Why RERA Verification Matters
Before you pay even a token amount for an under-construction flat, verify its RERA registration. A valid RERA registration means the project is legally recognised, the builder has disclosed the approved layout, financials, and a committed possession date — all on a public government portal. Unregistered projects have no regulatory oversight and no recourse under the Act.
Since 2016, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act mandates that any residential project with more than 8 units or more than 500 sq m of land must register with the state's RERA authority before advertising or selling. Skipping this check is one of the costliest mistakes a buyer can make.
Step-by-Step: How to Verify RERA Registration
- Go to your state's RERA portal (see table below).
- Search by project name or RERA number. Most portals have a "Project Search" tab on the homepage. Enter the project name or the RERA registration number the builder claims (format varies by state, e.g., PR/KA/RERA/1251/446/PR/190523/005678).
- Verify registration dates. Check the original registration date and the extended completion date. If the completion date is already past, the project is in delay territory — review the QPR and complaint history carefully.
- Check the Quarterly Progress Report (QPR). Builders must upload construction progress every quarter. If QPRs are missing or show minimal progress, treat this as a red flag.
- Check the Complaints tab. Most RERA portals show filed complaints against a project. A high volume or recent orders against the builder reveal systemic issues.
- Download Form-3. This is the CA certificate that confirms funds collected for the project are being utilised correctly. Absence of an updated Form-3 is a warning sign.
State-Wise RERA Portal Links
| State | Portal URL |
|---|---|
| Karnataka (K-RERA) | rera.karnataka.gov.in |
| Maharashtra (MahaRERA) | maharera.mahaonline.gov.in |
| Telangana (TSRERA) | rera.telangana.gov.in |
| Tamil Nadu (TNRERA) | tnrera.in |
| Haryana (HRERA) | hrera.org.in |
| Uttar Pradesh (UPRERA) | up-rera.in |
| Delhi (DRERA) | rera.delhi.gov.in |
| Gujarat (GUJRERA) | gujrera.gujarat.gov.in |
| Rajasthan (RRERA) | rera.rajasthan.gov.in |
| West Bengal (WBRERA) | wbhidco.nic.in/wbrera |
What to Look for Once You Find the Project
- Registration status: Should say "Registered" or "Active". "Lapsed" or "Revoked" means the builder defaulted on RERA conditions — do not proceed.
- Completion/possession date: Compare the RERA-registered date with what the builder is telling you verbally. Any extension must be filed with RERA and will show on the portal.
- Form-3 CA certificate: Ensures funds are being used for the project. Check the date — it should be within the last quarter.
- Quarterly Progress Reports (QPR): Look for regular uploads showing actual construction photos and percentage completion. Gaps of 2+ quarters are a serious warning.
- Litigation or orders: Check if the authority has issued any stop-construction orders or penalties against the project.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Builder claims the project is "RERA applied" or "RERA pending" — you should NOT pay anything before registration is confirmed.
- RERA number provided by builder doesn't match the project address or builder name on the portal.
- QPRs not filed for 2 or more consecutive quarters.
- "Lapsed" status — registration expired without renewal.
- Wrong state portal — builder in Noida (UP) should be on UP-RERA, not Delhi RERA.
- RERA number belongs to Phase 1 but builder is selling you Phase 2 (which may not yet be registered).
FAQ
Can a project be RERA-registered but still risky?
Yes. RERA registration is a necessary but not sufficient check. You still need to review QPRs, complaint history, builder track record, and legal title. Use our methodology to score a project end-to-end.
What if the state portal is down?
Most states have the RERA number printed on project brochures and sale agreements. You can also verify via the central Housing Ministry's RERA dashboard at mohua.gov.in. Always cross-reference with your own state portal.
Is RERA verification enough before booking?
It's the starting point. For a complete pre-booking checklist, also read our RERA explained guide.