According to the circular issued on April 8, 2025, which came into effect immediately, developers and real estate agents must now ensure that the MahaRERA registration number, the MahaRERA website address, and the project’s QR code are displayed in advertisements with a font size equal to or larger than the project’s contact details. If contact details are in varying fonts, the MahaRERA information must be in the largest font used.  

Furthermore, these regulatory details, including the QR code, must be placed in the top-right quadrant of the advertisement and in a color that ensures high visibility. The QR code must also be displayed correctly with the right aspect ratio, and be legible and detectable by software applications.  

MahaRERA’s order applies to all forms of advertising, including newspapers, leaflets, booklets, electronic media, banners, hoardings, social media, WhatsApp, and other messaging platforms.  

The authority has stated that failure to comply with these directives will result in penalties for developers and real estate agents. The penalty can extend up to Rs. 50,000, with a minimum penalty of Rs. 10,000. If the violation continues for 10 days after the initial penalty, further action will be taken under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, and it will be considered a “continuous violation”.  

MahaRERA’s order clarifies that this move is necessary because it has been observed that developers often display the project’s registration number, QR Code, and website address in non-prominent locations, using small font sizes and light colors, which undermines transparency and consumer protection.  

MahaRERA urges all stakeholders, especially developers, to cooperate and adhere to these guidelines, emphasizing their importance in ensuring transparency within the real estate sector and protecting the interests of homebuyers.

Also Read: MahaRERA fine Builders for printing ads without MahaRERA number

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ASCI is a voluntary self-regulatory organisation in the advertising sector committed to protection of consumer interests across media of newspapers, television channels, social media, websites etc.

MahaRERA has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ASCI to protect homebuyer’s interests. MahaRERA’s Administrative Officer Vasant Vani and ASCI’s Chief Executive Officer Manisha Kapoor are signatories of the same.

As per the agreement, Artificial Intelligence will be utilised to detect advertisements published without MahaRERA registration number and QR code. For this, a core group will be created to track, monitor and evaluate such advertisements and eventually bring it to the notice of MahaRERA.

Since last year, MahaRERA has been initiating suo motu action against advertisements published without a registration number and QR code. The ambit is also being expanded on to the new age media apart from the traditional ones. MahaRERA is of the view that the area of action should be expanded further and include all advertisement sources/ medium. Hence, a decision was taken to collaborate with ASCI.

As per the Rera Act, any project (including plots) of over 500 square meters or 8 flats must be registered with the MahaRERA. Without the registration number, no developer can publicise or market or sell any property in the project.

Starting August 1, MahaRERA has also made it mandatory to include QR code in every advertisement published by the developer. Through QR code, all information pertaining to the project is made accessible available with a single click.

Prior to investing in any residential project, and to safeguard the amount, it is necessary to check if MahaRERA registration number along with the QR code is also publicised. MahaRERA has adopted a “zero tolerance” approach to ensure all the advertisements related to any real estate project have a registration number and a QR code.

Also Read: MahaRERA Drafts Model Guidelines on Regulation of Retirement Homes

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