Starting August 1, developers in Maharashtra are now required, by the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA), to incorporate QR codes in all advertisements and promotional materials. Non-compliance comes with penalties, and currently, 370 real estate projects across Maharashtra are facing a total fine of Rs 33 million for advertisements lacking QR codes or valid RERA registration numbers. This includes promotions on social media platforms and in newspapers.
MahaRERA disclosed, “Action has been taken against 370 projects in the state that featured advertisements. Approximately Rs 33 million in fines have been levied, with Rs 22.20 million already recovered. The penalized projects include 173 in Mumbai, 162 in Pune, and 35 in Nagpur. To ensure secure investments, MahaRERA advises against investing in housing projects lacking a MahaRERA registration number.“
The regulatory body emphasized the significant presence of advertisements on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, websites, and YouTube, in addition to traditional newspaper ads. QR codes and registration numbers serve as tools for homebuyers to access essential project details by scanning the code with their smartphones or entering the registration number on the MahaRERA website. Information includes the developer’s name, registration date, expected completion date, project complaints, received approvals, construction status, approved plans, litigations, and more.
Since August 1, developers must feature QR codes in all promotions, facing penalties of up to Rs 50,000 for non-compliance. Real estate agents have also been instructed to adhere to this requirement. Each new real estate project in the state is assigned a unique QR code linked to the registration certificate, offering potential buyers comprehensive project information.
Since its establishment in May 2017, MahaRERA has registered over 42,000 real estate projects in Maharashtra. However, approximately 5,700 of these projects have lapsed since then.
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