Introduction: What is RERA and Why It Matters
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, commonly known as RERA, was enacted in 2016 to bring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the real estate sector in India. It mandates all real estate projects and agents to register with the state RERA authority before advertising, selling, or booking any units.
Without RERA registration, a builder or agent cannot legally promote or sell real estate projects. The RERA certificate issued after successful registration acts as a stamp of authenticity and legal compliance.
- Transparency: Buyers can check project details online
- Accountability: Promoters are bound by delivery timelines
- Legal Safety: Protects both buyer and seller from fraud
Who Needs a RERA Certificate?
Under the RERA Act, the following entities must obtain RERA registration:
- Real Estate Developers / Promoters: Any individual or company developing a residential or commercial project exceeding 500 sq. meters or 8 units
- Real Estate Agents / Brokers: Individuals or companies involved in the selling or marketing of RERA-registered projects
Whether you’re a builder launching a new project or a property agent marketing flats, getting a RERA certificate is not optional—it’s mandatory.
Benefits of RERA Registration
Obtaining a RERA certificate offers several advantages for both developers and agents:
- Legally Required: Avoid hefty penalties by complying with the law
- Trust Building: Boosts confidence among buyers and investors
- Online Listing: Projects and agents get visibility on the official RERA website
- Dispute Resolution: Grievance redressal through RERA Appellate Tribunal
- Ease of Finance: Banks and financial institutions prefer funding RERA-compliant projects
In short, a RERA certificate enhances credibility and protects all stakeholders in a real estate transaction.
Documents Required for RERA Registration
The list of documents required varies slightly depending on whether you are a developer or an agent. However, here are the common essentials:
For Real Estate Developers
- Pan Card of the company or individual
- Project details with layout plan and sanctioned plan
- Commencement certificate (if applicable)
- Land title documents with legal ownership proof
- Encumbrance certificate
- Development agreement, if any
- Audited financial statements
- Photographs and ID proofs of promoters
For Real Estate Agents
- Pan Card and Aadhaar Card
- Business registration documents
- Photographs and address proof
- GST registration (if applicable)
- Professional qualification or experience proof (optional)
Make sure all documents are self-attested and updated to avoid rejections during the registration process.
Step-by-Step RERA Registration Process
The process of obtaining a RERA certificate is streamlined and largely online. Here’s how you can get registered:
Step 1: Visit State RERA Website
- Each state has its own RERA portal (e.g., Gujarat RERA, Maharashtra RERA)
- Create a new user account as a promoter or agent
- Verify email and mobile with OTP
Step 2: Fill the Online Application Form
- Enter personal, project, and business details
- Upload required documents in the prescribed format
- Ensure information matches the documents to avoid rejection
Step 3: Pay Registration Fees
- Pay the fees online using debit card, credit card, or net banking
- Fees vary by state and by type of applicant (promoter or agent)
Step 4: Application Review
- The RERA authority reviews all submitted documents and project details
- They may ask for clarification or additional documentation
- Respond promptly to avoid delays
Step 5: Issuance of RERA Certificate
- Upon successful review, a RERA certificate is issued
- You can download it from the portal using your login credentials
- Details are published on the official RERA site for public access
Once you get the certificate, make sure to display the RERA number in all advertisements and sales materials.
Fees, Timeline, and Validity
Different states charge different fees depending on the project size or agent type. Here’s a general overview:
- Promoters: ₹5 to ₹10 per sq. meter (residential), ₹10 to ₹20 per sq. meter (commercial)
- Real Estate Agents: ₹10,000 for individuals, ₹50,000 for companies (may vary)
- Timeline: 30–45 working days from submission
- Validity: RERA certificate is valid for the project period or 5 years for agents
Renewal must be applied before expiry to avoid penalties and de-registration.
How to Check RERA Registration Status Online
To confirm whether a project or agent is RERA registered, follow these steps:
- Visit your respective state RERA portal
- Go to the “Registered Projects” or “Registered Agents” section
- Enter project name, promoter name, or registration number
- View details like approval date, completion timeline, and uploaded documents
This helps buyers verify authenticity and avoid falling prey to unregistered or illegal real estate activities.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to register with RERA or violating its provisions can result in severe legal and financial consequences. Here are some penalties you should be aware of:
- Unregistered Projects: Up to 10% of the estimated project cost as a penalty
- Continuous Violation: Additional 10% fine and up to 3 years of imprisonment
- False Information: Penalty of 5% of project cost for furnishing misleading information
- Agents Operating Without RERA: ₹10,000 per day up to 5% of the cost of the property
- Non-compliance with RERA Orders: Daily penalties and even imprisonment
To protect your business from legal risks and build consumer trust, ensure full compliance with all RERA guidelines.
Real-Life Examples of RERA Enforcement
Here are some actual cases where RERA action led to fair outcomes:
- Maharashtra: A builder was fined ₹1.2 crore for launching a project without RERA registration
- Gujarat: A real estate agent’s license was revoked after repeated complaints of fraud
- Delhi-NCR: Homebuyers got full refund with interest after promoter delayed possession beyond committed timelines
These cases show how seriously authorities treat non-compliance—and how consumers are now empowered to take legal action.
Legal Support by AdvocateMart: RERA Experts in Gujarat
If you’re a builder or agent planning to register under RERA or are facing issues with registration, AdvocateMart is here to help. Our legal experts offer end-to-end assistance with:
- Preparing and verifying documents
- Filing the RERA application
- Responding to queries from the RERA authority
- Handling appeals or disputes with buyers or authorities
We operate in cities across Gujarat:
Don’t wait for legal trouble—get proactive legal support today.
Conclusion: Get RERA Certified to Build Legally and Trustfully
Whether you’re launching your first residential project or working as a real estate agent, a RERA certificate is your license to operate legally and ethically in India’s property sector.
RERA not only ensures transparency and timely delivery but also builds long-term trust with buyers, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies. With online processes, clear guidelines, and legal support available, there’s no excuse to skip registration.
Start your RERA journey today—compliance isn’t a burden, it’s your competitive advantage.
Need RERA Help? Let AdvocateMart Handle It
Our experienced RERA lawyers in Gujarat can help you complete the registration process smoothly, submit the correct documents, and represent you in case of any disputes or rejections.
Book Your Free RERA Consultation