10 authoritative answers on RERA verification, complaints, refunds, escrow, and buyer rights under the Real Estate Regulation Act.
Visit your state RERA portal (e.g., rera.karnataka.gov.in for Karnataka, maharera.mahaonline.gov.in for Maharashtra). Search for the project name or RERA registration number. A valid registration will show the project name, promoter name, approved land area, carpet area per flat, and completion date. RERA numbers typically follow a state-specific format like PRM/KA/RERA/XXXX/XXX for Karnataka.
Under RERA Section 4(2)(l), builders must deposit 70% of all money collected from buyers into a dedicated escrow account. This money can only be withdrawn in proportion to construction completion as certified by an architect and engineer. This rule prevents builders from diverting buyer funds to other projects. You can ask the builder for escrow account details and verify activity.
Under RERA Section 18, you can claim interest at SBI MCLR + 2% per annum on all payments made, from the promised possession date until actual handover. Alternatively, you can demand a full refund with interest. File a complaint on your state RERA portal using Form-M. The adjudicating officer typically schedules a hearing within 30–60 days.
Yes. RERA Section 18 gives you the right to seek a full refund (with interest) at any point if the builder has failed to deliver possession by the agreed date. There is no minimum delay period required to trigger this right. However, if you choose to continue, you can instead claim interest on the delayed period without cancelling the agreement.
Projects are exempt from RERA if: (a) the land area is less than 500 sq.m., or (b) the number of apartments is less than 8, or (c) the project was received Completion Certificate (CC) before RERA came into force in May 2017. Renovation and repair projects are also exempt. All other residential and commercial projects must be RERA registered.
Visit your state RERA website, register as a complainant, and file Form-M with your grievance, supporting documents (agreement, payment receipts, builder communications), and the relief sought. Pay the filing fee (₹1,000–₹5,000 depending on state). RERA orders are legally enforceable — non-compliance by the builder can lead to up to 3 years imprisonment under Section 63.
Builders are mandated under RERA to upload a Quarterly Progress Report every 3 months showing construction completion percentage, funds collected from buyers, funds in escrow, and expected possession timeline. Access QPRs on your state RERA portal under the project's listing. Comparing QPRs across quarters reveals construction pace and delay signals.
Under RERA Section 14(1), builders cannot make any material alteration to plans, specifications, or structural designs without the written consent of at least two-thirds of allottees. Any changes not consented to are a RERA violation. Buyers can complain to the RERA authority and claim compensation for unauthorized alterations.
A lapsed RERA registration is a red flag — it means the builder did not apply for renewal within the prescribed timeline. The builder cannot legally sell units without valid RERA registration. If you have already paid and the RERA lapses, file a complaint immediately and ask for escrow account status. Brickplot's project pages flag RERA status as "expired" when detected.
No. RERA primarily covers new project launches and under-construction apartments sold by promoters. Resale transactions between two individual buyers are not regulated by RERA. For resale due diligence, you need to verify title chain, Encumbrance Certificate, Khata status, society NOC, and OC — none of which are RERA obligations in a resale scenario.