New rules will soon be followed by the housing societies in Pune. The state government is preparing new Model Bye-laws of 2025. These will supersede the 2014 version, which is already obsolete.
The transformations follow ten years of novel challenges-EV charging, digital records, online meetings, and alternative methods of managing disputes. The new bye-laws are meant to make the rules of the housing societies compatible with the way people live nowadays.
Why Are the Bye-Laws Changing?
The Maharashtra government amended the Co-operative Societies Act in 2019. But the rules weren’t updated to match the amendments. That caused a gap. Societies weren’t sure how to handle many day-to-day issues. Earlier this year, draft rules were published. Housing societies and residents were asked to share their feedback. Over 300 suggestions came in. These inputs are now being used to finalize the Model Bye-laws 2025.
Once approved, these will apply to all co-operative housing societies across Maharashtra, including those in Pune.
What’s New in the 2025 Bye-Laws
The new rules change how societies function on several fronts.
- EV charging: Parking areas must be EV-ready
- Online meetings: Legally recognized now
- Pet rules: Societies must now have a clear pet policy
- Standard charges: Maintenance will be calculated per unit, not based on carpet area
- Redevelopment: Quorum and decisions need to be video recorded
These updates are designed to reduce confusion and create fairness. If you’ve been in a society where meetings are chaotic or redevelopment plans go nowhere, this is a big step forward.
Handling Redevelopment Better
One of the biggest changes is how redevelopment is handled. Until now, many societies were stuck because of unclear processes or lack of participation. Now, the quorum for redevelopment decisions must include at least 51 percent of the members. The entire selection of the developer must be video recorded. The borrowing cap has also been changed. Societies can now borrow up to 10 times the approved land value, not just 10 times their own funds.
That makes it easier for older buildings to start redevelopment projects.
Online Complaints Made Simpler
If a resident wants to file a complaint, the process no longer needs to be confusing or delayed. Maharashtra’s Sahakar Samvad grievance portal enables society members (and prospective ones) to directly file issues related to cooperative housing societies online. It’s run by the Maharashtra State Cooperative Housing Societies & Apartments Federation.
Residents can lodge a complaint, upload supporting documents, and track the complaint’s status—all through the portal. The fee is nominal at ₹50 per complaint.
From November 2024, Pune’s registrar’s office enabled two-way updates. That means managing committee members can respond to complaints directly through the portal, and final decisions are published online for complete transparency.
So, yes, you can lodge and follow up on complaints entirely online through this statewide system.
Membership and Transfer Rules Are Clearer
Transfers of membership are often messy. Especially when a flat owner passes away or sells their unit. The new bye-laws make this simpler. Nominees can become provisional members right away after the death of the original member. Transfers based on registered family settlements will now be accepted without the need for court battles.
This cuts down legal delays and confusion.
More Accountability in the Committee
The managing committee runs the society. But until now, accountability was vague. The revised bye-laws change that. Elections must happen every five years. The committee is now jointly and severally responsible for their decisions. If there’s financial mismanagement or rule violations, the entire committee can be held liable.
Committee members who don’t attend three consecutive meetings without permission can be disqualified. There are clear guidelines on resignations, co-opted members, and even motions of no confidence.
Member Rights Are Better Defined
As a resident, you now have more control. You can access records, question financial decisions, and file complaints using defined procedures. Bye-laws now clearly say which authority handles what kind of complaint. Registrar, Co-op Court, or Civil Court.
If the committee ignores your issue, you don’t have to guess who to go to.
Tighter Financial Discipline
Money matters are a big part of society life. The new rules tighten that up. Societies must maintain dedicated funds like a sinking fund, reserve fund, and welfare fund. These aren’t optional anymore. Interest on delayed payments is capped at 12 percent, down from 21 percent. Casual vacancy processes are streamlined. Annual audits must be conducted on time and rectified before AGMs.
The idea is to create predictability and reduce financial misuse.
GST on Maintenance Now Applies in Specific Cases
For societies collecting more than ₹20 lakh annually, GST registration is now mandatory. If any flat pays over ₹7,500 per month in maintenance charges, 18 percent GST must be levied on the full amount. This is now clearly outlined in the revised framework. It ensures uniform taxation, especially in large housing complexes, and gives residents clarity on billing.
Why It Matters to Every Resident
The new bye-laws will impact everyone—owners and tenants. They decide how your money is spent, how your building is maintained, and how safe your home is. They also define whether you get a say in key decisions.
Most residents don’t look at the bye-laws until there’s a problem. By then, it’s too late. The new rules aim to give you more control before issues happen.
In a city like Pune, where vertical housing is growing fast, this matters even more. More people in limited space means more chances for disputes and delays. The updated bye-laws are designed to reduce confusion and stop misuse.
How You Can Use This
If you’re on the committee, review your existing bye-laws. Compare them with the upcoming 2025 model. Start preparing to adopt the changes once they are notified.
If you’re a resident, ask for a copy of the bye-laws. Learn your rights. See how your society is handling finances and redevelopment. And if things aren’t transparent, you now have a legal way to push for it.
These changes don’t just benefit the committee. They benefit the entire community.
What Projects Are Doing This Right
Some residential projects in Pune are already aligned with these modern governance expectations. Naiknavare Developers, for instance, has several communities where legal clarity, redevelopment readiness, and resident-first design are already in practice.
Here are a few of their notable projects:
- Dwarka Township, Chakan – A smart township model with legal and civic infrastructure in sync
- Kutumb by Naiknavare, Vadgaon Maval – Focused on joint family living and clear society structures
- Eminence, Viman Nagar – Offers high-end urban living with well-defined society management
- Neelaya, Talegaon Dabhade – Affordable yet organized with future-ready society frameworks
These projects have already incorporated the spirit of what the new bye-laws aim to enforce. Residents benefit from proactive governance and long-term sustainability.
Conclusion
The new bye-laws of the housing society are not mere legal revisions. They represent a change in the way city societies operate. They add order to redevelopment, responsibility to the budgets and definition to the roles in the society. It is a large step in the case of Pune.
And when you want to reside in an area where these are not merely observed but are a part and parcel of the very fabric, then Naiknavare Developers has already raised the bar.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/housing-federation-pushes-for-series-of-changes-in-revised-society-by-laws/articleshow/121605447.cms
https://dearsociety.in/management-affairs.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com