Buying a home is one of the biggest investments in a person’s life. Yet for many homebuyers, the journey becomes stressful due to delays, false promises, hidden charges, and lack of accountability from builders. To solve these issues and bring transparency to the real estate sector, the Government of India introduced the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 — commonly known as RERA.
RERA is more than a law—
it is a homebuyer’s protection shield, ensuring fairness, clarity, transparency, and timely delivery in real estate projects across India.
This article explains your rights, the protections offered by RERA, and how legal remedies ensure smoother real estate transactions.
🔹 What Is RERA?
RERA is a regulatory framework that governs the real estate sector and protects homebuyers from unfair practices. It ensures:
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Timely project completion
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Transparent project details
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Accountability of builders
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Legal remedies for delays or fraud
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Protection from misleading advertisements
This law applies to both residential and commercial real estate projects.
🔹 Why RERA Was Introduced
Real estate buyers earlier faced issues such as:
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Project delays
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Poor construction quality
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Hidden costs
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Undisclosed project plans
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No clarity on possession date
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Difficulty in getting refunds
RERA was introduced to eliminate these problems and bring trust and discipline to the sector.
🔹 Key Rights You Get Under RERA
✔ 1. Right to Accurate Project Information
Builders must disclose:
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Approved plans
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Layout details
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Construction status
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Completion timelines
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Carpet area (not super built-up area)
No false promises. No hidden details.
✔ 2. Right to Timely Possession
If the project is delayed, you can:
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Claim interest for every month of delay
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Withdraw from the project and seek a full refund
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Demand compensation through RERA authority
✔ 3. Right to Fair Pricing
Buyers must be charged based only on carpet area, ensuring transparency in cost.
✔ 4. Right to Quality Construction
If structural defects or poor-quality work arise within 5 years of possession, the builder must repair it within 30 days, free of cost.
✔ 5. Right to Refund, Interest & Compensation
For delay, fraud, false promises, or any violation, buyers can legally demand:
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Full refund
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Interest for delay
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Monetary compensation
✔ 6. Protection Against Project Misuse
70% of buyer’s funds must be kept in a special bank account and used only for that project, reducing financial misuse.
🔹 Builder Responsibilities Under RERA
To ensure complete fairness, builders must:
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Register every project with RERA
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Upload all project details on the RERA website
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Update construction progress regularly
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Follow approved plans strictly
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Not make changes without buyer consent
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Deliver possession as per agreement
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Provide occupancy certificate
Failure to comply leads to heavy penalties or even imprisonment.
🔹 How RERA Helps in Real Estate Disputes
RERA offers a simple, fast, and cost-effective system for resolving disputes between homebuyers and developers.
You can approach the RERA Authority for issues like:
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Construction delays
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Refund disputes
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False commitments
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Quality defects
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Illegal project changes
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Non-delivery of possession
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Misrepresentation in advertisements
RERA aims to give justice quickly, unlike traditional court cases which may take years.
🔹 Role of Legal Experts in RERA Matters
Legal professionals play a crucial role in helping homebuyers by:
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Drafting complaints
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Submitting documentation
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Representing clients before RERA Authority
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Claiming refund, interest, and compensation
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Negotiating with builders
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Ensuring builders comply with orders
A strong legal strategy ensures buyers receive fair relief under RERA.
🔹 Final Thoughts
The RERA Act has transformed the real estate sector by making builders accountable and buyers empowered. Whether you are purchasing your first home or investing in property, understanding your rights under RERA helps you make informed and secure decisions.
With the right knowledge—and strong legal support—you can ensure your investment stays protected, transparent, and stress-free.