How To File A RERA Complaint Online In Maharashtra?

The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) provides a platform for resolving disputes within the state's real estate sector. Established under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), MahaRERA allows aggrieved parties to file complaints against registered projects or agents for violations of the Act, Rules, or Regulations.

Provisions For Lodging A Complaint Before MahaRERA

Section 31 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) and Rule 6 of Maharashtra Real Estate (Regulation and Development) (Recovery of Interest, Penalty, Compensation, Fine Payable, Forms of Complaints and Appeal, etc.) Rules, 2017 provide for filing of complaint with Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (hereinafter referred to as “MahaRERA”), by an aggrieved person who has any interest in the registered project. 

The aggrieved person can file an application online as per the format provided by MahaRERA. An aggrieved person may file a complaint with MahaRERA for any violation or contravention of the provisions of the Act or the Rules or Regulations made there under.

How To File A MahaRERA Complaint Online In Maharashtra

The government of Maharashtra established the MahaRERA to regulate and promote the real estate sector in the state. If you have grievances against a real estate project or agent registered under MahaRERA, you can file a complaint through their online portal. This article outlines the steps for filing an online complaint with MahaRERA.

Before You Begin

Before you start filing a complaint, you must keep in your mind the following points: 

• Compulsory Registration: Complaints can only be filed against real estate projects or agents registered under MahaRERA.

• Check Registration: Verify if the project or agent is registered by visiting the MahaRERA website and clicking on "Search Project Details".

• Unregistered Projects: If the project is not registered, you can inform MahaRERA via email. Note that this will be treated as source information, not a formal complaint.

• Required Details: Have the facts of the case, the relief(s) you are seeking, and any interim order you are requesting ready. Prepare all the necessary documents. 

• Email and Mobile Number: Ensure you have a valid email ID and mobile number for registration and future communication with MahaRERA officials.

Step-By-Step Guide To Filing An Online Complaint

Following is the step-by-step guide for filing an online complaint in MahaRERA. Let’s get into the same:  

User Registration

• Visit the MahaRERA website and click on "New Registration".

• Select "Complainant" as the user type and your state/UT.

• Create a unique username.

• Create a password that meets the following criteria:

  • Minimum 8 characters

  • One uppercase letter

  • One numerical character

  • One special character

• Provide your email ID and mobile number for official communications.

• A verification link will be sent to your email address for confirmation.

Login And Complete Your Profile

• After successful registration, log in to the system using your username and password.

• Click on "Accounts" and then "My Profile".

• Enter your personal details, including first name, middle name, and last name.

• Provide your address for official communication:

  • House Number

  • Building Name

  • Street Name

  • Locality

  • Landmark

  • State/UT

  • Division

  • District

  • Taluka

  • Village

  • Pin Code

• Enter your mobile number and email ID.

Add Complaint

• Click on the "Complaint Details" tab, then click on "New Complaints" to begin the complaint registration process.

• The process involves five steps.

Step 1: Add Complaint Details

• Select the relevant division. The divisions are Konkan, Amravati, Aurangabad, Pune, Nagpur, or Nashik.

• Enter the registration number of the project/agent. You can find this number using the "Search Project Details" function on the MahaRERA website, as mentioned earlier.

• The project/agent name and promoter name will appear automatically.

Step 2: Add Complainant Details

• Enter the name of the complainant.

• Specify the complainant type. These types are Promoter, Real Estate Agent, Allottee, or Other (specify if "Other").

• State your nature of interest in the project.

• Provide the address of the complainant's office or his residence.

• Include contact numbers (mobile, office) and email ID.

Step 3: Add Respondent Details

• Enter the name of the respondent.

• Specify the respondent type, i.e., Promoter, Real Estate Agent, Allottee, or Other (specify if "Other").

• Provide the address of the respondent's office or his residence.

Step 4: Upload Documents

• Facts of the Case: Provide a concise statement of facts and grounds for the complaint (up to 250 words). This is a mandatory document.

• Relief(s) Sought: Specify the reliefs claimed, explaining the grounds and any legal provisions relied upon (up to 100 words). This is a mandatory document.

• Interim Order (if prayed for): State the nature of the interim order requested and the reasons for it (up to 100 words). This is a mandatory document.

Step 5: Declaration

• Confirm that the information provided is true and not pending before any court, authority, or tribunal.

Payment of Fees

• After completing all the steps, click on the "Payment" tab.

• A dashboard with all the details will appear, along with a payment button.

• Make the payment using online or offline mode.

Who Would Decide The Complaints?

As per Regulation 24 of Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (General) Regulations 2017, for adjudication proceedings with respect to complaints filed, MahaRERA may, by order, direct that specific matters or issues be heard and decided by a single bench of either the Chairperson or any Member of the Authority.

Time Limit For Disposal Of Complaints

Section 29 of the Act provides that complaints should be disposed of as expeditiously as possible but not later than sixty days from the date of filing the same. However, where it cannot be disposed of during the said period, the Real Estate Regulatory Authority is required to record its reasons for the same.

This speedy disposal of complaints helps in protecting the rights of the consumer. It also ensures that the trust of the consumer remains intact. 

Appeal Against The Order Of MahaRERA

Any person aggrieved by any direction, decision or order made by MahaRERA or by an adjudicating officer may file an appeal before the Appellate Tribunal within a period of sixty days, in accordance with Rule 9 of Maharashtra Real Estate (Regulation and Development) (Recovery of Interest, Penalty, Compensation, Fine payable, Forms of Complaints and Appeal, etc.) Rules, 2017.

This provision for appeal ensures that in case of dissatisfaction with the decision of MahaRERA, the aggrieved person has another option to settle the dispute. 

Conclusion

MahaRERA's online complaint system provides a convenient and accessible way for individuals to address grievances related to real estate projects in Maharashtra. By following the outlined steps, providing accurate information, and submitting necessary documentation, complainants can effectively pursue their cases.

FAQs

A few FAQs regarding MahaRERA are:

Q1. Who can file a complaint with MahaRERA?

Any person aggrieved by a violation of the RERA Act, Rules, or Regulations related to a registered real estate project or agent can file a complaint with MahaRERA.

Q2. What details are required before filing a complaint?

You should have the facts of the case, the specific relief(s) you are seeking, any requested interim orders, and all supporting documents ready before starting the complaint process.