The Maharashtra Co-operative Housing & Apartment Federation has formally submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at modernizing model bye-laws that govern cooperative housing societies across the state. The Federation has emphasized the need for a future-proof legal framework to address emerging lifestyle needs, sustainability, and digitalization.
These suggestions come as the state government is expected to notify the Model Bye-Laws 2025, replacing the existing ones last updated in 2014.
Key Recommendations by the Federation
1. Pet Ownership Policies:
The Federation has called for clear, uniform rules on pet ownership within housing societies. This includes:
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No arbitrary bans on pets by societies
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Dedicated pet zones or walking areas
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Guidelines for pet hygiene and responsibility
2. EV Charging Infrastructure:
With electric vehicle ownership on the rise, the Federation recommends that bye-laws should:
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Mandate provision for EV charging stations in society premises
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Include guidelines on wiring, safety, and approvals
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Ensure cooperation between managing committees and individual owners
3. Digital Governance:
The recommendations push for mandatory digital record-keeping, virtual meetings, and online voting systems to enhance transparency and resident participation.
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Societies should adopt digital tools for notices, billing, complaints, and AGMs
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Training and support should be provided for senior citizens
4. Redevelopment Guidelines:
To prevent disputes and delays in housing society redevelopment, the Federation suggests:
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Time-bound decision-making frameworks
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Greater transparency in selection of developers
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Mandatory third-party project monitoring
5. Dispute Redressal Mechanism:
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Proposal to strengthen internal grievance cells within societies
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Faster escalation process to registrars or consumer forums
6. Sustainability Provisions:
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Encouragement for rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and waste segregation
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Linking these practices with incentives and reduced property taxes
Why the Update is Urgent
The Federation argues that housing societies are mini-cities, and their bye-laws must evolve with the times. Issues like digital governance, EV infrastructure, environmental sustainability, pet rights, and redevelopment bottlenecks cannot be addressed effectively under outdated rules.
Housing societies across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Navi Mumbai have supported the Federation’s push, calling on the Maharashtra Co-operation Department to take urgent action to release the Model Bye-Laws 2025 Draft for public consultation.
