Step-by-Step RERA Complaint Process
| Step | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the violation — possession delay, refund refusal, false representation, quality defect | Before filing |
| 2 | Collect evidence — BBA, payment receipts, correspondence, RERA project page screenshot | Before filing |
| 3 | Register on state RERA portal — create account as complainant | Day 1 |
| 4 | File complaint online — enter project RERA number, describe violation, upload documents | Day 1–2 |
| 5 | Pay filing fee (₹1,000–₹5,000) online | Day 1–2 |
| 6 | RERA issues notice to builder — builder must respond within specified time | Days 5–15 |
| 7 | Hearing before Adjudicating Officer — builder and complainant present their cases | Within 60 days |
| 8 | Order issued — RERA directs payment, refund, or construction within timeline | Within 60 days of hearing |
| 9 | Builder non-compliance — approach RERA Recovery Officer for enforcement | If needed |
RERA vs Consumer Forum — Which to Choose?
| Factor | RERA Complaint | Consumer Forum |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | RERA-registered under-construction project disputes | Post-possession defects, or pre-RERA projects |
| Timeline | Faster — 60-day mandate | Slower — months to years |
| Technical expertise | RERA experts understand construction disputes well | General consumer dispute forum |
| Enforcement | Strong — Recovery Officer, asset attachment, criminal penalty | Needs separate execution proceedings |
| Appeal | To RERA Appellate Tribunal → High Court | To State Commission → National Commission → SC |
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
File on your state RERA portal: (1) Register as complainant, (2) Enter project RERA number, (3) Describe the violation (delay, refund refusal, misrepresentation, defect), (4) Upload evidence (BBA, payment receipts, correspondence), (5) Pay filing fee (₹1,000–₹5,000), (6) Track progress. RERA must schedule a hearing within 60 days. For possession delay specifically, state the RERA-registered possession date and actual status.
RERA Adjudicating Officer can order: payment of delay interest (MCLR+2%), full refund with interest, completion of construction within a timeline, rectification of quality defects, and penalty on the builder. If the builder does not comply, RERA Recovery Officer can attach builder bank accounts and assets. Wilful non-compliance with RERA order is also a criminal offence under RERA.
RERA law mandates: Adjudicating Officer must hear the complaint within 60 days of filing. Order must be issued within 60 days of hearing. In practice, timelines vary by state and workload — some states are faster (Maharashtra, Karnataka) than others. While faster than courts, RERA complaints can still take 6–12 months for final resolution in many cases.
Yes — possession delay is the most common RERA complaint. You need: RERA project registration number, builder-buyer agreement (showing RERA-registered possession date), payment receipts (showing amount paid), and documentation of delay (current project status from RERA portal). RERA can order delay interest at SBI MCLR+2% per month from the registered possession date.
For RERA-registered under-construction project disputes — use RERA. It is faster, has technical expertise in construction disputes, and has stronger enforcement. For post-possession defects in older projects (before RERA) or non-RERA projects — use Consumer Forum. Some buyers file both simultaneously for maximum pressure — legally permitted but check state-specific rules on parallel proceedings.