General information only. RERA remedies depend on whether the project is registered, the nature of the agreement, and the applicable state RERA authority. This page is not legal advice. Contact Tricity Law Firm to discuss your specific builder dispute.
Tricity Law Firm assists buyers with RERA complaints before RERA Punjab and HRERA (Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority) for disputes involving builder delays, refund of amounts paid, incomplete projects, and failure to provide possession.
What Is RERA and When Does It Apply?
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) provides a regulatory framework for real estate projects and mandates registration of qualifying residential and commercial projects. Buyers of units in RERA-registered projects have statutory remedies before the state RERA authority.
RERA applies if:
- The project is registered under RERA Punjab or HRERA (as applicable based on project location)
- The buyer has a registered Agreement to Sell or allotment letter
- The builder has defaulted on possession, delivery timelines, or project specifications
Projects in Chandigarh UT: Chandigarh is a Union Territory. RERA complaints for projects within Chandigarh UT are filed before RERA Punjab (which exercises jurisdiction over Chandigarh UT projects under central oversight). Confirm jurisdiction for your specific project with the firm.
Common RERA Remedies
| Situation | RERA remedy available |
|---|---|
| Builder delayed possession | Interest at prescribed rate for delay period |
| Builder refuses to give possession | Order for possession |
| Buyer wants to cancel and recover amount | Refund with interest under Section 18 RERA |
| Builder not completing project as agreed | Direction to complete |
| Misrepresentation in project advertisements | Complaint before RERA authority |
| Structural defects after possession | Section 14 RERA — five-year defect liability |
Remedies depend on the terms of the agreement, the project's RERA registration status, and the specific facts.
RERA Complaint Process — Overview
- Verify project RERA registration — Confirm the project is registered on the relevant RERA portal (RERA Punjab or HRERA) and note the registration number.
- Gather documents — Agreement to sell, payment receipts, correspondence with builder, builder's possession letter (if any), project registration certificate.
- File complaint — A written complaint is filed before the RERA authority. The advocate prepares the complaint, supporting documents, and relief sought.
- Notice to builder and hearings — The authority issues notice to the builder. Both parties present their case at hearings.
- Order — The RERA authority passes an order. Appeals from RERA orders are filed before the RERA Appellate Tribunal, and further appeals before the High Court.
Documents Typically Required for a RERA Complaint
- Agreement to sell / allotment letter
- Payment receipts for all amounts paid
- Builder-buyer agreement (original)
- RERA project registration certificate (obtained from portal)
- Builder's correspondence regarding possession or delay
- Any demand letters or complaints already sent to the builder
- Identity proof
Advocate Details
Reviewed by: Adv. Kamal Grover
Enrolment: P/802/2002 — Bar Council of Punjab
Education: B.A., LL.B — Punjab University, Chandigarh
Court: RERA Punjab, HRERA, Punjab & Haryana High Court
Last reviewed: August 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which RERA authority do I file before — RERA Punjab or HRERA?
The authority depends on the location of the project. Projects in Punjab (including Chandigarh UT) are before RERA Punjab. Projects in Haryana (including Panchkula, Mohali, Zirakpur, and Gurugram) are before HRERA. Contact the firm to confirm jurisdiction for your specific project.
What if my builder says the project is not RERA-registered?
If the project is required to be registered under RERA but is not, that itself may be a violation. The buyer may still be able to file a complaint or seek civil remedies. Contact the firm to assess your options.
Can I get a refund if I have already paid most of the amount?
Under Section 18 of RERA, if a builder fails to complete the project or give possession by the agreed date, the buyer may seek a refund of the entire amount paid with interest. The interest rate is prescribed by the authority. Whether a refund or continued possession is the better option depends on the facts.
Contact Tricity Law Firm
Chamber No. 129, Opposite Multi-Level Car Parking, Punjab & Haryana High Court, Chandigarh — 160001
Phone / WhatsApp: +91-9814110005
Email: adv.kamal.grover@gmail.com
Office hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Related guides: RERA Complaint — Punjab & Haryana Builder Delay · RERA Builder Complaint Punjab