Online Registration of Housing Society /  Resident Welfare Association (RWA) Registration in India

A society, that has as its object the promotion of the economic interests or general welfare of its members, or of the public, in accordance with cooperative principles, or a society established with the object of facilitating the operations of any such society may be registered under the Act

A co-operative society is the perfect fit for a residential building as flat-owners have common needs like water connection, watchmen, etc., and interests like maintenance of common areas, such as the terrace and compound. If you have purchased a flat in a new building, it would probably be best if you took an interest in forming a society. The builder may also be statutorily obliged to form a society. For example, under the Maharashtra Flat Ownership Act, of 1963 a builder must form a society within four months of selling 60% of the flats.

Procedure for Housing Society Registration

First general body meeting (before registration): In the first meeting under the Societies Model Bye-law 3(iii), the Chief Promoter (could be the builder) is selected by the promoters, who are members co-signing the registration application before the Registering Authority, under Bye-law 3(xii).

In this meeting, necessary resolutions are passed like opening the account in a Bank in the name of the proposed society and for obtaining permission for reserving the name of the society. It is compulsory for SRA / MHADA recognized societies, for the first meeting to be video-recorded.

1. Formation of Core Committee: Respective Cooperative Societies Act or Cooperative Societies Rules. In Maharashtra, as per the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960, and the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Rules, 1961, the minimum number of members required to form a housing society is 10. In Tamil Nadu, the minimum number of members required to form a housing society is indeed 7. This requirement is stipulated under the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Societies Act, 1983, and the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Societies Rules.

2. Selection of Name: Choose a unique name for the housing society, ensuring compliance with any guidelines provided by the authorities.

3. Drafting of Bye-Laws: Prepare the bye-laws or rules and regulations governing the functioning of the housing society. These should include details regarding membership, management, rights, and duties of members, maintenance charges, etc.

4. Documentation: Gather the necessary documents for registration, including Memorandum of Association (MoA), Articles of Association (AoA), bye-laws of the society, ID proofs, and address proofs of the members.