Question 1

What is RERA?

Accepted Answer

RERA stands for the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. It is an act of the Parliament of India which seeks to protect homebuyers as well as help boost investments in the real estate industry by bringing transparency and efficiency.

Question 2

Why was RERA introduced?

Accepted Answer

It was introduced to establish accountability and transparency in the real estate sector. RERA aims to protect consumer interests, establish a fast-track dispute resolution mechanism, and promote fair play in real estate transactions.

Question 3

Who regulates RERA in India?

Accepted Answer

While it is a central act, real estate is a concurrent subject. Therefore, each state and Union Territory in India has established its own Real Estate Regulatory Authority to frame rules and govern the implementation of the act within its jurisdiction (e.g., MahaRERA, AP RERA, TSRERA).

Question 4

Is RERA mandatory?

Accepted Answer

Yes, RERA is mandatory for all applicable commercial and residential real estate projects where the land area exceeds 500 square meters or there are more than 8 apartments.

Question 5

What are the benefits of RERA?

Accepted Answer

For buyers, it ensures timely delivery and protects against builder defaults. For developers, it brings sector formalization and boosts buyer confidence. For agents, it provides a structured working environment and formal recognition.

Question 6

Who must register a project under RERA?

Accepted Answer

Any promoter or developer planning to develop a real estate project (with plot size > 500 sq m or > 8 apartments) meant for sale must register it with the state RERA authority before marketing or selling it.

Question 7

What documents are required for project registration?

Accepted Answer

Essential documents include PAN, legal title deed, encumbrance certificate, approved building plans, details of the promoter/entity, proforma of allotment letter, agreement for sale, and details of contractors/architects.

Question 8

How long does registration take?

Accepted Answer

Once a complete application with all necessary documents is submitted, the regulatory authority typically grants or rejects registration within 30 days.

Question 9

What is the validity period of registration?

Accepted Answer

The registration is valid for the period declared by the promoter for completion of the project at the time of making the application.

Question 10

Can ongoing projects be registered?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In fact, any ongoing project that did not receive a completion certificate prior to the act's commencement was legally required to register under RERA.

Question 11

What happens if a project is not registered?

Accepted Answer

Marketing or selling properties in an unregistered project is illegal. Promoters can face severe penalties, up to 10% of the estimated cost of the real estate project.

Question 12

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Accepted Answer

Penalties can include hefty fines (up to 10% of project cost) and, in cases of continuous default, imprisonment for a term which may extend up to three years or fine up to another 10% of the estimated cost, or both.

Question 13

Can project registration be extended?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an extension can be granted under circumstances of 'force majeure' such as war, flood, drought, fire, cyclone, earthquake or any other calamity caused by nature. It can be extended for a period up to 1 year.

Question 14

Who needs RERA agent registration?

Accepted Answer

Any real estate agent, broker, channel partner, or consultant who facilitates the sale or purchase of properties in a RERA registered project must hold a valid RERA agent registration.

Question 15

How can I register as a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

Agents must apply to their state's RERA authority via the online portal, submitting necessary identification, address proof, and details of their enterprise along with the prescribed fee.

Question 16

What documents are required?

Accepted Answer

PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport size photographs, address proof of business place, details of enterprise (registration certificate, MOA etc.), and previous experience details if any.

Question 17

How long is the registration valid?

Accepted Answer

The validity varies by state. In many states, it is valid for 5 years, while in others it may be valid for a specific number of years as defined by the respective state rules.

Question 18

How can registration be renewed?

Accepted Answer

Registration can be renewed by filing a renewal application along with the prescribed fee at least 60 days prior to the expiry of the existing registration.

Question 19

What penalties apply to unregistered agents?

Accepted Answer

Unregistered agents facilitating sales in registered projects face a penalty of ₹10,000 per day during the period of default, which may cumulatively extend up to 5% of the cost of plot/apartment whose sale they facilitated.

Question 20

What are quarterly updates?

