The RERA Registration Process is required for covered real-estate projects, promoters and real-estate agents under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.

The relevant State Real Estate Regulatory Authority issues the RERA Registration Certificate after reviewing the prescribed application, documents and fee.

What Is RERA Registration?

RERA registration is the approval required from the relevant state authority before a covered project can be marketed or a covered agent can deal in RERA-registered projects.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs states that projects exceeding 500 square metres or more than eight apartments require mandatory registration. It also states that no project can be advertised without RERA registration. 1505

What Is a RERA Registration Certificate?

A RERA Registration Certificate is issued after the authority accepts a project or agent application.

For a project, the certificate identifies the registered project and its approved details. For an agent, it confirms registration to deal in covered transactions relating to RERA-registered projects.

A certificate does not replace building approvals, occupancy certificates or other local permissions.

Who Needs RERA Registration?

RERA registration may be required for:

• Promoters of covered real-estate projects.

• Real-estate agents dealing in covered transactions.

• Residential and commercial projects, subject to the applicable rules. 1505

The Ministry states that RERA applies to both residential and commercial projects. 1505

RERA Project Threshold

A project generally requires registration where the proposed land area exceeds 500 square metres or the number of proposed apartments exceeds eight, inclusive of all phases. 1505

The two conditions are separate. Therefore, a project with more than eight apartments may require registration even if the land area is below 500 square metres.

RERA Registration Process

Step 1: Identify the State Authority

First, identify the RERA authority for the project or agent’s business location.

The state authority determines the applicable form, fee, documents and verification process.

Step 2: Choose the Application Type

Next, select whether the application is for a real-estate project or a real-estate agent.

Do not mix these applications. They require different disclosures and documents.

Step 3: Complete the Prescribed Form

Complete the form prescribed by the state authority.

For promoters, the application must include the disclosures required under Section 4 of the RERA Act. For agents, Section 9 requires an application in the prescribed form, manner, fee and documents.

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload clear and consistent records.

Check that the project name, land details, applicant name and authorised-person details match across all documents.

Step 5: Pay the Fee

Pay the applicable state-specific fee through the permitted payment method.

Do not use another state’s fee schedule. Confirm the current amount on the relevant authority’s portal.

Step 6: Respond to Queries

If the authority raises a deficiency, respond within the stated timeline.

Submission alone does not guarantee registration. The authority reviews the application before issuing the certificate.

Step 7: Download the Certificate

After acceptance, download the RERA registration certificate.

Check the certificate number, applicant details and validity before using it in advertisements or agreements.

RERA Registration Timeline

For a project application, the authority must communicate any deficiencies within 30 days of receiving the application. If no communication is issued within that period, the application is deemed to have been accepted. 1450

For agents, registration is generally valid for five years. State rules may prescribe the renewal process, renewal fee and timing. 

Documents for RERA Project Registration

A promoter’s application generally includes project, land and financial disclosures.

Common document categories include:

• Promoter identity and address proof.

• Photographs and PAN details.

• Project commencement certificate and sanctioned plan.

• Layout plan and project-location details.

• Proposed project-execution plan.

• Parking details.

• Land-title or ownership documents.

• Details of previous projects and any delays.

• Project-completion timeline declaration. 1448

For a company promoter, additional records may include incorporation documents, CIN or TAN, memorandum and articles of association, audited financial statements and director details.

Documents for RERA Agent Registration

An agent application commonly requires:

• Identity and address proof.

• Photographs.

• Business details, including registered address.

• Company constitution documents, where applicable.

• Authorised-person details.

• Applicable registration fee.

The exact list depends on the state authority and whether the applicant is an individual, firm or company. 

RERA Registration Fees

RERA registration fees are state-specific.

For example, Rajasthan’s rules prescribe ₹10,000 for an individual agent and ₹50,000 for any applicant other than an individual. The state also states that agent registration is valid for five years.

Do not use one state’s fee as the fee for another state. Confirm the current schedule before payment.

RERA Registration Online

RERA registration online is available through the respective state authority’s portal.

The online process generally includes form filling, document upload, fee payment and application tracking. However, the portal interface and document formats vary by state. 

Before applying, prepare scanned copies of all records and ensure the files meet the portal’s size and format requirements.

Validity and Renewal

Agent registration is generally valid for five years unless cancelled earlier. Kerala’s authority states that K-RERA agent registration remains effective for five years from issue. 

Renewal must follow the applicable state process. Kerala’s guidance says renewal should be applied for at least three months before expiry. 1454

Project-registration validity and extension requirements depend on the approved project timeline and applicable state rules.

Benefits of RERA Registration

RERA registration can help promoters and agents demonstrate compliance and transparency.

For agents, registration may provide:

• Legal authorisation to deal in covered RERA-registered projects.

• Greater buyer confidence.

• Access to RERA-registered projects.

• A structured compliance framework.

• Reduced risk of penalties for unregistered activity. 

However, registration does not guarantee sales, approvals or freedom from other legal obligations.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance can lead to penalties under the Act.

For agents, the Act provides for a penalty of ₹10,000 per day, which may extend up to 5% of the cost of the plot, apartment or building. Unfair trade practices can attract imprisonment of up to one year. 

Therefore, verify registration before advertising, marketing, booking or facilitating a covered transaction.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying on the wrong state portal.

• Assuming the 500-square-metre and eight-apartment limits are interchangeable.

• Using an agent registration as proof of project registration.

• Submitting inconsistent land, project or identity documents.

• Ignoring the 30-day deficiency-communication rule.

• Missing agent-registration renewal timelines.

• Advertising a project before the applicable registration is obtained.

Conclusion

The RERA registration process is essential for covered projects, promoters and agents. First, confirm whether the project crosses the statutory threshold and identify the correct state authority.

Then, prepare the prescribed form, documents and fee. For projects, the authority must communicate deficiencies within 30 days; otherwise, the application is deemed accepted. For agents, registration is generally valid for five years and must be renewed under the applicable state rules. 1505

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RERA registration?

RERA registration is approval from the relevant state authority for a covered real-estate project or real-estate agent under the RERA Act. 

What is the RERA project threshold?

A project generally requires registration if the proposed land area exceeds 500 square metres or the number of apartments exceeds eight, inclusive of all phases. 

How long is agent registration valid?

Agent registration is generally valid for five years, subject to the applicable state rules and renewal requirements. 

Can an agent deal with a RERA-registered project without registration?

No. The agent must obtain prior registration before dealing in covered transactions relating to a RERA-registered project.