RERA Complaint Filing — How to File a Complaint with RERA in India

Bought a flat and the builder is delaying possession? Promised amenities not delivered? The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) gives homebuyers a powerful legal remedy. You can file a complaint with your state's RERA authority and seek justice — without needing a lawyer.

This guide explains the complete process of filing a RERA complaint in India, including eligibility, documents, fees, and step-by-step instructions for both online and offline filing.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Fees, timelines, and processes may vary by state. Always verify the latest details on your state RERA portal before filing. This is not legal advice.

What Is a RERA Complaint?

A RERA complaint is a formal grievance filed by an aggrieved person (usually a homebuyer) before the Real Estate Regulatory Authority of their state. Under Section 31 of the RERA Act, any person can file a complaint against a promoter (builder), real estate agent, or allottee for violation of the Act or its rules.

The RERA authority investigates the complaint and can order remedies such as:

• Refund of the amount paid with interest
• Compensation for delays or defects
• Directions to the builder to complete the project
• Penalties on the builder for non-compliance

Who Can File a RERA Complaint?

The following persons can file a complaint under RERA:

1. Homebuyers / Allottees — Anyone who has booked or purchased a flat, plot, or apartment in a RERA-registered project
2. Associations of Allottees — Resident welfare associations or groups of homebuyers
3. Real Estate Agents — Against builders for non-compliance
4. Builders / Promoters — Against allottees for payment defaults
5. Any Aggrieved Person — Anyone affected by violations of the RERA Act

Common Grounds for Filing:

• Delay in possession beyond the promised date
• Project not registered under RERA
• False advertising or misleading promises
• Structural defects within 5 years of possession
• Builder not providing agreed amenities
• Builder diverting funds to another project
• Changes in project layout without consent

Documents Required

Keep the following documents ready before filing your RERA complaint:

1. Builder-Buyer Agreement (sale agreement / allotment letter)
2. Payment Receipts — All payments made to the builder (bank statements, cheque copies, receipts)
3. Correspondence — Emails, letters, or notices exchanged with the builder
4. Project Brochure / Advertisement — Showing promised amenities, possession date, etc.
5. RERA Registration Number of the project (check on your state RERA website)
6. Identity Proof — Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport
7. Photographs / Evidence — If complaint is about construction defects
8. Legal Notice (if any) — Sent to the builder before filing

Step-by-Step Process: Filing a RERA Complaint Online

Most states now allow online complaint filing through their RERA portals. Here is the general process (may vary slightly by state):

Step 1: Visit Your State RERA Portal

Go to the official RERA website of your state. Some major portals:

You can find your state's RERA portal through the central website at rera.gov.in.

Step 2: Register / Create an Account

• Click on "File Complaint" or "Complainant Login"
• Register with your name, email, and mobile number
• Verify via OTP

Step 3: Fill the Complaint Form

Provide the following details:

1. Complainant details — Name, address, contact information
2. Respondent details — Builder/promoter name, project name, RERA registration number
3. Nature of complaint — Select the type of grievance (delay, defect, refund, etc.)
4. Facts of the case — Describe your complaint clearly with dates and facts
5. Relief sought — What remedy you want (refund, possession, compensation, etc.)

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of all supporting documents listed above. Most portals accept PDF and JPG formats (typically up to 5-10 MB per file).

Step 5: Pay the Complaint Fee

Pay the prescribed fee online through net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI. Fee varies by state (see Fees section below).

Step 6: Submit and Note the Complaint Number

After submission, you will receive a complaint number / case number. Save this for tracking your complaint status.

Step-by-Step Process: Filing a RERA Complaint Offline

If you prefer to file in person:

1. Download the complaint form from your state RERA website or collect it from the RERA office
2. Fill the form with all required details (complainant, respondent, facts, relief sought)
3. Attach supporting documents — Self-attested photocopies of all relevant documents
4. Prepare the complaint fee — Demand draft or banker's cheque payable to the state RERA authority
5. Submit in person at the RERA office of your state, or send by registered post / speed post
6. Collect acknowledgement receipt with your complaint number

Fees

RERA complaint fees vary from state to state. Here are some indicative amounts:

Note: Fees are subject to change. Always check the latest fee on your state RERA portal before filing. Some states also charge fees for appeals to the Appellate Tribunal.

Processing Time

• Acknowledgement: Typically within 1–3 working days of filing
• Hearing date: Usually scheduled within 30–60 days
• Final order: RERA authorities are required to dispose of complaints within 60 days from the date of filing (as per Section 29 of RERA Act)
• Appeals: If not satisfied, you can appeal to the RERA Appellate Tribunal within 60 days of the order

In practice, complex cases may take 3–6 months depending on the state and case backlog.

Important Tips

1. File early — Don't wait too long after the issue arises. There is a limitation period, and delays weaken your case.
2. Keep all documents organised — Strong documentary evidence (agreements, payment proofs, communication records) is the backbone of your case.
3. Check if the project is RERA-registered — You can search for any project's RERA registration on your state portal. If the project is not registered, that itself is a ground for complaint.
4. Send a legal notice first — Before filing a RERA complaint, sending a legal notice to the builder can sometimes resolve the matter quickly and also strengthens your case.
5. You don't need a lawyer — RERA proceedings are designed to be homebuyer-friendly. You can represent yourself, though hiring a lawyer for complex cases is advisable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I file a RERA complaint without a lawyer?

Yes. RERA is designed to be accessible. You can file and argue your case yourself. However, for complex matters or large amounts, consulting a lawyer experienced in RERA cases is recommended.

Q2: What if the builder's project is not registered under RERA?

You can still file a complaint. In fact, non-registration of a project under RERA is itself a violation of the Act. The authority can penalise the builder and order appropriate relief.

Q3: Can I file a RERA complaint for a resale property?

RERA primarily covers new projects and transactions between the promoter and first allottee. Resale transactions between two individuals are generally not covered under RERA. However, if the original builder is at fault (e.g., structural defects within 5 years), you may still have grounds.

Q4: What happens after I file the complaint?

The RERA authority will issue a notice to the respondent (builder). Both parties get hearing dates. After hearing arguments and reviewing evidence, the authority passes an order — which may include refund, compensation, or directions to complete work.

Q5: Can I file a RERA complaint online from another city?

Yes. Most state RERA portals allow online filing. You can file from anywhere in India. Hearings may also be conducted via video conferencing in many states.

Q6: What if the builder does not comply with the RERA order?

If the builder does not follow the RERA order, you can file an execution application with the authority. Non-compliance can lead to imprisonment up to 3 years and/or a penalty up to 10% of the project cost under Section 63 of the RERA Act.

Q7: Is there a time limit to file a RERA complaint?

While the RERA Act does not specify a strict limitation period for all complaints, it is advisable to file as soon as possible. For structural defects, the builder is liable for 5 years from the date of possession. Courts generally follow principles of reasonable time.

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Last updated: February 2026. Information is sourced from official RERA portals and government notifications. Always verify with your state RERA authority for the latest rules.