Maharashtra Builders Required to Display QR Codes in Ads or Face Fines

Unlocking innovation with ads: Maharashtra's builders forewarned to display QR codes creatively or invite up to Rs 50,000 fines.

Starting August 1, developers in Maharashtra are mandated to prominently feature QR codes of their real estate projects in advertisements across all mediums.

The move comes from the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) and aims to provide easy access to vital project information for potential homebuyers. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000.

A representative from MahaRERA explained that including QR codes in ads allows interested buyers to access project details effortlessly.

By simply scanning the QR code with phones, prospective buyers can obtain essential information such as project commencement and completion dates, approvals received, number of flats available, units already booked, approved plan modifications, project extensions, and any registered complaints or issued warrants against the project.

Displaying the registration number and MahaRERA website address on project advertisements has already been compulsory. However, adding QR codes aims to enhance accessibility and transparency for homebuyers.

MahaRERA began issuing QR codes for new projects registered in March. However, it later extended the process to cover older projects as well. The mandate applies to advertisements in newspapers, magazines, flyers, brochures, catalogues, leaflets, and online platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Facebook. The only exception is for large hoardings, where scanning QR codes may not be practical for potential homebuyers.

In the past, MahaRERA issued notices to 197 developers in the state for not displaying registration numbers in their project advertisements. After conducting hearings, fines between Rs 10,000 and Rs 1.5 lakh were imposed on 90 of them, totalling Rs 18.3 lakh. A significant portion of this amount nearly Rs 11.9. lakh has already been collected.