-based selling.
Timelines, Complaints and Penalties
Registration is valid for the declared completion period, extendable under Section 6. Allottees, promoters or agents can file complaints with MahaRERA, with appeals to the Appellate Tribunal. Penalties are significant: up to 10% of the estimated project cost for non-registration (Section 59), and further penalties or imprisonment up to three years for continued default. False information and contravention of orders attract their own penalties under Sections 60–64.