Why RERA Verification is Non-Negotiable
Every year, thousands of homebuyers in Tamil Nadu lose money to delayed projects, incomplete constructions, or outright fraud. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 — commonly known as RERA — was introduced specifically to protect buyers from these situations.
Before you pay a single rupee as advance or booking amount, verifying RERA registration takes just 5 minutes and can save you from years of legal battles and financial loss.
What is RERA and What Does It Do?
RERA is a central law enforced by each state through its own regulatory authority. In Tamil Nadu, it is administered by TNRERA (Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority).
Under RERA, every real estate project with more than 8 apartments or over 500 sqm of land must be registered before the builder can advertise, sell, or collect any money from buyers.
Key Protections RERA Gives You
- Delivery timeline commitment — builder must specify and stick to possession date
- Escrow account — 70% of collections must be kept in a separate account only for construction
- Penalty for delay — builder must pay interest for every month of delay beyond committed date
- Defect liability — builder responsible for structural defects for 5 years after possession
- No changes without consent — builder cannot modify approved plans without buyer approval
How to Check RERA Registration — Step by Step
Method 1: TNRERA Website (Official)
- Go to tnrera.in
- Click on "Registered Projects"
- Search by project name, builder name, or RERA registration number
- Click on the project to view full details
What to Check Once You Find the Project
| Field | What to Verify |
|---|---|
| Registration Status | Must say "Active" — not Expired or Revoked |
| Promoter Name | Must match the builder/developer you are dealing with |
| Project Address | Must match the actual site location |
| Completion Date | Note this — builder is legally bound to this date |
| Total Units | Must match what the builder told you |
| Units Sold | Gives you a sense of project traction and demand |
| Quarterly Updates | Builder must upload construction progress — check if updated recently |
Red Flags to Watch For
- No RERA number — any project above 8 units must have one. Absence is illegal.
- Expired registration — project is technically not allowed to sell units
- Possession date already passed — indicates a delayed or stalled project
- No quarterly updates uploaded — builder is not complying with reporting requirements
- Builder name mismatch — watch for shell companies with similar names to reputed builders
- Complaints registered against the project — check the TNRERA complaints section
Where Should the RERA Number Appear?
A legitimate builder will display the RERA registration number prominently on:
- All advertisements — newspaper, digital, hoardings
- The project brochure and marketing materials
- The builder's official website
- The sale agreement and allotment letter
If a builder refuses to share the RERA number or says "registration is in process" — do not pay any advance. This is a serious red flag regardless of how attractive the project appears.
What RERA Does NOT Cover
- Completed projects — buildings that received Occupancy Certificate before May 2017 are not under RERA
- Small projects — below 8 units or 500 sqm land area are exempt
- Resale transactions — individual resale between buyers and sellers is not regulated by RERA
How to File a Complaint on TNRERA
If a RERA-registered builder violates any commitment — delayed possession, unauthorised changes, refund disputes — you can file a complaint directly at tnrera.in.
- Register at tnrera.in with your email and phone number
- Click "File Complaint"
- Enter the project RERA number and describe the issue in detail
- Upload supporting documents — agreement, payment receipts, correspondence
- Pay the nominal filing fee online
TNRERA is required to resolve complaints within 60 days. Builders who lose at TNRERA must comply or face cancellation of their registration.
Pre-Purchase Checklist — Before Signing Any Agreement
- ☑ RERA registration verified at tnrera.in — status Active
- ☑ Completion date noted and builder committed in writing
- ☑ Builder's previous projects checked for on-time delivery
- ☑ Encumbrance certificate obtained from Sub-Registrar's office
- ☑ Building plan approved by CMDA or local authority
- ☑ Home loan pre-approved for this specific project
- ☑ Sale agreement reviewed by a property lawyer before signing
All properties listed on Propspedia are RERA-verified. Browse verified Chennai properties on Propspedia — each listing shows RERA registration number, builder profile, and project completion timeline.
