RERA Registration in India 2026: Complete Compliance Guide for Promoters & Agents
Mandatory under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Register projects >500 sq m or >8 apartments. Agent registration under Section 9. State-wise fees, 15-30 day processing, 5-year validity. Avoid penalties up to 10% project cost.
Key Compliance Specifications
At-a-Glance Statutory Requirements
Promoters: Land area >500 sq m OR >8 apartments (Section 3). Agents: Any person facilitating sale/purchase of plots, apartments, buildings (Section 9).
Project: ₹5-₹20/sq m varying by state (Maharashtra: ₹10/sq m, min ₹50K, max ₹1L). Agent: Individual ₹10K-₹25K, Company ₹50K-₹2L (Maharashtra: Ind ₹10,590, Corp ₹1,00,590; Karnataka: Ind ₹25K, Corp ₹2L).
15-30 working days (Statutory limit: 30 days under Section 5 for projects, Section 9(3) for agents). Deemed registration if no response in 30 days.
Project: Valid for declared completion period. Extensions up to 1 year (force majeure) + 1 year (other reasons). Agent: 5 years from grant date. Renewal application 60 days before expiry.
Promoter (Sec 59): Up to 10% of estimated project cost + imprisonment up to 3 years. Agent (Sec 62): ₹10,000/day up to 5% of property cost. Continued default: Imprisonment up to 1 year (Sec 63).
What is RERA Registration?
RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) registration is a statutory mandate under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, enforced by individual State RERA Authorities. It brings transparency, accountability, and buyer protection to India's real estate sector. **Two distinct registration categories exist:** 1. **Promoter/Project Registration (Section 3):** Mandatory for every real estate project where the land area exceeds **500 square metres** OR the project proposes **more than 8 apartments** (including all phases). Applies to residential and commercial projects. Promoters include builders, developers, contractors, development authorities, and any entity constructing or converting buildings for sale. 2. **Real Estate Agent Registration (Section 9):** Mandatory for any person who facilitates the sale or purchase of any plot, apartment, or building in a RERA-registered project. Covers individual brokers, property consultants, firms, LLPs, companies, and societies. Registration is state-wide (not project-specific). **Exemptions (Section 3(2)):** Projects with land ≤500 sq m AND ≤8 apartments; projects with completion certificate before 1 May 2017; renovation/repair without new marketing; projects built entirely for self-use.
Governing Act: Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016
Regulatory Authority: State Real Estate Regulatory Authorities (e.g., MahaRERA, UP RERA, Karnataka RERA, TNRERA)
Who Needs to Comply / Eligibility Criteria
Key Benefits & Strategic Advantages
Statutory protections and operational advantages of timely compliance.
Document Checklist
Required Proofs & Paperwork
Official Fee Schedule
Statutory Government Fees & Penalty Matrix
| Category / Taxpayer Slabs | Government Fee | Applicable Penalty / Late Fee | Compliance Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra (MahaRERA) – Project Registration | ₹10 per sq m of total project area (Min ₹50,000, Max ₹1,00,000) | Up to 10% of estimated project cost (Sec 59) | Residential & Commercial. Phase-wise registration required for each phase. |
| Maharashtra (MahaRERA) – Agent Registration (Individual / Sole Proprietor) | ₹10,590 (includes GST) | ₹10,000/day up to 5% property cost (Sec 62) | Valid 5 years. Mandatory training + exam prerequisite from 2026. |
| Maharashtra (MahaRERA) – Agent Registration (Company/LLP/Partnership) | ₹1,00,590 (includes GST) | ₹10,000/day up to 5% property cost (Sec 62) | Valid 5 years. Authorised signatory needs Certificate of Competency. |
| Karnataka RERA – Agent Registration (Individual) | ₹25,000 | As per Karnataka RERA Rules | Among highest state fees. Portal: rera.karnataka.gov.in |
| Karnataka RERA – Agent Registration (Company/LLP) | ₹2,00,000 | As per Karnataka RERA Rules | Highest corporate agent fee in India. |
| Delhi / Gujarat / UP / Haryana – Agent Registration (Individual) | ₹10,000 | As per respective State RERA Rules | Standard fee across multiple states. |
| Tamil Nadu (TNRERA) – Agent Registration (Individual) | ₹25,000 | As per TNRERA Rules | Portal: rera.tn.gov.in |
| Telangana (TGRERA) – Project Registration | 0.1% of estimated project cost (subject to state cap) | Up to 10% project cost (Sec 59) | Percentage-based fee structure unique to Telangana. |
| General – Professional/Consultant Fees (FinacBooks) | Not applicable (Professional service charge) | N/A | FinacBooks expert assistance: Document drafting, portal filing, query resolution, end-to-end compliance. Government fees payable separately at actuals. |
Official Filing Procedure
Step-by-Step e-Filing Workflow
Process executed on the official regulatory portal: Respective State RERA Portals (e.g., maharera.maharashtra.gov.in, up-rera.in, rera.karnataka.gov.in, rera.tn.gov.in)
Identify Applicable State RERA Authority & Portal
Determine the state where the project is located (promoter) or where the agent operates. Visit the official State RERA portal (e.g., maharera.maharashtra.gov.in for Maharashtra, up-rera.in for UP, rera.karnataka.gov.in for Karnataka). Each state has independent rules, forms, and fee schedules.
