The real estate sector plays an important role in India’s development. It helps meet the growing demand for homes, offices, and other infrastructure, and is a key part of the economy.

However, for many years, this sector was mostly unregulated. There were no fixed rules, lack of professionalism, and buyers often faced issues like delays and fraud.

To solve these problems, the government introduced the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016—commonly known as RERA.

This law came into full effect on 1st May 2017. Its main goal is to protect buyers, make developers more accountable, and bring transparency and fairness to the real estate industry.

 

 What RERA Covers

RERA applies to almost all types of real estate projects—whether they are residential or commercial, including apartments, shops, and offices.

As per the law, all ongoing or incomplete projects that have not received an Occupancy Certificate (OC) or Completion Certificate (CC) must also be registered under RERA. Builders are required to register such projects within 3 months of the Act being enforced.

 

 Mandatory RERA Registration

Builders and developers are not allowed to advertise, sell, or promote any real estate project without registering it with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA).

 

 Benefits of RERA

RERA ensures transparency in real estate projects.

1. It helps buyers get their homes on time.
2. It protects buyers from being cheated.
3. It builds trust between buyers and developers.
4. It encourages fair and professional practices in the industry.
5. It helps developers work in a more organized system

 

 How to Register a Project Under RERA

Every builder or promoter must apply to the RERA authority in the required format and submit specific documents.

 

 Documents Required for RERA Registration

1. PAN Card
2. Copy of legal title report
3. Project details
4. Approved layout and building plans
5. Draft of allotment letter and agreement for sale
6. Declaration in Form B (an affidavit signed by the promoter or authorized person)
7. Architect Certificate – Form 1 (for ongoing projects)
8. Architect Certificate – Form 4
9. Chartered Accountant Certificate – Form 3
10. Chartered Accountant Certificate – Form 5
11. Engineer Certificate – Form 2 (for ongoing projects)
12. Commencement Certificate

 

 Process for Project Registration

The builder must submit the application and documents to the RERA authority.

After verifying the documents, the authority will issue a registration number.

The promoter will also receive a login ID and password to update project details online.

 

 Validity of Registration

The validity of the registration depends on the time period promised by the promoter to complete the project, as declared at the time of registration.

 

 When RERA Does Not Apply

1. RERA is not applicable in some cases, such as:
2. Projects that are smaller than 500 square meters or have fewer than 8 units
3. Renovation or repair work that does not involve new sales or marketing

 

 Cancellation of RERA Registration

1. RERA has the right to cancel a project’s registration if:
2. The developer breaks the rules of the Act
3. The developer uses false or misleading advertisements
4. The developer does not follow directions given by the RERA authority