MahaRERA penalises 628 projects over absence of QR codes in ads, registration number

The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has initiated action against 628 housing projects across the state for failing to display their registration number and QR code in advertising materials. The authority has imposed a penalty of Rs 88.90 lakh on them.

It noted that of the 628 real estate projects, 312 projects are from Mumbai Metropolitan Region and 250 from Pune and 66 from the Nagpur region.

The authority has urged homebuyers to avoid transactions with housing projects that do not display the mandatory RERA registration number and emphasised that punitive action against violators will continue.

Further, the authority shared that it collaborated with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), to effectively enforce guidelines and identify violators. In February, it collaborated with the self-regulatory body to identify developers who advertise projects without registration numbers and QR codes.

According to RERA Act, any project, including plots, of over 500 square meters or eight apartments are to be registered with the MahaRERA; without the registration number, no developer can publicise, market or sell any property. However, the MahaRERA allows developers to advertise projects without mentioning RERA where an occupation certificate has been received.

Enforced last year, it is mandatory to display QR code with every advertisement. This enables homebuyers to access project-related information.