The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 — better known as RERA — is arguably the most important consumer protection law in Indian real estate history. Here is what it means for you.
What RERA Is
RERA mandates that developers register every project with the state authority before launching sales. Registration requires disclosure of approvals, layout plans, timelines and financial statements — all publicly accessible.
Your Key Rights
- Right to information: Developers must disclose all project details — layouts, materials, schedules — before sale.
- Right to possession on time: If a developer delays beyond the committed date, they owe you interest on your payments.
- Right to quality: Developers must fix any structural defect reported within 5 years of possession — at no cost to you.
- Right to refund: If a developer cannot deliver, you're entitled to a full refund with interest.
How to Verify a Project
Visit rera.gujarat.gov.in, select "Registered Projects" and search by developer name or project name. Confirm the RERA number matches what's on the developer's brochure and agreement.
Filing a Complaint
If a developer violates RERA terms, you can file a complaint directly on the RERA portal. Complaints are adjudicated quickly compared to civil courts, making RERA an effective enforcement mechanism.