Key Highlights

Upcoming Cooperative Housing Society Bylaws 2025-26: Key Highlights and Reforms
The Cooperative Housing Sector in Maharashtra is set for a major overhaul. The state government has released draft amendments to the Model Bylaws 2025-26, aiming to simplify governance, accelerate digital participation, and streamline financial and operational procedures. These changes propose a modern, standardized framework to address both legacy challenges and emerging needs.

Key Proposed Reforms
1. Digital Governance: Virtual AGMs

Societies will be allowed to conduct Annual General Meetings (AGMs) online.
Quorum rules remain unchanged: two-thirds or 20 members, whichever is lower.
If quorum isn't met, the adjourned meeting can be reconvened within 7 to 30 days without a fresh quorum requirement.

2. Provisional Membership for Legal Heirs

Heirs of deceased members may attend meetings as provisional (non-voting) members until legal ownership is transferred.

3. Fair and Practical Charges

Common service charges to be equally divided among all flats.
Water charges to be based on the number of taps in each unit, encouraging fair and usage-based billing.

4. Reduced Interest on Dues

Interest on outstanding payments to be lowered from 21% to 12% simple interest per annum.

5. Strengthened Financial Reserves

Minimum 0.25% of the construction cost to be allocated annually to the sinking fund.
Minimum 0.75% to be allocated annually to the repair and maintenance fund.
Non-occupancy charges capped at 10% of the service charges.

6. Redevelopment and Operational Autonomy

Societies can borrow up to 10 times the land value (based on certified valuation) for redevelopment.
Redevelopment projects require approval from at least 51% of total members during a general body meeting.
Managing committees can now approve expenditures up to ₹3 lakh without prior general body approval.

7. Mandatory Welfare Fund

Societies must create a welfare fund for cultural, social, and recreational activities to promote community well-being.

8. Adoption of Model Bylaws

All cooperative housing societies will be required to adopt the state’s model bylaws, ensuring uniformity and legal clarity.

9. Faster Recovery from Defaulters

New rules simplify the defaulter recovery process, minimizing the need for prolonged legal procedures.

10. Inclusion of Commercial Units

Commercial units, shops, and establishments will be formally recognized as members, enabling their participation in society matters and redevelopment decisions.

11. Internal Handling of Committee Vacancies

Societies can now fill managing committee vacancies internally without needing registrar intervention.

12. Society Registration Fee Hike

Registration fees may increase from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 (pending final confirmation).

A Forward-Thinking and Inclusive Framework
These reforms represent a major step toward efficient, transparent, and inclusive governance in Maharashtra’s cooperative housing landscape. From digital AGMs to equitable billing and streamlined financial management, the 2025-26 Model Bylaws aim to align cooperative living with the needs of modern residents.
Public Feedback Invited
Suggestions and objections are currently invited from the public. Residents and society members are encouraged to share their input before the final rules are notified.