Maharashtra Names 15 Mumbai DCPs as Rent Control Authorities to Resolve Tenant-Possession Disputes

15 Mumbai DCPs Get New Powers Under Maharashtra Rent Control Act

The Maharashtra Government has appointed 15 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) across Mumbai as Competent Authorities under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999. The decision is expected to make it easier and faster to address certain rental, tenancy, and possession disputes across the city.

The appointments bring the powers provided under Section 40 of the Act directly under senior police officers in different parts of Mumbai. The move is particularly important as the city continues to see a large rental market along with an increasing number of redevelopment projects.

With clearly assigned jurisdictions, landlords and tenants will have designated authorities to approach for matters covered under the Act.

Housing Department Issues New Notification

The Housing Department issued the new notification on July 31, 2026. It replaces earlier notifications, orders, and related government instructions concerning the appointment of Competent Authorities in the areas listed in the latest notification.

Under Section 40(1) of the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, the state government can appoint Competent Authorities to exercise specific powers and perform duties under the legislation.

Section 40(2)(a) states that the appointed officer should hold or have held a position that, in the government's view, is not below the rank of a Deputy Collector.

The state government has determined that the position of Deputy Commissioner of Police is not below the rank of Deputy Collector. Based on this assessment, DCPs serving in different Mumbai police jurisdictions have been appointed as Competent Authorities.

Move Could Make Landlord-Tenant Proceedings Easier

The new arrangement could provide greater clarity for property owners dealing with eligible possession-related cases.

Ramesh Prabhu, chairman of the Maharashtra Societies Welfare Association, described the decision as a positive step. He noted that the Competent Authority was previously a Deputy Collector, and police action could generally follow an order issued by the authority.

Under the new system, eligible matters can be taken directly before the designated police authority. The DCP can conduct proceedings and issue directions within the powers provided by the law.

Prabhu said the move could be especially useful for Mumbai, where redevelopment activity is creating additional demand for rental housing and increasing the need for smooth handling of possession-related matters.

Greater Confidence for Property Owners

The appointment of DCPs may also give property owners greater confidence when renting out their homes.

In cases where an occupant does not vacate a property after the relevant legal period or arrangement has ended, property owners have previously faced situations where they were advised to obtain an order from a court or other competent authority before police action could be taken.

The new framework gives designated DCPs a specific statutory role in matters covered by the Maharashtra Rent Control Act. After considering a case, the Competent Authority can take action within its legal powers and direct the concerned police machinery where appropriate.

However, the new arrangement applies only to proceedings and circumstances covered by the Act. It does not mean that every landlord-tenant disagreement can automatically be decided by a DCP.

Mumbai Divided Into 15 Jurisdictions

The 15 appointments cover police-station areas across South, Central, East, West, and North Mumbai. Each designated DCP will handle matters falling within the specified jurisdiction.

South Mumbai Jurisdictions

The three South Zone jurisdictions include areas such as Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Marine Drive, Azad Maidan, MRA, Dongri, Sir J.J. Marg, Pydhonie, L.T. Marg, V.P. Road, D.B. Marg, Gamdevi, Malabar Hill, Yellow Gate, Sagari-1, Sagari-2, Wadala, and Sewree.

Central Mumbai Jurisdictions

Central Mumbai includes police-station areas such as Tardeo, Nagpada, Agripada, Byculla, Worli, N.M. Joshi, Bhoiwada, Kalachowki, Matunga, R.A.K. Marg, Sion, Antop Hill, Wadala T.T., Dadar, Shivaji Park, Mahim, Shahu Nagar, Dharavi, and Kurla.

East Mumbai Jurisdictions

The East Zone includes Chembur, Govandi, Trombay, RCF, Mankhurd, Deonar, Shivaji Nagar, Nehru Nagar, Chunabhatti, V.B. Nagar, Ghatkopar, Asalpha, Pantnagar, Tilaknagar, Vikhroli, Maharashtra Nagar, Parksite, Bhandup, Kanjur Marg, Mulund, and Navghar.

Western Suburbs

The western suburbs covered under the appointments include BKC, Kherwadi, Nirmalnagar, Golibar, Vakola, Vile Parle, Airport, Sahar, Bandra, Khar, Santacruz, Juhu, Irla, D.N. Nagar, Meghwadi, Jogeshwari, Powai, Sakinaka, Andheri, and MIDC.

North Mumbai Jurisdictions

The three North Zone jurisdictions cover areas including Versova, Amboli, Oshiwara, Bangur Nagar, Goregaon, Malad, Malvani, Madh Marve, Charkop, Kandivali, Borivali, MHB, Gorai, Vanrai, Aarey, Dindoshi, Kurar, Samta Nagar, Dahisar, and Kasturba Marg.

Section 24 Provides Relief in Certain Possession Cases

The appointment is significant because the Maharashtra Rent Control Act provides a special legal mechanism for certain landlord-licensee and possession proceedings.

Section 24 is an important provision in this framework. It deals with the obligation of a licensee to return possession of premises after the license period ends and provides a statutory remedy to the landlord in specified circumstances.

The new appointments give different parts of Mumbai clearly identified Competent Authorities for proceedings covered by the Act.

New Framework Comes at an Important Time for Mumbai

Mumbai's rental and leave-and-license market remains closely connected with the city's housing and redevelopment activity. As more buildings and housing societies undergo redevelopment, questions related to temporary accommodation, possession, tenancy arrangements, and property occupation can become important for both owners and occupants.

By assigning Competent Authority responsibilities to 15 DCPs across defined police jurisdictions, the Maharashtra Government has created a more localized administrative structure for eligible cases under the Rent Control Act.

The decision is expected to improve access to the statutory process and provide greater clarity for landlords and licensees dealing with disputes covered by the law.