Where can you complain if a builder is demanding more than the circle rate? New home buyers will benefit.

To protect buyers, the government implemented the Real Estate Act in 2016. Under this law, builders cannot arbitrarily charge extra fees. All charges must be included in the fixed price of the house.

Currently, most people prefer to buy flats or houses built in societies. To avoid the hassle of finding a home, people often seek the help of builders. However, it often happens that builders charge more than the fixed price. Sometimes, they charge buyers for club memberships, parking charges, power backup, or external development. Furthermore, many builders try to mislead customers by quoting higher prices than the circle rate. So, today we will tell you where you can complain if a builder is demanding more than the circle rate...

The RERA Act is for Buyers

To protect buyers, the government implemented the Real Estate Act in 2016. Under this law, builders cannot arbitrarily charge extra fees. According to the RERA Act, all charges must be included in the agreed price of a home. However, if a builder demands more than the circle rate or levies unnecessary fees, buyers can file a complaint directly with RERA.

Where and How to File a Complaint

If a builder tries to overcharge you, you can file a complaint with RERA. To file a complaint with RERA, buyers must visit their state's RERA website and file an online complaint. The buyer must fill out a complaint form and upload the required documents, such as a copy of the agreement, a payment receipt, and an additional demand letter. The buyer must also pay a nominal fee to file a complaint, and the process is completely online.

What Actions Are Taken After a Complaint?

Upon receiving a complaint, RERA first determines whether the matter falls within its jurisdiction. A notice is then sent to the builder. If an investigation proves that the builder has collected money illegally, RERA issues an order against them. According to government regulations, RERA has the authority to take strict action against the builder. It can order the return of any excess money collected from buyers, and also impose fines on the builder. In many cases, the project's registration is cancelled and the builder may even face imprisonment. This Act will benefit new homebuyers the most. Furthermore, a key feature of RERA is that complaints are typically resolved within 60 days.