A complaint must be filed through the official procedure of the relevant state RERA authority. A consumer remedy may also be available in an eligible case, but the same loss cannot be recovered twice.
The project's location and registration, the allegations, and the relief sought are important in determining the appropriate forum. The roles of the RERA authority, adjudicating officer, and appellate tribunal are not the same. Do not conceal any pending or prior case or order. Forms, fees, and filing requirements may vary from state to state.
What should you do now?
- Check the project and promoter details on the official state portal.
- Prepare a complaint setting out the events, payments, and relief sought in chronological order.
- Before approaching a different forum, understand the effect of pending proceedings and any duplication.
Which documents should you keep?
The buyer agreement, allotment documents, receipts, correspondence, and orders in any earlier cases.
Avoid this mistake
Do not assume that merely uploading a complaint guarantees a refund order or compliance with such an order.
A hypothetical example
A buyer has already filed a consumer case and now approaches RERA. Instead of concealing the earlier proceeding, the buyer should disclose it fully. It is important to understand in advance which relief to seek, and where, and how to avoid duplication.
Will money automatically be credited to my account after a RERA order?
Not always. If the order is not complied with, a recovery or enforcement process may be necessary.
Legal basis and useful sources
- Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 — updated as of 15 May 2026
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019 — complaints, unfair trade practices, and remedies
- Imperia Structures v. Anil Patni — Supreme Court, 2 November 2020; RERA and consumer remedy
This is general legal information. The advice applicable to you may differ depending on your facts, the applicable law, and state rules.