Maharashtra aims to reform its housing market by establishing 100 special courts for rent disputes and launching an online portal to increase the supply of affordable rental homes.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is learnt to have urged the agriculture department to issue regular alerts warning farmers against hasty sowing. (File Photo)
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked officials to create a proper system to increase the supply of affordable rental housing, while proposing changes in the law and court system to make renting easier and disputes quicker to resolve.
The move comes against the backdrop of growing pressure on Mumbai’s housing market, where high property prices have pushed a large section of the workforce into rental housing.
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At a meeting on the issue, Fadnavis said the government must ensure that enough rental homes are available at reasonable rates, and that supply keeps pace with demand.
He asked officials to build a system to identify and organise available rental homes so that they can be used better.
To address the lack of reliable information and transparency, the Chief Minister directed that an online portal be developed.
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The portal is expected to list available rental homes, provide verified details, and make the process simpler for citizens, reducing dependence on middlemen.
Fadnavis also proposed changes in how the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999 is implemented.
The law, which governs rental housing in the state, has often been criticised for slow enforcement and delays in dispute resolution.
He said Deputy Commissioners of Police should be designated as authorised officers under the law so that more officials are available to handle rent-related matters. He also asked for a formal notification to implement this change.
A major issue flagged during the meeting was the large number of rent-related cases pending in courts, many of which take years to resolve.
To address this, the state plans to set up 100 special courts dedicated to such cases, with retired judges appointed to speed up hearings.
The Chief Minister also suggested starting evening courts, subject to judicial approval, to clear long-pending cases faster.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is learnt to have urged the agriculture department to issue regular alerts warning farmers against hasty sowing. (File Photo) 
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