Understanding Homebuyers' Rights and Duties Under India's RERA Law

Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, homebuyers are entitled to request sanctioned building plans, project layouts and specifications approved by the competent authority, as well as a stage-wise timeline for construction and provision of utilities. The law allows purchasers to claim possession of their unit or common areas according to the promoter's declaration, and to seek a refund with applicable interest and compensation if possession is delayed or the developer's registration is suspended.

Once the property is handed over, the promoter must provide all necessary documents and plans for the individual unit and common areas. Buyers, however, are required to make payments as per the agreement, bear registration, municipal, utility and maintenance fees, and may incur interest on delayed payments unless mutually waived. They must also join the allottees' association or federation, take physical possession within two months of receiving an occupancy certificate, and participate in registering the conveyance deed to secure legal title.