MahaRERA Begins Massive Verification of OCs for 3,700 Lapsed Housing Projects in Maharashtra

Massive Verification Drive Initiated

In a major move, the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has launched a verification drive to authenticate occupancy certificates (OCs) uploaded for 3,699 lapsed housing projects. It was shared that letters are being dispatched to planning authorities across Maharashtra, seeking confirmation on the genuineness of these certificates.

Background: Crackdown on Non-Compliant Projects

Earlier, MahaRERA had issued notices to 10,773 lapsed projects, and following a lack of response, suspended the registrations of 1,950 projects while freezing their associated bank accounts. Subsequently, developers from 3,699 projects claimed completion and submitted their OCs on the regulatory portal.

Concern Over Fake Documents Triggers Action

After discovering instances where developers from the Kalyan-Dombivli belt submitted questionable OCs, MahaRERA reportedly decided to validate whether the certificates uploaded genuinely originated from the planning authorities.

10-Day Deadline for Verification

The regulator has requested that all relevant planning authorities verify and confirm the authenticity of the uploaded OCs within 10 days. It was indicated that in the absence of a response, MahaRERA would assume the documents to be genuine and accordingly mark the respective projects as completed.

Responsibility Shift to Planning Authorities

It has been communicated that if any discrepancies surface later, the liability will rest entirely with the planning authority that failed to report them within the stipulated time.

Region-Wise Breakup of Projects Under Review

Regulatory Compliance Framework

As per the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), all housing projects must be registered with MahaRERA before sales can commence. Developers are mandated to submit quarterly progress and annual audit reports during construction. Importantly, the OC issued by the local planning authority must be uploaded on the MahaRERA platform post-completion. Only after official acceptance of the OC can a promoter access all funds from the project’s designated escrow account.

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