Accepted Answer

Promoters are legally required to file periodic (mostly quarterly) updates on the RERA portal detailing project progress, number of units sold, approvals received, and status of escrow accounts.

Question 21

Why are quarterly updates mandatory?

Accepted Answer

To maintain transparency, ensure funds are utilized correctly, and to keep buyers informed about the actual physical and financial progress of the project they invested in.

Question 22

What information must be submitted?

Accepted Answer

Details of sold plots/apartments, sold garages, approvals received/pending, status of construction of each building, status of common areas, and certificates from engineers, architects, and CAs.

Question 23

What happens if updates are not filed?

Accepted Answer

Authorities may impose strict penalties, freeze the project's RERA bank account, issue show-cause notices, or in severe cases, revoke the project registration entirely.

Question 24

How can compliance be maintained?

Accepted Answer

The best way is to retain a professional RERA consultancy firm like us to handle your documentation, coordinate with auditors, and ensure timely filing before deadlines.

Question 25

How does RERA protect homebuyers?

Accepted Answer

RERA mandates that 70% of funds collected from buyers go to a separate escrow account for construction. It also enforces transparent agreements, standardizes carpet area definitions, and penalizes delays.

Question 26

Can buyers file complaints under RERA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any aggrieved buyer can file a formal complaint with the RERA Authority or Adjudicating Officer against a promoter, allottee, or real estate agent for violations.

Question 27

How can buyers verify project registration?

Accepted Answer

Buyers can visit the official website of their respective State's RERA authority and search for the project name or registration number to view all submitted documents and approvals.

Question 28

What rights do homebuyers have?

Accepted Answer

Right to information (approved plans, schedule), right to claim refund with interest in case of delay or default, and the right to complain regarding structural defects discovered within 5 years of possession.

Question 29

What compensation is available for delays?

Accepted Answer

If a developer fails to hand over possession by the agreed date, the buyer can demand a full refund with interest, or if they choose to wait, they are entitled to interest for every month of delay.

Question 30

What should buyers check before purchasing property?

Accepted Answer

Always check the RERA registration number, verify the project details on the RERA portal, ensure the layout is approved, and strictly read the model agreement for sale.

Question 31

How can RERA Consultancy India help?

Accepted Answer

We provide end-to-end services from document preparation, filing applications for project/agent registration, maintaining quarterly compliance, and offering expert legal representation.

Question 32

Do you provide legal consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our team includes experienced legal professionals who specialize exclusively in real estate laws and RERA compliance.

Question 33

Can you assist with RERA disputes?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We draft complaints, replies, and provide full legal representation for buyers, developers, and agents in RERA tribunals and conciliation forums.

Question 34

Do you represent clients before RERA authorities?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our advocates make personal appearances and argue cases before RERA adjudicating officers and appellate tribunals on behalf of our clients.

Question 35

Can you help with project closure compliance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, upon project completion, we handle the complex process of filing closure documents with RERA, including final CA certificates and occupancy certificates.

Question 36

How does Andhra Pradesh RERA work?

Accepted Answer

AP RERA operates entirely online through its web portal for registrations and complaints. It enforces the AP Real Estate rules formulated under the Central Act.

Question 37

What are the AP RERA registration requirements?

Accepted Answer

Registration requires submission of land title deeds, encumbrance certificates, layout approvals from local bodies (CRDA, VMRDA, etc.), and detailed contractor/architect information.

Question 38

What are Telangana RERA registration requirements?

Accepted Answer

TSRERA requires strict adherence to local municipal approvals (HMDA, GHMC), fire NOCs, environmental clearances, and comprehensive financial declarations in their prescribed formats.

Question 39

How long do approvals take in these states?

Accepted Answer

With accurate documentation, both AP and TG RERA process most complete applications within the mandated 30-day window.

Question 40

What documents are commonly required?

Accepted Answer

Link documents for 10-15 years, HMDA/CRDA approved layout plan, building permission order, promoter's financial track record, and a designated project bank account.

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