Filing a Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) complaint can feel daunting, but understanding how to file RERA complaint and the overall RERA process India will put you in the driver’s seat. Whether you’re facing delays in possession, poor construction quality, or misleading project information, this beginner-friendly guide walks you through every step—state by state—using real-life examples, and trusted service providers.
What Is RERA and Why It Matters
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) was introduced to protect homebuyers and bring transparency to India’s real estate sector. Under RERA:
- Homebuyer Rights are safeguarded—developers must deposit 70% of project funds into escrow accounts.
- Mandatory Registration of all residential and commercial projects over 500 sq m ensures accountability.
- Standard Agreements prevent unfair clauses in buyer–builder contracts.
Since its rollout, RERA has empowered buyers to seek redressal quickly when things go wrong.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to File RERA Complaint
Learning how to file RERA complaint starts with a clear, methodical approach:
- Identify the Issue & Gather Evidence
- Delay in possession
- Structural defects or poor workmanship
- False advertising of amenities
- Discrepancies in carpet area
- Misuse of development funds
- Delay in possession
- Collect: Sale agreement, allotment letter, payment receipts, and any email or written correspondence with the developer.
- Visit the State RERA Portal
- Each state (and the Union Territories of Delhi and Chandigarh) has its own portal:
- Maharashtra: maharera.mahaonline.gov.in
- Karnataka: rera.karnataka.gov.in
- Delhi: rera.delhi.gov.in
- Tamil Nadu: rera.tn.gov.in
- Others listed at realestate.gov.in/rera (central directory).
- Maharashtra: maharera.mahaonline.gov.in
- Each state (and the Union Territories of Delhi and Chandigarh) has its own portal:
- Register & Create a User Account
- Provide basic details (name, email, mobile).
- Verify via OTP.
- Provide basic details (name, email, mobile).
- Fill the Complaint Form
- Select project and allottee details from the dropdown.
- Describe your grievance clearly in 200–300 words.
- Upload supporting documents (PDF/JPEG).
- Select project and allottee details from the dropdown.
- Pay the Filing Fee
- Typically ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 depending on state and claim amount.
- Payment gateways accept net banking, UPI, and cards.
- Typically ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 depending on state and claim amount.
- Submit & Note the Reference Number
- Print or save the e-receipt.
- Use the complaint number to track status on the portal.
- Print or save the e-receipt.
- Attend the RERA Hearing
- You’ll receive an SMS/email with a hearing date—often within 60 days.
- Present your case succinctly, with evidence photocopies and originals for verification.
- You’ll receive an SMS/email with a hearing date—often within 60 days.
- Await the RERA Order
- The authority issues a decision within 60 days of the hearing—directing refund, compensation, or project completion timelines.
- The authority issues a decision within 60 days of the hearing—directing refund, compensation, or project completion timelines.
State-wise RERA Process India Portals and Variations
While the core steps remain consistent, some states have unique features:
| State / UT | Portal | Filing Fee | Hearing Mode |
| Maharashtra | maharera.mahaonline.gov.in | ₹2,000–₹5,000 | In-person & video |
| Karnataka | rera.karnataka.gov.in | ₹1,000 flat | Video conference |
| Delhi | rera.delhi.gov.in | 0.1% of claim (min ₹1,000) | In-person only |
| Tamil Nadu | rera.tn.gov.in | ₹2,500 flat | Hybrid |
| Gujarat | reragujarat.gov.in | ₹1,500–₹4,000 | In-person & online |
| West Bengal | wbrera.in | ₹1,200 flat | Video conference |
| Uttar Pradesh | up-rera.in | ₹1,000 flat | In-person |
Note: Always confirm current fees and hearing formats on the official portal before filing.
Documents Required for Filing a RERA Complaint
To ensure smooth processing, have digital copies (PDF/JPEG) of:
- Sale Agreement & Allotment Letter
- Payment Receipts & Bank Statements showing payments to the developer
- RERA Registration Certificate of the project (available on the portal)
- Copies of Brochures or Advertisements if alleging misrepresentation
- Photographs of Defects (e.g., cracks, leakage)
- Correspondence Log with the developer (emails, WhatsApp chats)
Tip: Label each file clearly (“SaleAgreement.pdf”, “LeakyRoof.jpg”) to avoid confusion during upload.
Fees and Timelines in RERA Process India
Understanding costs and timelines keeps expectations realistic:
| Stage | Typical Timeline | Cost Estimate |
| Filing Complaint | Instant (portal registration) | ₹1,000–₹5,000 |
| Initial Acknowledgment | 1–3 days | — |
| Hearing Notice | 30–60 days from filing | — |
| RERA Hearing | Scheduled within next 30 days | — |
| Final Order Issuance | Within 60 days of hearing | — |
| Appeal (if needed) | Within 30 days to appellate tribunal | ₹5,000–₹10,000 |
Most state authorities aim to resolve first-level complaints within 90–120 days from filing.
Real-Life Example: Sunita’s RERA Journey in Maharashtra
Background: Sunita booked a 2 BHK in a Thane project in 2022, expecting possession by June 2024. By December 2024, no handover date was communicated.
Steps She Took:
- Collected her agreement, payment proofs, and email threads.
- Registered on maharera.mahaonline.gov.in and filled the complaint form.
- Paid a ₹3,000 fee via UPI.
- Attended the hearing in Mumbai with her advocate, presenting a folder of documents.
Outcome: The RERA authority directed the builder to either hand over possession within 90 days or refund her ₹65 lakh with 9% interest. Sunita chose the refund and bought a ready-flat in Kalyan with the refunded amount.
Tips to Navigate the RERA Process India Smoothly
- Be Concise & Clear: A well-structured grievance statement (200–300 words) speeds up review.
- Keep Originals Ready: Authorities may ask for physical verification at the hearing.
- Track Regularly: Use the portal’s tracking feature and attend every hearing (even virtually).
- Document Everything: Maintain a dated log of all communications.
- Know Your Jurisdiction: File in the state where the project is located, not your residence.
Professional Help and Local Service Providers
If you’d rather have an expert guide you, consider these trusted partners:
- Vakilsearch (pan-India): Online platform for RERA complaint drafting and filing.
- IndiaFilings (pan-India): End-to-end support—registration to hearing representation.
- LegalRaasta (Delhi NCR): Specialized in consumer & real estate disputes.
- LawRato (Mumbai & Pune): Connects you with empaneled RERA advocates.
- NAREDCO State Councils: Non-profit bodies offering free consultation clinics in major cities.
Many of these vendors offer fixed-fee packages (₹5,000–₹15,000) covering form filling, document vetting, and hearing support.
Conclusion
Filing a RERA complaint doesn’t have to be intimidating. By understanding how to file RERA complaint step by step, gathering the right documents, and leveraging state portals, you can seek timely redressal. Whether you DIY or hire a partner like Vakilsearch or LegalRaasta, India’s transparent RERA process India ensures builders remain accountable. Armed with this guide, you’re ready to stand up for your homebuyer rights—nationwide.
Source : fulinspace.com