Essential Documents for Housing Society Redevelopment in MCGM Region

As buildings age and urban spaces evolve, redevelopment has become a natural next step for

many housing societies in Mumbai. But before your society can begin this transformative journey, it’s crucial to have a clear record of ownership and compliance—starting with the right paperwork.

If your society falls under the MCGM (Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai), here are the most essential documents you’ll need:

1. Society Registration Certificate

What it is: Issued under the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960, this certificate proves your housing society is a legally recognized body.

Why it’s important: Only registered societies are eligible to initiate and sign redevelopment agreements. It forms the foundation for all legal and administrative actions.

2. Property Register Card (PRC)

What it is: Property Card – for properties in City and Suburbs.

A government-maintained land records showing – Plot Area, The Land Tenure, The Property Holder’s Name, and Mutation Entries.

Why it’s important: This is essential for verifying your society's legal ownership or interest in the land and is required while applying for redevelopment permissions from the planning authority.

3. Sale Deeds of Individual Flats

What it is: A Sale Deed is the legal document through which ownership of individual flats has been transferred from the builder/developer to each member of the society.

Why it’s important: Collectively, these establish the rightful ownership of members. In the redevelopment process, they help validate each member's entitlement to their share in the new building.

4. Conveyance Deed / Land Title Documents

What it is: This deed proves that the land and building have been legally conveyed from the original landowner or developer to the society.

Why it’s important: Without a proper Conveyance Deed, the society doesn't legally own the land—even if it owns the building. In such cases, societies must pursue a Deemed Conveyance, a process available under Maharashtra law to help societies claim rightful ownership.

5. Intimation of Disapproval (IOD) 

What it is: The IOD essentially tells the developer that their plans are in line with the local building regulations or other requirements. Further, the developer can apply for and obtain a Commencement Certificate (CC), which allows them to begin construction. 

Why it’s important: It signifies preliminary approval for construction projects, ensuring that they meet regulatory requirements before commencement. IOD is a must to obtain Commencement Certificate (CC).

6. Full Commencement Certificate (CC)

What it is: Issued by the MCGM’s Building Proposal Department, a Commencement Certificate allows the builder to begin construction on the project, confirming that initial approvals and permissions are in place.

Why it’s important: While the CC is related to the original construction, having a copy is helpful to verify that the original building was legally constructed. Full CC is also required when applying for redevelopment permissions.

7. Occupancy Certificate (OC)

What it is: The OC confirms that a building adheres to approved plans and safety regulations. Whereas, the last approved plans serve as the blueprint for construction.

Why it’s important: The OC verifies that the building adheres to local building codes, zoning laws, and safety standards, making it safe for habitation. 

8. CTS plans, or City Title Survey plans

What it is: CTS plans are part of the City Survey system, which maps and surveys land parcels in Mumbai, providing a comprehensive database of property information. It provides a visual representation of a property's boundaries, dimensions, and location, aiding in verifying ownership and ensuring accuracy. 

Why it’s important: CTS plans are essential documents for various legal procedures, including property registration and transfer. CTS plans are needed when applying for construction or renovation permits to demonstrate the property's layout and boundaries. 

9. Approved Plans

What it is: Approved Plans refer to the building plans sanctioned by the MCGM (Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai) for the construction of the original building. These include architectural drawings, floor plans, elevations, sections, and layout details that were approved before construction commenced.

Why it’s important: Approved Plans serve as the official blueprint of the existing structure and are essential during redevelopment for the following reasons:

• They help in assessing the existing FSI (Floor Space Index) used and available.

• Ensure that the current structure was built as per sanctioned norms.

• Are necessary for comparative analysis during feasibility studies.

10. Members' Share Certificates

What it is: A share certificate is issued by the society to each member, representing their share in the co-operative society.

Why it’s important: This document affirms each member’s legal standing in the society. It is used to determine voting rights and entitlements during redevelopment negotiations.

Before your housing society dives into the exciting, and often overwhelming, process of redevelopment, ensure that you have a solid documentation. These initial documents are more than just paperwork—they represent your society’s rights, readiness, and legitimacy in the eyes of developers and civic authorities.