a. Limited Legal Remedies: Buyers had limited options to seek redressal against deceptive developers, and consumer courts were the primary recourse. Arbitration clauses in contracts often led to prolonged and expensive dispute resolution.

b. Budget Cap: The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) only accepted complaints for properties valued over one crore, limiting smaller buyers' avenues for redressal.

c. Bureaucratic Procedures: Initiating action or investigations required consumers to file complaints with NCDRC, further delaying resolutions.

d. Soft Penalties: Consumer courts imposed relatively lenient penalties, while RERA's provisions empower authorities to enforce fines and even jail terms for defaulting developers.

a. Mandatory Project Registration: All real estate projects exceeding 500 square meters or consisting of eight apartments for sale must register with RERA. Developers must disclose project details, approvals, agreements, and other relevant information on the RERA website, ensuring transparency.

b. Buyer's Rights: RERA provides several rights to homebuyers, including:

- Compensation for Discrepancies: Buyers have the option to seek compensation and interest if developers fail to deliver on promises made in the agreement.

- Structural Defects: Developers are liable to rectify any structural defects within five years of possession without additional costs to the buyers.

- Delay in Project Completion: In case of project delays, buyers can choose to withdraw from the project with a full refund or continue with the project and claim interest for each month of delay.

a. Enhanced Consumer Protection: RERA establishes a central redressal forum, providing buyers with a legal avenue to address disputes with developers. This streamlined process ensures better protection for consumer interests.

b. Improved Transparency: RERA's requirement for project registration and regular updates ensures transparency in the real estate sector, enabling buyers to make well-informed decisions.

c. Redefined Bargaining Power: With stronger legal rights under RERA, buyers can hold developers accountable for discrepancies or delays, leveling the playing field.

d. Increased Confidence: RERA's consumer-centric approach instills confidence in the real estate market, leading to higher buyer willingness to invest in properties.

a. Gather Necessary Documents: Collect all relevant documents, including the builder-buyer agreement, payment receipts, and project details.

b. Visit the RERA Website: Access the official RERA website of your state and locate the complaint filing section.

c. Fill the Complaint Form: Provide accurate information about the dispute, project, and parties involved in the complaint.

d. Pay the Required Fee: Pay the prescribed fee for filing the complaint, if applicable.

e. Await Resolution: RERA will review your complaint and take appropriate action to resolve the dispute.

Case Background: In 2018, a group of 50 homebuyers in Mumbai invested in a residential project by a prominent developer. The developer promised timely delivery, state-of-the-art amenities, and adherence to all necessary regulations. However, as the project progressed, the developer faced financial challenges and failed to meet deadlines, leaving the buyers anxious and uncertain about the fate of their dream homes.

RERA Intervention: Frustrated with the project's delays, the homebuyers approached the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) with their grievances. The RERA Authority investigated the matter and discovered several violations, including diversion of funds and non-compliance with approved plans.

RERA Resolution: With RERA's intervention, the developer was directed to adhere to the promised schedule and complete the project without further delays. The RERA Authority imposed penalties on the developer for the delay, ensuring that such penalties acted as a deterrent for future violations.

Buyer Compensation: In addition to enforcing project completion, RERA ordered the developer to pay compensation to the affected buyers for the inconvenience and uncertainty they experienced due to the delay.