A Homebuyer’s Guide to RERA: Rights, Remedies and Filing a Complaint

This article is general information only, not legal advice, and not solicitation of work. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice on your specific facts.

What RERA Changed

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 requires most residential and commercial projects above a threshold size to be registered with the state Real Estate Regulatory Authority, with details of the project, its timeline, and the developer’s track record made publicly available. It shifted meaningful bargaining power toward homebuyers, who previously had little recourse beyond a slow civil suit.

Core Rights RERA Gives Buyers

Buyers are entitled to the specifications, plans, and amenities as promised at the time of sale, timely possession as per the registered timeline, interest or compensation for delayed possession, and a defect liability period during which the developer must rectify structural or quality defects free of charge, generally for five years from possession.

Filing a Complaint

A complaint can be filed directly with the state RERA authority, typically online, setting out the project’s registration number, the specific breach, whether delay, deviation from approved plans, or diversion of funds, and the relief sought, such as possession, refund with interest, or compensation. Authorities are meant to dispose of complaints within sixty days, though timelines vary in practice.

When to Escalate Beyond RERA

Appeals from a RERA authority’s order lie with the Real Estate Appellate Tribunal. Buyers also retain the option of approaching consumer forums for deficiency in service in some circumstances, though pursuing both simultaneously for the same relief is generally not permitted. Which route makes sense depends on the nature of the grievance and the relief being sought.

This note is prepared by our Real Estate team. If you are dealing with a related situation, get in touch with us.