Urabn Society

  Pune, April 25, 2025 - The Maharashtra State Government has put forth a proposal to significantly increase the registration fees for housing societies while also granting legal recognition to online General Body Meetings (GBMs). These changes are outlined in the draft rules for amendments to the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Rules, which were published on April 15th. Currently, the registration fee for housing societies stands at ₹2,500. The proposed amendment seeks to double this amount to ₹5,000. The government has invited feedback from all stakeholders regarding these draft rules through the cooperation department's official portal, with a deadline of May 15th. The implementation of these new rules is anticipated later this year. This move to legally recognize online GBMs is seen as a significant step towards digital transformation in the cooperative housing sector. It acknowledges the operational shifts that have occurred post-pandemic, allowing for virtual participation...

 In India, and particularly in Maharashtra , the formation of a housing society ensures that residents have a formal, organized, and legal framework to manage their shared interests and responsibilities. Governed primarily by the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960 (Maharashtra Act No. XXIV of 1961) and the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Rules, 2014 , this structure fosters a strong sense of community living , provides essential legal protection , and promotes transparency in the management of a residential complex, making it an indispensable aspect of urban life in the state. Promotes Community Living: One of the primary goals of a housing society, as envisioned under the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960 , is to cultivate a sense of belonging and togetherness among residents. Section 2(16) defines a 'member' and the Act encourages collective participation in the society's affairs. Regular General Body Meetings , as mandated by Section 75, provide...

Have you ever wondered what exactly a "housing society" is? If you live in an apartment complex or a group of houses managed collectively, you're likely part of one! In simple terms, a housing society is a group of individuals or families coming together as a body or association who reside within a shared residential complex or housing development. Think of it as a community within a community. Typically, this involves a collection of apartments, flats, bungalows, or other residential units that are owned individually but managed collectively. This collective management is guided by a set of rules, regulations, and bylaws established by the society itself, often through a democratically elected body of residents known as the Managing Committee. The legal framework governing the formation and operation of housing societies varies across India. However, a significant piece of legislation that often forms the basis for state-level laws is the Co-operative Societies Act ....

  Here are some common questions and answers about GST on the money you pay for your apartment's upkeep: Do I have to pay GST if I pay maintenance to my housing society (RWA)? Yes, but only if your monthly maintenance fee is more than ₹7,500. If it's ₹7,500 or less, you don't pay GST. If it's more, you pay GST on the whole amount. Example:  If you pay ₹9,000 a month, you pay GST on the entire ₹9,000. Can housing societies avoid paying GST? Yes, if the RWA's total earnings for the whole year are ₹20 lakh or less (this amount might be ₹40 lakh or ₹10 lakh in some places). If their yearly earnings are below this limit, they don't need to register for GST or charge GST on maintenance fees, even if individual fees are over ₹7,500 a month. Also, even if the RWA earns more than ₹20 lakh a year, they still don't need to charge GST if no member pays more than ₹7,500 per month for maintenance. How does the RWA calculate GST if the maintenance fee is over ₹7,500? If yo...