Introduction
The dream of owning a home is one of the most cherished goals for many individuals and families. However, the journey from booking a property to receiving possession can sometimes be fraught with delays and uncertainties.
To safeguard the interests of homebuyers and ensure timely project delivery, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) was enacted in India. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can file a RERA complaint for delay in possession, understand your rights as a homebuyer, and the remedies available to you.
Understanding RERA ActÂ
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, commonly known as RERA, was introduced to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the real estate sector.
One of its primary objectives is to protect the interests of homebuyers and ensure that they receive their properties on time. Under RERA, developers are required to register their projects with the regulatory authority and provide accurate project details and timelines.
Filing a RERA Complaint Online
If you’re facing delays in possession, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file a RERA complaint:
- Check RERA Registration: Ensure that your project and developer are registered under RERA. This information is typically available on the RERA website of your state.
- Gather Documents: Collect all relevant documents, such as your agreement with the builder, payment receipts, and correspondence related to the project.
- Contact the Developer: Before filing a complaint, try to communicate with the developer and understand the reasons for the delay. This can often lead to an amicable resolution.
- Approach the RERA Authority: If your concerns are not addressed by the developer, file a complaint with the RERA authority in your state. You can typically do this online through the RERA portal.
- Provide Details: While filing the complaint, be sure to include all relevant project details, reasons for the delay, and the relief or compensation you seek.
What Are Your Rights as a Homebuyer?
RERA empowers homebuyers with several rights and protections:
- Timely Possession: Developers are obligated to deliver possession on the promised date. If there is a delay, they must provide a valid reason and compensation.
- Accurate Information: Developers must provide accurate project details, plans, and timelines, ensuring transparency in the entire process.
- Advance Payment Protection: Developers cannot ask for more than 10% of the property’s cost as an advance without signing a sale agreement.
- Quality Assurance: The quality of construction must meet the agreed-upon standards, and developers are liable for structural defects for up to five years. Our Team Can Help you with the RERA Complaint Status in 2023!
Remedies Available
Upon filing a RERA complaint, you may receive the following remedies:
- Compensation for Delay: If the developer fails to meet the possession date, they are liable to pay compensation for the delay.
- Refund: You can seek a refund of your investment with interest if the project is significantly delayed.
- Alteration of Agreement: RERA authorities can make changes to the agreement to protect the interests of homebuyers.
- Project Revival: In some cases, the RERA authority may take over the project or appoint a new developer to complete it.
Conclusion
RERA is a significant step towards safeguarding the interests of homebuyers and ensuring timely possession of properties. If you’re facing delays in possession, don’t hesitate to file a RERA complaint. It’s essential to be aware of your rights and the remedies available to you under this legislation. Remember, you deserve to see your homeownership dreams realized on time, and RERA is there to help you achieve that goal.