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Transparency First: MahaRERA Enforces Stricter Rules for Real Estate Advertising

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MahaRERA Issues Directive on Prominent Display of QR Code, Registration Number and Website Address in Real Estate Advertisements

Order No. 46C/2025 | Dated: 8 April 2025

The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (“MahaRERA”) has, vide Order No. 46C/2025 dated8 April 2025, issued a directive to ensure uniformity, visibility and transparency in the display of the MahaRERA registration number, website address, and QR Code in all advertisements and promotional materials published by promoters and registered real estate agents.

Statutory Framework

The order reiterates the obligations under Section 11(2) of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (“Act”) and Rule 14(2) of the Maharashtra Real Estate (Regulation and Development) (Registration of Real Estate Projects, Registration of Real Estate Agents, Rates of Interest and Disclosures on Website) Rules, 2017. These provisions mandate that every advertisement or prospectus issued by a promoter must prominently display the project registration number and the website address of MahaRERA. Likewise, registered real estate agents are required to quote their registration number as well as the project registration number in all advertisements and marketing materials.

Rationale for the Order

MahaRERA has observed non-compliance with earlier directives (Orders Nos. 46/2023, 46A/2023 and 46B/2023) in the form of:

  • improper display of the MahaRERA QR Code, including distortion of aspect ratio and incorrect positioning in advertisements; and
  • insufficient font size and contrast for the registration number and website address, rendering them unclear or inconspicuous.

Such practices were found to defeat the purpose of promoting transparency and consumer protection envisaged under the Act.

Key Directions

To address these deficiencies and enhance uniform compliance, MahaRERA has directed as follows:

  1. Font Size and Visibility: The font size of the MahaRERA registration number and website address in all advertisements, promotions, and prospectuses shall be equal to or larger than the font size used for the project’s contact details and address.
    Where multiple fonts are used, the registration number shall be equal to or larger than the largest font used for any contact information appearing in the advertisement.

  1. Placement: The registration number and website address shall be placed in the top-right quadrant of the advertisement or promotional material, in a colour that ensures high visibility.

  1. Display of Quick Response (QR) Code: The QR Code shall be displayed correctly, maintaining its correct aspect ratio and positioning, and shall be legible, readable and detectable by software applications. It must also be placed in the top-right quadrant of the advertisement.

Scope of Applicability

These directions apply to all forms of advertising and promotional content including, but not limited to newspapers, magazines, journals, printed flyers, brochures, catalogues, leaflets, prospectuses, standees at project sites and sales offices, websites, social media advertisements, and other digital or print media issued by promoters or registered agents.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the above directions shall be treated as a violation or contravention under the Act, attracting penalties in accordance with Sections 63 and 65 of the Act, as follows:

  • A monetary penalty up to ₹50,000, subject to a minimum penalty of ₹10,000; and
  • Continuous violations, where the promoter or agent fails to remedy the contravention within 10 days of imposition of penalty, shall be deemed ongoing and attract further action under the relevant provisions of the Act.

Effective Date

The order takes immediate effect and is binding on all promoters and registered real estate agents engaged in publishing advertisements or promotional materials for registered real estate projects.

Conclusion

This directive underscores MahaRERA’s continued commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and consumer confidence in Maharashtra’s real estate sector. By mandating clear visibility of the registration number, website address, and QR Code, the MahaRERA seeks to make project-related information easily accessible to homebuyers and allottees. This directive not only strengthens regulatory compliance but also upholds the spirit of the Act—promoting accountability among promoters and real estate agents, and fostering greater confidence and trust in the real estate market.