If you are booking an under-construction apartment or a new project, RERA is your single best protection. Here is how to use it.
What is RERA?
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act created a regulator in each state to bring transparency and accountability to property projects. In Tamil Nadu, this is TNRERA. Builders must register qualifying projects and disclose key details publicly.
Which projects must register?
Broadly, projects above a certain size — generally land over 500 square metres or more than eight units — must be registered with TNRERA before they are marketed or sold. A registered project carries a RERA registration number.
What to check on the RERA portal
- Registration number and validity — confirm the project is registered and active.
- Approved plans and layout — what was actually sanctioned.
- Completion date — the promised timeline the builder is bound to.
- Promoter details and past projects — track record and any complaints.
- Carpet area — RERA standardised selling on carpet area, not inflated super built-up area.
Why it matters
Before RERA, buyers had little recourse against delays or specification changes. Now, the builder is accountable to the regulator, funds collected must largely go into the project, and you can file a complaint if commitments are broken. Always insist on the RERA number and verify it yourself on the official Tamil Nadu RERA website rather than trusting a brochure.
The simple rule
No RERA number for a project that should have one is a red flag. For ready, completed and individual resale properties RERA registration may not apply, but for new and under-construction projects, verify first, pay later.