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RERA Complaint

A RERA complaint lets homebuyers raise grievances against builders under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 to claim...

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Key takeaways

A RERA complaint is filed under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 to give homebuyers a legal remedy against builders.
Each state has its own RERA Authority where you can file a complaint online through the state portal.
You can claim refund, compensation, interest or possession, with refund plus interest available under Section 18.
Common grounds include possession delay, poor construction quality, an unregistered project and hidden charges.
The process is structured and time bound, and RERA aims to resolve complaints within 60 days.
You do not need to be a legal expert to file, and hearings are often conducted virtually.
Filing requires basic documents like the builder-buyer agreement and payment receipts, plus a nominal prescribed fee.

Overview

Understanding the RERA Complaint

In the last couple of years, a number of homebuyers throughout India have come to own homes where the projects have been delayed or suffered with broken promises from the builder, or where the builder has become unresponsive. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, popularly known as RERA, has come into existence to rectify exactly these situations. If you are facing possession delays, poor construction or hidden charges from the builder, then filing a RERA complaint could help you get justice and remedy.

Each state has its own RERA Authority where you can file a complaint online. It is not a long legal battle, it is a structured, time-bound process designed to give real estate buyers a voice. If you have purchased a flat or a villa in a RERA-registered project but the builder has not provided what was promised, you can raise a complaint on legal ground to request your refund, compensation or possession.

Whether you are based in Mumbai, Delhi, Noida or Bangalore, the process is similar. You submit basic documents like your sale agreement and payment receipts, pay a nominal fee, and track the complaint through the portal. Diligence Certifications assists you with the filing process, drafting an impactful complaint and following up with the RERA Authority so your matter is not delayed.

Objectives of RERA

Protect home buyers from builder fraud and protect their money
Bring transparency to the execution of projects on the builder’s end
Deliver projects within a specified time
Establish a grievance redressal mechanism through RERA in every state

Key points

Rules and state-wise filing

A few core rules protect every buyer, and filing fees and portals vary by state.

Rule	What it means
Mandatory registration	Builders must register a project before marketing or selling any unit
70% funding lock-in	70% of buyer funds must stay in a project escrow account
Transparent disclosures	Timelines, layouts, land titles and carpet area must be disclosed
Penalties for default	Up to 10% of project cost, with imprisonment for severe violations

State portal	Fee
maharera.mahaonline.gov.in	Rs. 5,000
up-rera.in	Rs. 1,000
rera.delhi.gov.in	Rs. 1,000
rera.karnataka.gov.in	Rs. 1,000

Reliefs

What you can claim

Full refund and interest

On possession delay or serious contract violation, you can claim a refund with interest under Section 18 of the RERA Act.

Compensation for delay

Even without a refund, you can claim monthly interest for each day of delay until possession is handed over.

Completion orders

RERA can direct the builder to finish the project within a specified time or hand it over to a third party.

Defect rectification

Structural or workmanship defects reported within 5 years must be fixed free of charge within 30 days.

Penalty on builder

Builders who ignore RERA rules may be fined heavily and, in some cases, face criminal proceedings.

Five-year defect liability

Buyers benefit from a five-year defect liability period and limits on arbitrary cost increases.

When needed

When to file a RERA complaint

If you are facing any of the following from your builder, you can consider filing a RERA complaint and stand on legal ground to seek remedy.

Possession delay without valid reason
Quality of construction not matching the agreement
Project not registered under RERA
Builder demanded excessive advance payment
False promises regarding amenities
Hidden charges after signing the agreement

How it works

RERA complaint filing procedure

The complaint is filed online through your state RERA portal. We guide you through each step.

Filing your complaint

Collect documents
Compile the builder-buyer agreement, payment receipts, brochures, the RERA registration number and your ID and address proof.
Register on the portal
Create an account on your state RERA Authority portal to begin filing.
Fill the complaint form
Enter your personal and builder details, project details and the nature of the complaint, then upload scanned documents.
Pay the prescribed fee
Pay the nominal fee set by your state RERA Authority to submit the complaint.

After submission

Acknowledgment
You receive confirmation and a complaint ID to track the matter.
Notice to builder
The builder is informed of the complaint and asked to respond.
Hearing
Both parties are given a fair chance to be heard, often through virtual hearings.
Decision
The RERA Authority issues a legally binding order resolving the matter.

Documents

Documents required

Builder-buyer agreement
Payment receipts
Project brochures or advertisements
RERA registration number of the project
Your ID and address proof

Who can file

Eligible complainants

Individual homebuyers facing delays or false commitments
Legal heirs continuing a deceased allottee’s complaint
Buyers’ associations or RWAs with common grievances
Real estate agents defrauded by developers
Investors where project milestones were not met

Related matters? See our Consumer Court, Legal Notice and Legal Heir Certificate services.

Why choose us

RERA support from Diligence Certifications

Dedicated legal experts with deep knowledge of state RERA norms
End-to-end filing support, from documentation to hearing representation
Client-first approach with strategy tailored to your issue
Economical pricing with transparency and no hidden fees
Proven track record in securing refunds, compensation and possession
Support for NRIs, first-time buyers and investors across India

Stuck with a delayed or mismanaged property?

Our RERA legal team will assess your case, draft an impactful complaint and follow up with the RERA Authority so your refund, compensation or possession is not delayed.

Talk to a RERA expert

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can I file a RERA complaint myself?

Yes, you can represent yourself. The process is designed to be simple and buyer-friendly, though legal support can strengthen your case.

How long does a RERA complaint take?

RERA aims to resolve complaints within 60 days, but timelines can vary slightly depending on the case.

Can I file if the project is not registered under RERA?

Yes, you can still file a complaint. The builder may face penalties for non-registration.

Does RERA apply to commercial projects?

Yes, RERA applies to both residential and commercial real estate projects.

Can I approach RERA and consumer court at the same time?

You cannot proceed with the same matter in both. You must choose either RERA or consumer court.

What documents do I need to file a RERA complaint?

You need the sale agreement, payment proofs, project details and communication with the builder.

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