Buyer Guide · 7 min read
RERA Verification Guide — Protect Your Investment
How to verify RERA registration, check project status, understand your rights as a buyer, and file a complaint if things go wrong.
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 was a landmark legislation that brought accountability to India's largely unregulated real estate market. Before RERA, builders could collect money, delay possession by years, and divert funds with little legal consequence. RERA changed that — and knowing how to use it is every buyer's best defence.
What Does RERA Protect You From?
📐
Carpet Area Transparency
Builders must disclose and price apartments on carpet area (actual usable space), not the inflated super built-up area.
📅
Delivery Date Accountability
Builders must commit to a possession date. Delays entitle buyers to full refund with interest or monthly compensation.
💰
Escrow Fund Protection
70% of buyer funds must be deposited in a dedicated escrow account, accessible only for that project's costs.
🔧
5-Year Defect Liability
Builders are liable to fix structural defects and poor workmanship for 5 years after possession.
📊
Quarterly Progress Updates
Builders must update the RERA portal with construction progress, funds collected and funds used — every quarter.
⚖️
Grievance Redressal
RERA adjudicating officers must resolve complaints within 60 days. Appeals go to RERA Appellate Tribunal.
How to Verify RERA Registration — Step by Step
1
Ask the builder for the RERA registration number
All registered projects display their RERA number in marketing materials and on-site. If a builder can't provide one, that's a red flag.
2
Visit the state RERA portal
Go to tnrera.in (Tamil Nadu), rera.karnataka.gov.in (Karnataka), or the portal for your state. Look for a 'Projects' or 'Search' section.
3
Search by project name or RERA number
Enter the details and open the project page. You should see registration status, approved plan, builder contact, and complaint history.
4
Cross-check key details
Verify that the number of units, land extent, and project address match what the builder told you. Check the committed possession date on the portal vs what's in your agreement.
5
Check the complaint tab
See if any complaints have been filed against this project. Multiple complaints about the same builder is a warning sign worth investigating before booking.
State RERA Portals — South India & Beyond
| State | Authority | Portal | Active Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | TNRERA | tnrera.in | 2017 |
| Karnataka | K-RERA | rera.karnataka.gov.in | 2017 |
| Telangana | TSRERA | rera.telangana.gov.in | 2017 |
| Kerala | K-RERA (Kerala) | rera.kerala.gov.in | 2018 |
| Maharashtra | MahaRERA | maharera.mahaonline.gov.in | 2017 |
How to File a RERA Complaint
- Register on the state RERA portal as a complainant
- Download and fill Form M (complaint form) with project details and nature of grievance
- Attach supporting documents — agreement, payment receipts, builder communications
- Pay the complaint filing fee (₹1,000–₹5,000 depending on state)
- Submit online or in person at the RERA office
- RERA adjudicating officer must respond within 60 days
- If unsatisfied, appeal to RERA Appellate Tribunal within 60 days of order
Note: RERA is not a court — it handles matters of possession delay, refund, defects and misrepresentation. For title disputes and fraud, approach the consumer court or civil court.
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