The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has implemented a policy requiring a single registration number for each standalone project, with the aim of protecting the interests of homebuyers.

This initiative was prompted by instances where developers obtained multiple MahaRERA registration numbers for the same real estate project or its sections. The directive, which came into effect immediately after being issued, is designed to prevent fraudulent activities and safeguard homebuyers from deceitful practices.

Under the new directive, promoters seeking registration for a housing project must submit a declaration-cum-undertaking on their official letterhead. This declaration, in the prescribed format, assures that neither the proposed project site nor any of its components already possesses a MahaRERA registration number, and there are no pending applications.

Ajoy Mehta, Chairman of MahaRERA, emphasised the importance of the "One Stand-alone Project: One MahaRERA Number" policy in preventing project delays and protecting the interests of all stakeholders, especially homebuyers. The decision is expected to enhance MahaRERA's monitoring capabilities and ensure strict adherence to regulatory provisions.

The directive applies to both standalone and multi-phased housing projects on extensive plots, with the specified format encompassing details such as CS number, CTS number, final plot number, survey number, Hissa number, GAT number, Khasra number, etc. MahaRERA will take appropriate action against promoters providing inaccurate, misleading, or deceptive information.

The regulator observed that some promoters were obtaining additional MahaRERA registration numbers without disclosing them to the authority, causing challenges and confusion, particularly in projects where landowners and promoters operate independently. To address this, MahaRERA introduced the "One Stand-alone Project: One MahaRERA Number" policy.

In the case of projects on large plots, separate registration numbers can be obtained for the project or its phases. However, any changes to government-declared reservations on the plot require formalities as prescribed by the authorities, including consent from allottees.

MahaRERA implemented these measures to prevent complaints and disputes related to common or special amenities in projects, such as recreation areas, playgrounds, parking, internal roads, swimming pools, clubhouses, and gyms. The regulator mandates clear and unambiguous specifications for each phase of a project in applications for new MahaRERA registration numbers.