Published on: 28 October 2026
RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) protects homebuyers in India by promoting transparency, improving builder accountability, and providing legal remedies for issues such as delayed possession, misleading project information and certain construction defects. The benefits of RERA include access to project details, clearer carpet area information, and a formal complaint mechanism. Homebuyers in Rajasthan can use the official RERA Rajasthan portal to verify project registration and review available disclosures before buying a property.
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. However, concerns about delayed possession, misleading project advertisements, hidden charges and incomplete construction can make the process stressful. Understanding your legal rights before investing can help you make a more confident decision.
This is where the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, commonly known as RERA, becomes important. It establishes rules for greater transparency and accountability in real estate transactions. Whether you are purchasing your first apartment or investing in a residential project, knowing what RERA is and how it protects homebuyers can help you make a better-informed choice.
RERA stands for Real Estate Regulatory Authority, established under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. The law aims to make property transactions more transparent, protect homebuyers' interests and improve accountability among developers and real estate agents.
Under RERA, eligible real estate projects must be registered with the relevant state authority before they can be advertised or sold. Certain smaller projects and other specified categories are exempt, so registration requirements should always be checked against the applicable rules.
For a broader explanation of the law, read this guide on what is RERA in real estate.
One of the biggest benefits of RERA is that buyers can access important project information before making a financial commitment. Developers are required to disclose prescribed details, including project plans, approvals, registration information and the proposed completion timeline.
This helps buyers compare projects using verified information rather than relying only on brochures or verbal promises.
Delayed possession can create financial pressure for homebuyers who are paying rent and home loan EMIs simultaneously. Under Section 18, if a promoter fails to complete or hand over a property according to the agreement, buyers may have rights to a refund with interest and compensation, as applicable. Buyers who remain in the project may be entitled to interest for each month of delay, subject to the law.
Before booking, review the possession date in your agreement. You can also read this property possession guide to understand the handover process.
RERA requires developers to follow their statutory obligations and provide accurate project information. They must also adhere to sanctioned plans and agreed specifications, subject to legally permitted changes.
If a builder makes misleading claims or fails to meet applicable obligations, the homebuyer may have grounds to seek relief through the relevant regulatory or legal mechanism.
Under Section 4(2)(l)(D), promoters must deposit 70% of amounts realised from allottees and financial institutions for a real estate project into a separate account in a scheduled bank, subject to the Act's provisions. Withdrawals are linked to the percentage of project completion and require certification by the prescribed professionals.
This measure is intended to reduce the diversion of funds collected for one project to unrelated purposes and support better financial discipline.
RERA defines carpet area, helping buyers understand the actual usable floor area of an apartment more consistently. Developers must disclose carpet area as required under the Act.
This makes it easier to compare flats and evaluate the price per square foot without relying solely on larger built-up or super built-up area figures.
Under Section 14(3), a promoter is responsible for rectifying qualifying structural defects and other specified defects in workmanship, quality or services brought to the promoter's notice within five years from the date of handing over possession. The Act provides a 30-day period for rectification after the promoter is notified.
This provision offers an important safeguard when a covered defect arises after possession, although buyers should document the problem and notify the developer in writing.
Homebuyers can approach the relevant RERA authority for disputes covered by the Act. Depending on the issue, they may seek remedies relating to delayed possession, non-compliance, misleading information or other violations.
If a party is dissatisfied with an order, the Act also provides an appellate mechanism. The appropriate forum and available remedy depend on the facts of the case.
| Factor | RERA-registered project | Project without RERA registration |
|---|---|---|
| Project information | Prescribed disclosures available | Verification may be more difficult |
| Regulatory oversight | Subject to applicable RERA requirements | RERA protections may not apply if registration is not required or available |
| Possession commitments | Rights and remedies under applicable law | Other contractual and legal remedies may apply |
| Buyer complaints | RERA mechanism available for covered matters | Other legal forums may be relevant |
| Risk assessment | Still requires due diligence | Requires careful verification of applicable rules and documents |
Important: A project without RERA registration is not automatically illegal. Some projects are exempt under the Act. However, if registration is mandatory and the promoter has not obtained it, buyers should investigate before proceeding.
For people buying property in Jaipur or elsewhere in Rajasthan, RERA Rajasthan provides an official portal to search for registered projects and agents, review available project information and access complaint-related services.
You can visit the official Rajasthan RERA portal and follow these steps:
For Jaipur properties, also verify applicable Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) approvals. RERA registration and local planning approvals serve different purposes and one does not replace the other. Search Abode's guide to JDA builder verification rules offers additional context for local property checks.
Before paying a booking amount, use this simple checklist:
For more guidance, read this complete home-buying guide before finalising your purchase.
Expert tip: Never rely on a RERA registration number printed in an advertisement alone. Cross-check it on the official state portal and ensure that the registered project matches the property being offered to you.
RERA has strengthened homebuyer protection in India by promoting transparency, improving builder accountability, regulating eligible projects and providing remedies for certain disputes. Its provisions relating to project disclosures, possession delays, construction defects and complaint resolution help buyers make more informed decisions and complaint resolution help buyers make more informed decisions. However, RERA does not guarantee that every project will be completed on time or eliminate every property-related risk.
Before buying a flat, verify its RERA registration, review the builder’s commitments and check all relevant legal approvals. If you are purchasing in Jaipur, use RERA Rajasthan alongside the applicable local authority homeownership with greater confidence.
RERA is the Real Estate Regulatory Authority established under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. It promotes transparency, regulates eligible real estate projects, and provides homebuyers with legal rights and remedies for covered disputes.
The main benefits include access to project information, improved builder accountability, protection against certain possession delays, clearer carpet area disclosures, safeguards against qualifying construction defects, and a formal complaint mechanism.
Yes. If the delay falls within the Act's provisions, you may be eligible to seek a refund with applicable interest and compensation or interest for the period of delay if you remain in the project. The available remedy depends on the circumstances and agreement.
No. RERA improves transparency and accountability, but buyers must still verify land title, applicable approvals, construction quality, and the developer's track record.
No. The Act contains exemptions, including for certain small projects and specified categories. Whether registration is mandatory depends on the project's circumstances and applicable state rules.
