By S&S Co. Advocates & Solicitors · Published 20 September 2026 · Informational content, not legal advice — see our disclaimer
Who Can File, and Against Whom
Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, an allottee — a homebuyer who has booked, purchased or otherwise acquired a unit in a real estate project — can file a complaint before the state's Real Estate Regulatory Authority against a promoter, real estate agent, or another allottee, for a violation of the Act, its Rules, or the specific regulations that apply to the project. Complaints commonly arise from delayed possession, deviation from sanctioned plans, non-registration of a project that should have been registered, or misleading advertisements about a project.
Filing the Complaint
Complaints are generally filed in the prescribed form set out under the applicable state's RERA Rules, along with the prescribed fee, which varies by state, and supporting documents — the booking agreement or allotment letter, payment receipts, and any correspondence with the promoter relevant to the grievance. Most states now offer online filing through the state RERA authority's own portal, though some retain a physical filing option as well.
Timeline for Disposal
The Act contemplates that RERA authorities should dispose of complaints expeditiously, within 60 days of filing so far as possible, though actual disposal timelines vary in practice depending on the authority's pendency and whether the matter is contested. Complainants should treat the 60-day figure as an aspirational target the Act sets, not a guaranteed outcome.
What Relief Is Available
RERA authorities can direct a range of relief depending on the complaint: refund of the amount paid with interest and compensation, where the promoter fails to give possession in accordance with the agreement; interest for delayed possession where the allottee elects to continue with the project rather than seek a refund; and directions to the promoter to rectify structural or other defects. A complainant should be clear about which remedy — refund and exit, or continuation with compensation — they actually want before filing, since the relief sought shapes how the complaint should be framed from the outset.
Appeal
A party aggrieved by a RERA Authority's order can appeal to the state's Real Estate Appellate Tribunal within the period the Act prescribes, and a further appeal on a question of law lies to the High Court thereafter. Enforcement of a favourable RERA order is a separate practical step from obtaining it — complainants should plan for enforcement, including the possibility of coercive measures against a non-compliant promoter, rather than assuming a favourable order alone guarantees actual payment or performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I complain about to RERA?
Common grounds include delayed possession, deviation from the sanctioned building plan, a promoter's failure to register a project that should have been registered, and misleading advertisements about the project.
How long does RERA take to decide a complaint?
The Act contemplates disposal within 60 days of filing so far as possible, though actual timelines vary depending on the authority's pendency and whether the matter is contested — treat 60 days as an aspirational target, not a guarantee.
What relief can RERA actually order?
Depending on the complaint, RERA can order a refund with interest and compensation, interest for delayed possession where the allottee continues with the project, or directions to rectify structural or other defects.
References & Further Reading
This article references the following statutory provisions. Readers should always verify current rules, fees and timelines against the applicable statute and rules as amended, since these are revised from time to time.
- Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, and applicable state RERA Rules.