Verify Eligibility & Gather Documents
Confirm project meets threshold (>500 sq m or >8 apartments) or agent definition (Section 2(zm)). Download the document checklist from the portal. Prepare all documents in prescribed formats (PDF/JPG, size limits). For Maharashtra agents: Complete 20-hour training from empanelled provider and pass IBPS exam to obtain Certificate of Competency.
Create Portal Account & Login
Register on the State RERA portal using valid mobile number and email. Verify via OTP. For promoters: Select 'Promoter Registration'. For agents: Select 'Real Estate Agent Registration' (often Form G). Create username/password for future compliance filings.
Fill Application Form with Accurate Details
Enter promoter/agent details, project particulars (land area, carpet area, number of units, towers, parking, amenities), promoter's past project history (5 years), bank account details for 70% escrow, authorised signatory details. Ensure carpet area calculation complies with Section 2(k) definition.
Upload Supporting Documents
Upload all mandatory documents: Title deeds, EC, sanctioned plans, CC, architect/engineer certificates, audited financials, PAN/Aadhaar, photographs, entity incorporation docs. File naming and size must meet portal specifications. Incomplete uploads cause rejection.
Pay Registration Fee Online
Fee auto-calculated based on project area (promoter) or entity type (agent). Pay via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Challan through the portal's payment gateway. Download and save the payment receipt (CPRN/Transaction ID). Fees are non-refundable even if application is rejected.
Submit Application & Track Status
Review entire application. Submit digitally signed form (DSC/Class 3 for companies, Aadhaar eSign for individuals). Portal generates unique Application Number. Track status under 'My Applications'. Authority must respond within 30 days (Section 5/9(3)). If no response, deemed registered.
Respond to Queries / Obtain Registration Certificate
If Authority raises queries (deficiency notice), respond within stipulated time via portal. On approval, Registration Certificate with unique RERA Number (format: STATE/P/YEAR/XXXX) is issued. Download certificate. For agents: Certificate valid 5 years. Display RERA number on all advertisements, website, and office.
Post-Registration Compliance (Ongoing)
Promoters: Quarterly progress updates (construction photos, financials, booking status), maintain 70% escrow account, annual audit within 6 months of FY end, Form 4/5 submissions. Agents: Half-yearly Form 6 (Maharashtra), renewal 60 days before expiry. Update any changes within 15 days.
Risk Mitigation & Error Prevention
Common Rejection Causes & Penalty Notices
- Incomplete document uploads (missing EC, CC, sanctioned plans, audited financials)
- Carpet area mismatch between architect certificate and sanctioned plans
- Discrepancy in land title documents / encumbrances not disclosed
- Incorrect fee payment (wrong category, underpayment)
- Missing Certificate of Competency for Maharashtra agents (post-2026 rule)
- Authorised signatory not properly authorised via Board Resolution
- Project phase not registered separately (each phase needs own registration)
- GST registration not obtained despite turnover >₹20L threshold
**Promoter Non-Registration (Sec 59):** Penalty up to 10% of estimated project cost. Continuing default: Additional penalty up to 10% + imprisonment up to 3 years. **Agent Non-Registration (Sec 62):** Penalty ₹10,000 per day of default, extending up to 5% of cost of plot/apartment/building involved. **Continued Agent Default (Sec 63):** Imprisonment up to 1 year + fine. **False Information (Sec 61):** Penalty up to 5% of project cost. **Contravention of Orders (Sec 63/64):** Imprisonment up to 3 years (promoter) / 1 year (agent) + fines. **Homebuyer Complaints (Sec 31/71):** Authority can order refund with interest, compensation, and penalty. Appellate Tribunal appeals within 60 days.
Engage FinacBooks CA/CS/Legal specialists when: • Launching first project – zero tolerance for document errors that trigger rejection • Multi-state operations – each State RERA has distinct forms, fees, and compliance calendars • Facing deficiency notice or show-cause from Authority – requires precise legal response • Complex title structures (JDA, redevelopment, DA, POA) – title opinion critical • Agent registration in Maharashtra – mandatory training + exam navigation • Ongoing compliance (quarterly updates, escrow audit, Form 4/5/6) – missed deadlines attract penalties • Responding to homebuyer complaints under Section 31 – legal representation advisable • Renewal with project delays – extension application under Section 6 needs justification
Frequently Asked Questions on RERA Registration
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