How to File Complaint in RERA Against Builder: Step-by-step Procedure

Follow this step wise procedure to file a complaint in RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) against builder in your particular state for non-completion of properties in India:

Step 1: Check Eligibility for RERA Complaint

Prior to filing, make sure:

1. The project is registered under RERA (check the registration details on your state’s RERA website).
2. Check if the builder has violated any of these:
   • Project incompletion.
   • Mismanagement of funds.
   • Misrepresentation or fraud.
   • Failure to deliver possession as per the agreement.
   • Poor construction or amenities.

Step 2: Keep Necessary Documents in hand

Collect the following documents:

1. Booking Agreement/Sale Agreement: Proof of your property purchase
2. Receipts: Copies of all payments made to the builder
3. Builder Correspondence: Chats, Emails, letters, or messages proving delays or fraud.
4. RERA Registration Details: Registration number of your project.
5. Identity Proof: PAN, Aadhar card or any government ID.
6. Proof of Grievance: Evidence of complaints raised against the builder and their responses (or lack thereof).

Step 3: Go to Your State’s RERA Website

1. Search for your state’s RERA portal (e.g., RERA Karnataka, MahaRERA for Maharashtra, UP RERA for Uttar Pradesh, etc.).
2. If you are a new user, you’ve to register by providing your name, contact details, and other required information

Step 4: File a Complaint Online

1. Log in to the RERA portal with your registered credentials.
2. Go to the Complaint Filing Section (you will find something like “File a Complaint” or “Grievance Redressal”).
3. You will require the following details to fill the RERA complaint online form:
   • Project name and RERA registration number.
   • Details of the Builder (name, address, and contact information).
   • Complaint Description (including all details of the issue, e.g., delay in possession, profile funding scam, non EMI payment, fraud, etc. ).
   • Relief sought (e.g., payments refunds, interest for period of delay, or project completion within a timeframe).

Step 5: Pay the RERA Complaint Filing Fee

1. To file complaint in RERA, you have to pay a fee. The fee varies by state (₹1,000 to ₹5,000 for general complaints and around ₹25,000 for settlement cases).
2. You can make the RERA complaint fee payment online using net banking, UPI, or credit/debit cards.

Step 6: Proceed to Submit Your Complaint

After you fill in all the details and pay the fee:

1. Review the form once again for accuracy.
2. Submit the complaint.
3. You will get an acknowledgment receipt and complaint reference number. Save it for future tracking.

Step 7: Attend Hearings

1. After review your complaint, RERA will schedule a hearing.
2. You can either attend the hearing in person or appoint a legal representative.
3. Present your case, supported by all documents submitted.

Step 8: Wait for RERA’s Decision

1. After the hearing(s), RERA will release an order, which could include:
   • Refund of payments made, with interest.
   • Penalty on the builder.
   • Order to complete the project within a timeline.

Step 9: Impose RERA’s Order

1. You can go to the Appellate Tribunal under RERA for enforcement in case the builder fails to comply with RERA’s order
2. Further non-compliance will impose more penalties or imprisonment for the builder under RERA provisions.

Tips to Stay Vigilant after you file complaint in RERA

• Track Progress: You can track the status of your RERA complaint online using the complaint reference number.
• Free Legal Aid: If hiring legal representation is an expensive affair, approach the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) for help.
• Offline Complaint Modes: If online filing isn’t possible, visit the RERA office in your state and submit the complaint in person.

If you follow these steps to file complaint in RERA, you will hopefully get justice and relief for your unfinished properties. Also, read Property Loan Fraud by Builder: What Steps Can You Take?