Maharashtra’s draft Model Bye-Laws for housing societies open for comment – objections due August 27

The Maharashtra Cooperation Department has released a comprehensive rewrite of the 2014 Model Bye-Laws that govern every Co-operative Housing Society in the state – not a minor tweak, but a full reorganisation of governance, funds and charge-calculation rules. Objections and suggestions are due by 5 pm on August 27, 2026; existing bye-laws stay in force until the draft is formally gazetted.

Headline money changes that touch every owner: interest on payment defaults capped at 12% simple annual interest; water charges to be based on tap count and size rather than equal division; and non-occupancy fees capped at 10% of service charges. The draft also sets new mandatory minimums for the Sinking Fund (0.25%/year of construction cost) and Repair Fund (0.75%/year), adds a “Provisional Membership” route for heirs after a member’s death, sets 30-day approval timelines for flat alterations, and creates a new expulsion ground for members who refuse to vacate during an approved redevelopment.

This is a rare update that affects nearly every existing flat owner in Pune, not just prospective buyers. If you own a flat in a society, it is worth reading the draft and sending objections before the August 27 deadline – the changes to interest, water charges and fund contributions will show up directly in your monthly outgo.

Sources: Puranik & Associates (Aug 14, 2026)