Verify any Indian property project
before you sign anything

RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act, 2016) is a central law that makes it mandatory for all residential projects with 8+ apartments or on land > 500 sq.m to register before marketing or selling. Projects launched after May 1, 2017 cannot be sold without RERA registration. Each state has its own RERA authority. A project selling without RERA registration is operating illegally and you have zero legal protection as a buyer.

RERA registration numbers are state-specific. Maharashtra format: P51800XXXXXX (P + state code + district code + serial). Karnataka: PRM/KA/RERA/XXXX. Telangana: P01XXXXXX. UP: UPRERAPRJ XXXXXXX. You'll find it mandatorily on the developer's website, brochures, all advertisements and at the project site. If it's absent anywhere — that's illegal under Section 11(2).

Yes. RERA complaints can be filed directly on the state RERA portal — no lawyer required for the initial filing. You need the project RERA number, your booking documents, and a description of the issue. Most states have a nominal filing fee (₹1,000–₹5,000). Cases must be decided within 60 days. For appeals to the RERA Appellate Tribunal or High Court, you may want legal representation.

Under Section 18(1) of RERA, if the developer fails to deliver possession by the agreed date, they must pay interest at SBI MCLR + 2% per annum on all amounts paid by you — from the promised possession date to actual possession date. If you choose to withdraw entirely due to delay, you are entitled to a full refund of all amounts paid plus this interest. The developer cannot deduct any cancellation charges in this scenario.

Partially. RERA primarily covers transactions between buyers and registered developers. For resale (secondary market), RERA protections are limited. However, RERA still provides: (1) ability to check if the original project was RERA-registered, (2) access to complaint history against the original developer, (3) structural defect liability for 5 years from original possession date still applies. For resale protection, focus on title verification, OC and encumbrance certificate rather than RERA alone.

MahaRERA (Maharashtra) is widely considered India's best RERA portal. It has the most detailed project data, downloadable QR-code verified registration certificates, a grading system for developers, and one of the highest complaint resolution rates. Karnataka RERA (K-RERA) and Telangana RERA are also well-maintained. UP-RERA has the highest volume of registered projects (NCR). Some state portals (Bihar, Jharkhand) are less advanced with slower update cycles.

RERA registration does not guarantee delivery — it only means the project is legally registered. If registered project work appears stalled: (1) Check if extensions have been filed on the portal, (2) Contact the state RERA authority for project status, (3) Join or form a homebuyer association to file a joint complaint — collective complaints get faster resolution under RERA, (4) File a complaint under Section 31 demanding either delivery with penalty interest or full refund. Courts have consistently ruled in buyers' favour in delay cases.