In a decisive move to empower homebuyers, Maharashtra’s real estate watchdog, MahaRERA, has issued an immediate mandate demanding unprecedented transparency in housing ads. Effective now, developers across the state must prominently display crucial project details – the MahaRERA registration number, the official MahaRERA website address, and a project-specific QR code – at a size equal to or larger than their own contact information.
Going a step further, MahaRERA is stipulating that these vital regulatory details must be presented in a clearly visible color and positioned in the top right corner of all advertisements. This strategic placement and size requirement aim to ensure that homebuyers can effortlessly verify a project’s registration status and access essential information with a quick glance or scan.
MahaRERA has made it clear that non-compliance will not be tolerated. Developers found flouting these new guidelines will face an immediate penalty of up to ₹50,000. Furthermore, failure to rectify the violation within ten days of the initial penalty will be considered a continuous breach, attracting further action as outlined under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.
This stringent directive comes in response to MahaRERA’s observation that developers often obscure these critical details in advertisements – using small, barely legible fonts, inconspicuous placements, and faint colors. Such practices directly undermine the regulator’s core objectives of fostering transparency and safeguarding consumer interests. By making these details easily accessible and instantly verifiable, MahaRERA intends to equip prospective buyers with the necessary tools to make informed decisions.
The new rules apply universally across all advertising platforms, encompassing traditional print media like newspapers and leaflets, digital channels including websites and social media, as well as outdoor advertising such as banners and hoardings, and even direct messaging platforms like WhatsApp.
MahaRERA is urging all stakeholders, particularly developers, to embrace and diligently adhere to these updated guidelines. The regulator emphasizes that this move is in the long-term interest of a transparent and trustworthy real estate sector. It will be ultimately benefiting both buyers and responsible developers.
Key Changes Highlighted:
- Mandatory prominent display: MahaRERA registration number, website, and project QR code must be as large as or larger than contact details.
- Specific placement and color: Regulatory details must be in a visible color and in the top right quadrant of the ad.
- Immediate effect: The new rules are effective immediately as of April 10th.
- Significant penalties: Initial fines up to ₹50,000 for violations, with further action for continued non-compliance.
- Broad applicability: Covers all forms of advertising.
- Focus on transparency: Aims to make it easy for homebuyers to verify project registration.
This rephrased version aims to be original by using different vocabulary, sentence structures, and by framing the announcement with a stronger emphasis on the “why” behind the new regulations and the impact on homebuyers and the industry.
Read More : MahaRERA Mandates prominent display of registration details in housing project advertisements
