MahaRERA Launches Statewide Verification of Developer-Submitted OCs
The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has initiated a comprehensive verification of 2,600 Occupancy Certificates (OCs) submitted by developers to ensure authenticity and prevent discrepancies or forgery.
MahareraOccupancy CertificatesReal EstateVerificationFraudReal Estate PuneJun 28, 2025
The move follows the fallout of the Dombivli scam, where developers used fake approvals for illegal constructions across multiple projects. The crackdown stems from the 2022 Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) scam, in which 65 illegal buildings were constructed using forged documents, including fake 7/12 extracts (land records), fabricated building plans, and counterfeit MahaRERA registrations.
The scam led to the arrest of 15 individuals, including developers and agents, and a Bombay High Court-ordered demolition drive that displaced over 6,500 residents. 'Many developers have uploaded Occupancy Certificates on the MahaRERA portal. We are verifying them with the respective planning authorities,' a senior MahaRERA official said. The OC serves as the completion certificate for a real estate project.
As per an earlier directive by the state's Urban Development Department (UDD), verified Commencement Certificates (CCs), building plans, and OCs issued to developers must be sent by planning authorities to MahaRERA's designated email if their websites are not integrated. While many authorities have submitted CCs and building plans, it was noted that OCs are often not uploaded by developers. So far, only 136 OCs have been verified by the authorities, with the remaining still under process.
Officials said integration of local authority websites with the MahaRERA portal would have significantly expedited the process. 'We've been pushing for website integration for months. Only Mumbai's municipal corporation has completed integration. Others have cited technical issues, which are now being addressed by the Maharashtra IT department,' the official added. MahaRERA is also checking whether the submitted certificates indicate full or partial occupancy, after several instances of developers misrepresenting partial OCs as full approvals to mislead homebuyers.
'While developers upload these certificates, we want to be doubly sure,' the official said. MahaRERA has instructed planning authorities to verify OCs within a stipulated timeline. If no response is received within that period, the certificates will be deemed valid by default. However, any discrepancies found later will make the concerned authorities fully liable. 'Homebuyers must have access to verified Commencement and Occupancy Certificates before making a purchase decision. This verification drive is critical to restoring trust in Maharashtra's real estate sector,' said a MahaRERA official.
Many homebuyers complain that while project details are available through the MahaRERA registration number, OCs are often missing. 'Builders diligently upload CCs and building plans, but frequently skip uploading OCs, and local authorities don't follow up,' officials noted. A Pune-based homebuyer said the developer claimed to possess an OC, but it wasn't available on the MahaRERA website. 'It's confusing for buyers. The verification process should be simplified,' said Priya P., a first-time investor.
Under MahaRERA norms, developers must register projects before selling units, submit quarterly progress and financial reports, and upload verified OCs before withdrawing project funds from escrow accounts. This verification drive is seen as a key step in strengthening regulatory compliance and protecting buyers from fraud, added a MahaRERA official.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MahaRERA?
MahaRERA stands for the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority. It is a regulatory body established to protect the interests of homebuyers and ensure transparency in the real estate sector in Maharashtra, India.
Why is MahaRERA verifying Occupancy Certificates (OCs)?
MahaRERA is verifying OCs to ensure their authenticity and prevent discrepancies or forgery. This move is in response to the Dombivli scam, where developers used fake approvals for illegal constructions.
What is the current status of the verification process?
So far, only 136 out of 2,600 OCs have been verified by the authorities, with the remaining still under process. The verification process is expected to take some time due to the large number of certificates and the need for thorough checks.
What are the consequences if a discrepancy is found in the OCs?
If a discrepancy is found in the OCs, the concerned authorities will be held fully liable. Additionally, the certificates will be deemed invalid, and the developers may face legal actions and penalties.
How can homebuyers ensure the authenticity of the OCs?
Homebuyers can check the authenticity of OCs by verifying them on the MahaRERA portal. MahaRERA has instructed planning authorities to verify OCs and upload them to the portal to ensure transparency and protect buyers from fraud.
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