The Maharashtra Cooperation Department has released the Draft Model Bye Laws 2026 for cooperative housing societies, proposing major changes covering redevelopment, parking, electric vehicle (EV) charging, structural safety and grievance redressal.The proposed rules are expected to apply to more than 1.25 lakh housing societies across Maharashtra. The draft seeks to replace the existing model bye laws, which were last revised in 2014, and bring society governance in line with recent legal, technological and civic developments.
A key proposal relates to redevelopment, with the general body expected to play a central role in developer-led redevelopment, self-redevelopment and other legally permitted models.The draft also proposes clearer parking regulations. Open and stilt parking would generally be treated as common areas and would not be independently saleable. Societies would maintain physical or electronic records of parking allotments, vehicle registrations and waiting lists. Where demand exceeds availability, allotment could be handled through waiting lists, lotteries or rotation.
For EV owners, members may be allowed to install private charging facilities at their lawfully allotted parking spaces without separate general body approval, subject to safety and technical requirements. Associated installation, electricity and maintenance costs would be borne by the member.The draft further proposes stronger structural safety measures. Buildings between 15 and 30 years old would ordinarily require structural audits every five years, while buildings older than 30 years would require audits every three years. Periodic fire audits and annual lift inspections are also proposed.
Societies with more than 50 members may also establish a grievance redressal committee to address member complaints.The department has invited suggestions and objections from citizens and stakeholders until August 27, 2026. The feedback will be reviewed before the proposed bye laws are submitted to the government for finalisation.
