The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 established MahaRERA in Maharashtra to regulate real estate projects and give homebuyers a dedicated forum for disputes with builders — a faster, more specialised alternative to routing every grievance through civil litigation.
What MahaRERA actually covers
A complaint can be filed against any registered project for issues such as delayed possession beyond the promised date, deviation from the sanctioned plan or approved layout, structural defects reported within the statutory defect liability period, or a builder's failure to refund a booking amount when a buyer is entitled to it.
Filing a complaint
Complaints are filed directly through the MahaRERA online portal against the registered project, along with a nominal filing fee and supporting documents — the booking agreement, payment receipts, and any correspondence with the builder. The matter is then heard by the authority, which can direct compensation, refund, or possession as appropriate.
What you can actually claim
Depending on the facts, a successful complaint can result in more than one type of relief.
- Refund of the amount paid, along with interest
- Possession of the unit, along with interest for the period of delay
- Compensation for loss caused by the builder's default
- Interest for every month of delay under Section 18 of the Act, where possession itself is not sought
The takeaway
Since the outcome of a RERA complaint depends heavily on the specific booking agreement and payment trail, having those documents reviewed early — before filing — makes a real difference to how the complaint is framed and how strong it is.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every matter has its own facts — please consult directly for guidance specific to your situation.
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