A RERA complaint is filed before the specific state's Real Estate Regulatory Authority (each state has its own), generally using a prescribed complaint form and paying a modest filing fee, and is meant to be resolved on a summary basis without the buyer needing to prove the case through the lengthy procedure of an ordinary civil suit; while there is no absolute statutory deadline for disposal, authorities are directed to dispose of complaints as expeditiously as possible, commonly within 90 to 120 days in practice.
Which authority to file before
RERA complaints are filed before the Real Estate Regulatory Authority of the specific state where the
project is located -- each state has its own Authority (for example, MahaRERA for Maharashtra, RERA Karnataka,
and so on) with its own website, complaint form, and filing fee. Where a complaint involves purely a claim for
compensation or interest under Section 18, it is generally placed before an Adjudicating Officer appointed
under the Act; broader regulatory or project-compliance complaints go before the Authority itself. Confirm
which route applies with a local advocate familiar with the specific state's practice, since procedure varies
somewhat state to state.
What the complaint should include
A well-prepared complaint typically includes the buyer's agreement for sale, the payment receipts showing
amounts paid and dates, correspondence with the builder (especially any written possession-delay
communications), the project's RERA registration details and registered possession date, and a clear
statement of the specific relief sought -- full refund with interest, or ongoing monthly compensation. Because
RERA proceedings are designed to be more summary and accessible than an ordinary civil suit, thorough
documentation submitted at filing significantly speeds up resolution.
Filing without being physically present in India
An NRI buyer does not need to travel to India to file or pursue a RERA complaint -- a local advocate can be
engaged to file the complaint, appear at hearings, and pursue the matter to conclusion, typically under a
Power of Attorney or simply as engaged counsel, depending on the specific state Authority's procedural
requirements. Many state RERA authorities have also moved toward online filing and virtual hearings, further
reducing the need for physical presence.
Common mistakes complainants make when filing:
- Filing before the wrong state's Authority, or before the Authority instead of the Adjudicating
Officer (or vice versa) for the specific relief sought.
- Submitting an incomplete set of payment records, which slows down an otherwise summary process.
- Not confirming whether the specific state Authority allows remote/online filing before assuming
travel is required.
Do I need to travel to India to file a RERA complaint?
No -- a local advocate can file and pursue the complaint on your behalf, and many state RERA authorities
now support online filing and virtual hearings, though confirm the specific state's current procedure since
it varies.
How much does it cost to file a RERA complaint?
Filing fees are modest and vary by state and by the value of the relief sought -- confirm the current fee
schedule on the relevant state RERA authority's website or with a local advocate.
What is the difference between the RERA Authority and the Adjudicating Officer?
The Authority handles broader regulatory and project-compliance matters, while complaints seeking
compensation or interest specifically under Section 18 are generally placed before an Adjudicating Officer
appointed under the Act -- the correct forum depends on the relief sought, and a local advocate can confirm
which applies to a specific complaint.
