What RERA says and how to file a complaint

NEW DELHI: Buying a home is often one of the biggest financial decisions for most families in India, but for thousands of homebuyers, the dream of owning a flat turns into years of waiting, repeated delays, rising EMIs, and endless promises from builders.If your builder has failed to hand over possession of your flat within the decided timeline, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, popularly known as RERA, gives you legal remedies.Here’s a detailed guide on what your rights are, what compensation you can claim, and how to file a RERA complaint against the builder.What is RERA?RERA authorities were established under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 to regulate the real estate sector and protect homebuyers from unfair practices. Every state has its own RERA authority, such as MahaRERA, Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HRERA), and UP RERA.Under the law, builders are required to register projects with RERA, disclose project timelines, approvals, and layout plans, and adhere to the possession date promised in the agreement.When can a homebuyer file a RERA complaint?A buyer can approach RERA in several situations. The most common is when the builder delays possession beyond the promised date or ignores refund requests altogether. Complaints can also be filed if promised amenities are not delivered, construction quality is poor, or the builder changes layout plans without the buyer’s consent. Hidden charges and unfair financial demands are also valid grounds. In addition, if a project that should be registered under RERA is not registered, buyers can report it to the authority.What are your rights if possession is delayed?Under Section 18 of the RERA Act, a homebuyer has two options if a builder fails to deliver possession on time:1. Continue with the project and seek compensationIf you still want the flat, you can ask the builder to pay interest for every month of delay until possession is handed over. This interest is paid at the rate prescribed by the appropriate government, typically SBI’s highest Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR) plus 2%. Several recent RERA orders have directed builders to pay interest and compensation to buyers for delayed possession.2. Exit the project and seek a refundIf the delay is excessive and you no longer wish to continue, you can seek a full refund of the amount paid along with interest at the applicable rate. Courts and RERA authorities have repeatedly held that buyers can seek refunds and compensation in genuine delay cases.Can builders escape liability by extending timelines?Builders often cite reasons such as labour shortages, approval delays, financial stress, or force majeure clauses to justify delays. However, multiple RERA authorities have held that project extensions do not automatically erase buyers’ rights to seek compensation for delayed possession. In several states, authorities have also rejected blanket excuses related to Covid-era delays where sufficient time extensions had already been granted to builders, though the approach has varied from state to state. If a builder cites such reasons, buyers can still file a complaint and let the RERA authority assess the validity of the excuse.What documents do you need before filing a complaint?

Buyers should first check whether the specific tower or phase is registered under RERA on the state authority’s website.How to file a RERA complaintMost state RERA authorities now allow online complaint filing. Note that complaint fees vary by state and by the value of the claim.Step 1: Visit the state RERA websiteGo to the RERA portal of the state where the project is located, such as MahaRERA for Maharashtra projects or UP RERA for Uttar Pradesh projects.Step 2: Register yourselfCreate a user account. Most portals require a mobile number and email ID, though registration requirements may vary by state.Step 3: Fill in complaint detailsMention the project name, builder details, nature of complaint, delay period, and relief sought — refund, possession, interest, compensation, or a combination.Step 4: Upload documentsUpload all supporting documents in PDF format.Step 5: Pay the complaint feeThe fee varies by state and is generally calculated based on the amount being claimed.Step 6: Attend hearingsHearings may happen physically or virtually depending on the authority.Do you need a lawyer?Not necessarily. Many buyers file RERA complaints themselves, and several authorities have simplified their online procedures. However, in complex cases involving large sums, multiple buyers, or insolvency issues, legal assistance may help.Can buyers approach other forums as well?Yes. The Supreme Court has clarified that remedies under RERA are in addition to remedies available under consumer protection laws (Imperia Structures Ltd. v. Anil Patni, 2020). Depending on the situation, buyers may also approach the consumer commission and high court.Is there a time limit for filing a complaint?RERA does not prescribe a specific limitation period, but filing early is strongly advisable. Delays in approaching the authority can complicate your case and weaken your claim. As a general rule, do not wait beyond five years from the date the cause of action arose — for example, from the date possession was originally promised.Things homebuyers should keep in mind