In a significant step that would make renting houses in residential societies built on collector land easier, the state government has waived the mandatory NOC from the officer and fee on the leave and licence agreement. This would also result in an influx of houses into the rental market which has been stagnant for the past few years.

Housing experts, welcoming the January 7 notification (a copy of which is with mid-day), said there are nearly 10,000 flats in around 2,500 residential buildings on collector land in Mumbai city and its suburbs. The collector owns vast plots in Bandra, Versova, Vidyavihar, Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point, Malabar Hill, Backbay Reclamation, Wadala, Churchgate, Parel, Sewree among others.