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Compliance · Pillar Guide ⚖️ Updated 21 Sept 2026 · ⏱ 11 min read

RERA Complaint Process
How to File and What Happens Next

Delayed possession, refund refused, misleading brochure claims — RERA gives buyers a faster route than civil court. Here's exactly how the complaint process works, forum by forum, fee by fee.

RERA Complaint — Quick Facts
Who can file: Allottees, promoters, or agents
Filed against: Promoter, agent, or the Authority
Target disposal time: 60 days (as far as possible)
First appeal forum: Real Estate Appellate Tribunal (REAT)
Appeal window: 60 days from the order
Legal representation: Optional, not mandatory

Step 1: Pick the Right Forum — This Is the Part Most People Get Wrong

RERA splits complaints across two different forums depending on what you're actually asking for. Filing in the wrong one is the single most common mistake — it delays resolution by weeks or months.

If You Want...
Go To
Refund, interest, or compensation for loss
Adjudicating Officer (Section 71)
Project registration cancelled / promoter directed to comply
RERA Authority (Section 31)
Possession delay — withdraw & refund, or continue & get interest
RERA Authority in most states (Section 18)
Appeal an order already passed
Real Estate Appellate Tribunal (Section 44)

RERA Complaint Fees — State by State

Fees are set individually by each state authority. We only list a figure here where we could confirm it from a reliable source — for any state not listed, check the fee calculator on that state's own RERA portal before filing.

State
Complaint Fee
Notes
Haryana
₹1,000
+₹1,000 per annexure, ₹20 per additional affidavit; same fee for an appeal to the Tribunal
Uttar Pradesh
₹1,000
Withdrawal of a registration application separately costs ₹50,000 or 10% of the registration fee, whichever is higher
Maharashtra
Check MahaRERA portal
Not independently confirmed for this page — verify current fee before filing
Punjab
Check RERA Punjab portal
Not independently confirmed for this page — verify current fee before filing

The Complete Filing Process

1
Identify the right forum
Compensation/interest claims go to the Adjudicating Officer; registration and project-compliance issues go to the Authority. When unsure, the Authority's registry can guide you at filing.
2
Gather your documents
Builder-buyer agreement, payment receipts, allotment letter, the project's RERA registration number, and any written correspondence with the promoter — emails, notices, WhatsApp records.
3
Fill the complaint form
Most states use an online form (often called Form N or a state-specific equivalent) through the RERA portal — stating facts, relief sought, and attaching documents.
4
Pay the prescribed fee
See the state fee table above, and confirm the current amount on your state's portal before filing.
5
Submit and get a case number
On submission, you receive a complaint/case number to track status online and reference in all future correspondence.
6
Attend the hearing(s)
Both sides are notified of hearing dates. You can appear in person, through an authorised representative, or via an advocate — RERA hearings are intentionally less formal than civil court.
7
Receive the order
The Adjudicating Officer or Authority passes a reasoned order — refund with interest, compensation, or specific directions to the promoter.
8
Appeal if you disagree
Either party can appeal to the Real Estate Appellate Tribunal within 60 days of the order, and from there to the High Court on a substantial question of law.

What You Can and Cannot Claim

✅ RERA Can Award
✓ Refund of amount paid, with interest
✓ Monthly interest for possession delay
✓ Compensation for proven loss
✓ Directions to complete or rectify a project
✓ Directions to a non-compliant agent or promoter
❌ Generally Outside RERA's Scope
✗ Criminal prosecution of a promoter (separate legal route)
✗ Disputes between two buyers over the same unit
✗ Pure title/ownership disputes — better suited to civil court
✗ Matters already finally decided by a court
Why This Matters for Agents
A buyer who knows you understand the complaint process — and can point them to the right forum and fee instead of a generic "consult a lawyer" — trusts your advice more, and is less likely to blame you if a project runs into trouble later. Knowing this process is part of professional due diligence, not just crisis handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can file a RERA complaint?
Any aggrieved person — allottees/buyers, promoters, or agents — can file against a promoter, agent, or the Authority for non-compliance with the RERA Act.
How long does a RERA complaint take to resolve?
The Act targets 60 days as far as possible, though actual timelines vary by state and case complexity.
Do I need a lawyer to file a RERA complaint?
No, legal representation is optional. Many buyers file and represent themselves, though an advocate can help with complex cases or appeals.
What can I claim in a RERA complaint?
A refund with interest, monthly interest for possession delay, compensation for proven loss, or directions to the promoter to complete or fix the project.
How much does it cost to file a RERA complaint?
Fees are set by each state and are generally nominal — for example, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh both charge ₹1,000 for a standard complaint filing. Always confirm the current fee on your specific state's RERA portal before filing, as amounts and structures vary.
Can I file a RERA complaint online?
Most state RERA portals support online filing, typically through a form similar to Form N, with document upload and online fee payment. Some states also accept physical filing at the RERA office.
What happens if the promoter doesn't respond to my complaint?
The Authority or Adjudicating Officer can proceed and pass an order based on available evidence even if the promoter does not appear or respond, though they are typically given formal notice and an opportunity to be heard first.
Can I withdraw a RERA complaint after filing?
Generally yes, a complainant can withdraw a complaint, though the specific procedure depends on the stage of proceedings and the state's rules — check with the registry handling your case.
Change Log
21 Sept 2026: Added state-by-state complaint fee table (sourced), 4 additional FAQs.
20 Sept 2026: Initial page published.
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What is RERA? Complete Guide → RERA Possession Delay & Compensation → RERA Penalties — Common Agent Violations → RERA 70% Escrow Rule Explained →