Anjali booked a flat in 2019 from a builder who promised possession in 2022. It's 2026. The project is 60% complete. She's paying rent and EMI simultaneously. What she didn't do in 2019 was check RERA. The project wasn't registered. Don't be Anjali.
What Is RERA?
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 — RERA — is India's landmark consumer protection law for real estate, effective May 2017. Core provisions: developers must register all projects before launch, maintain 70% of buyer funds in a ring-fenced escrow account, disclose accurate project details, and deliver on time or face penalties.
RERA Portals — State by State
| State | RERA Portal | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | maharera.mahaonline.gov.in | Most detailed — project photos required |
| Karnataka | rera.karnataka.gov.in | Covers Bengaluru's massive market |
| Telangana | rera.telangana.gov.in | Strong enforcement in Hyderabad |
| Haryana (NCR) | haryanarera.gov.in | Covers Gurugram, Faridabad |
| UP (Noida/GN) | up-rera.in | Critical for Noida buyers — many legacy cases |
| Tamil Nadu | tnrera.in | Covers Chennai |
Your 5-Step RERA Checklist Before Booking
Step 1: Find the RERA number. Every registered project has one. If the developer can't show it — walk away.
Step 2: Verify the registration is active. RERA registrations expire. Check it's current and covers your specific building/phase.
Step 3: Check the promised completion date. If it's already past, you have legal rights to compensation or refund.
Step 4: Check complaints against the developer. Most state portals show registered complaints. Multiple complaints = red flag.
Step 5: Confirm the escrow account. Your payment must go into a RERA-mandated escrow. This prevents your money being diverted to other projects.
"RERA has been transformational. The number of stalled projects in RERA-compliant states is significantly lower than pre-RERA. Buyers who use it have fundamentally better outcomes." — Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK Group
Your Rights Under RERA
Right to information: Full project plans, approvals, and timeline before paying anything.
Right to compensation: If possession is delayed, developer pays interest at home loan rate on your payment.
Right to refund: Material misrepresentation or no occupancy certificate = full refund with interest.
Structural defect remedy: Developer responsible for structural defects for 5 years post-possession at no cost to you.
How to File a RERA Complaint
Visit your state's RERA portal → register as complainant → file online. Fee: ₹1,000–5,000. Most states resolve complaints within 60–90 days — far faster than civil courts.
FAQs
Does RERA cover resale properties?
No — RERA covers new projects and registered agents. But you can check a property's RERA history before buying resale.
What if a builder doesn't register?
Illegal. Penalties up to 10% of project cost. Buyers are protected under consumer protection laws.
Does RERA cover commercial properties?
RERA primarily covers residential. Commercial-only projects are generally exempt, though some states extend coverage.
