To assist housing societies in Mumbai and its suburbs in obtaining their long-overdue Occupancy Certificates for renovated buildings, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has launched a special amnesty scheme. Approximately 80 housing societies are anticipated to profit from this program, which will run until April 10, 2025.
The occupancy certificate issue was delayed because many housing societies could not afford the premium differential amount for redevelopment. MHADA has waived the interest on the premium differential amount under this plan. Now, societies will only be required to pay the principal. Additionally, penalties for unauthorised construction or use will be waived in 75 percent of cases for structures rebuilt under the 1991 Development Control Regulations.
About 2.25 lakh housing units are spread across 114 layouts under the management of the Mumbai Board of MHADA. 56 of these layouts are outdated and being renovated. Notices to pay the premium differential amount were previously sent to housing societies that were approved for reconstruction between July 29, 2004, and June 4, 2007. However, these societies did not receive occupancy certificates since they did not pay. Members faced serious issues as a result, such as increased water and property taxes. Members also had trouble buying or selling apartments.
Housing societies that obtained redevelopment permits under the 1991 Development Control Regulations between January 7, 1912, and November 12, 2018, are also eligible for the Amnesty Scheme. MHADA-approved plot areas will now be used to determine occupancy certificates. The issuance of the certificates will also take into consideration expansions such as flower beds and covered balconies. Societies that have unapproved constructions that go beyond approved plans will be exempt from penalties to the extent of 75%. The remaining sum, however, must be paid under MHADA regulations.
There will be fees for adjustments in cases where work goes beyond the authorised building plans or if maps are altered. For these societies, penalty waivers of seventy-five percent will remain in effect. The purpose of this program is to help societies and their members who have experienced financial hardship as a result of waiting too long to get occupancy certificates. Because this approach lessens the financial burden on societies and their members, developers who have finished renovations and turned over buildings to society will also profit.
Source: Realty Plus
