New Delhi. Buying your own home is the biggest dream and investment in every person’s life. But this dream turns into a nightmare when the builder does not hand over the possession of the flat on time as promised or the construction quality of the house is poor. Especially in Delhi-NCR, many home buyers have been searching for their homes for years. To solve these problems and bring transparency in the real estate sector, the government has implemented the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA). This law provides a strong legal weapon to home buyers against the arbitrariness of builders. If you are also troubled by delay in possession or poor construction, then you can lodge your complaint with RERA.
The main objective of RERA is to regulate the real estate sector and protect the interests of buyers. Under this law, every residential and commercial project with an area of more than 500 square meters or more than 8 flats is required to register with the RERA authority of the concerned state. As per RERA rules, State RERA should try to settle the case within 60 days of receiving the complaint. However, in complex cases this time may increase slightly. During the hearing, the buyer can present his case himself or through his lawyer.
When can you give complaint to RERA?
- Delay in possession: If the builder does not hand over the flat within the time limit given in the ‘Builder-Buyer Agreement’.
- Manufacturing Defects: If there is any structural defect in the construction within 5 years of possession.
- Breach of Agreement: If the builder makes changes to the approved plans or features without your consent.
- Wrong Advertisement: If the promises shown in the advertisement (like swimming pool, park etc.) are not given in reality.
How to complain to RERA?
Now there is no need to visit government offices for complaints. In most states this process is completely digital. That means you can complain online. Let us know how to complain..
Visit the official portal: First of all visit the RERA website of the state where your property is located. For example, if you have property in Uttar Pradesh, you will have to go to up-rera.in and if you have property in Haryana, you will have to go to haryanarera.gov.in and lodge a complaint.
Registration and Sign-up: Click on ‘Registration’ or ‘Complaint’ tab on the website. You will see a ‘Complaint Registration’ form. Here you have to create your user account by entering your name, email ID and mobile number. After this login with the username and password received. Go to ‘My Profile’ section and fill in your complete personal information.
Fill in the details of the project: Go to ‘File Complaint’ section. Here you have to give details of the project and builder like name of the project and its RERA registration number etc. You will also have to enter the details of your unit. Also, the total amount paid and date of booking will also have to be mentioned.
Problem description: Here you have to write clearly what problem you are facing, like there is a delay in getting the possession or the construction quality is poor. Also tell us what you want. You can choose two options. First, refund with interest, if you want to exit the project. Second, delay compensation, if you want possession of the flat but are also seeking damages for the delay.
Upload Document: To prove your point, you will have to upload scanned copies (PDF) of some documents. Documents required like allotment letter or builder-buyer agreement and receipts of installments paid.
fee payment : A prescribed government fee has to be paid for filing a complaint. You can pay it online through UPI, Net Banking or Debit Card.
What relief can a buyer get from RERA?
Interest: If there is a delay in getting possession, the builder may have to pay monthly interest at the rate of SBI Marginal Cost of Lending Rate (MCLR) + 2% on the amount deposited by the buyer.
Repair: If any defect occurs within 5 years of getting possession, the builder will have to repair it free of cost within 30 days.
