What is RERA Karnataka and Why Was It Established?
RERA Karnataka (Karnataka Real Estate) is the state regulatory authority formulated under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. In accordance with the provisions of Section 4(3) of the central RERA Act, this authority has been constituted to regulate the rapidly growing real estate industry.
The Karnataka RERA Portal at rera.karnataka.gov.in is a single window for developers to register projects, agents to get a license and is also for homebuyers to verify project credentials. Till 2025, the authority regulated more than 8,357 projects and 5,417 real estate agents in Karnataka, making it one of India's most active state RERA bodies.
What Are the Primary Functions of RERA Karnataka?
The authority exercises multiple key functions to control the real estate market:
For Developers and Promotors:
- Compulsory registration of all real estate projects that qualify
- Project progress and use of funds are monitored every quarter
- Verification of statutory clearances and approvals
- To enable the timely completion and execution of the project
For Homebuyers:
- Full disclosure of project details
- Protection from misleading advertising and hidden charges
- Redress mechanism for complaints on a fast-track basis
- Right to sue for possession under delay, Loss of quality
For Real Estate Agents:
- Registration, licensing, etc
- Imposition of a code of conduct
- Banned from trading in unregistered projects
What Are the Key RERA Karnataka Rules and Regulations You Should Know?
The RERA Act, Karnataka, has codified a certain code of conduct which applies to any and all parties. The knowledge of these regulations democratizes the buyer and enables them to make better-informed choices while buying property in Karnataka.
Which Projects Require Mandatory Registration Under RERA?
Any real estate project that is of the following size has to be registered under RERA:
- The area of land is more than 500 square meters
- Projects of 8 or more apartments/units
- Both existing and new projects may be (phases are counted separately)
Without a valid RERA registration, builders are prohibited from advertising, marketing, booking or selling any unit. This is true whether for commercial or residential projects.
How Does the 70% Escrow Rule Protect Your Investment?
Among the strongest RERA Karnataka provisions is the escrow account obligation. Developers are required to put 70% of the amounts collected from homebuyers in a separate escrow bank account. That money can be spent only on:
- The construction costs of that project alone
- Project-related land payments
It also puts a stop to the widespread practice of 'fund diversion', in which a builder uses money from a particular project to fund another, causing delays and defaults.
What is Carpet Area Pricing and How Does It Benefit Buyers?
Before RERA, builders used to charge on the super built-up area, which includes the common spaces such as corridors and lobbies. Now the rates are forced to be on carpet area, which is the area actually covered by the apartment. That makes it very clear what you're actually paying for.
What Are the Advance Payment Limits Under RERA Karnataka?
Developers can ask for a maximum of 10 percent of the value of the property for an advance before signing the sale agreement. This prevents buyers from being fleeced by one-back developers.
What Penalties Apply for Non-Compliance with RERA Rules?
Severe penalties are levied under the Karnataka RERA rules for the following acts of omission and/or commission:
- Developers: 3 year imprisonment and penalties upto 10% of the project cost
- Agents and Buyers: One Year Imprisonment for offenses and violations
- Interest Payment: 2% above SBI's Marginal Cost of Lending Rate for delays
How Long Does the Quality Assurance Mandate Last?
If any structural defect develops up to 5 years after possession, the builder shall repair the defect free of cost to the buyer within 30 days. This extends beyond cosmetic concerns to encompass the fundamental quality of construction.
How Can You Use the Karnataka RERA Portal Effectively?
The Karnataka RERA website provides a number of services catering to various stakeholders. Here's how you can go about it:
What is the RERA Karnataka Login Process?
The portal offers three types of login:
- Public Login: Homebuyers and citizens can view projects, submit complaints, check the status of complaints, receive alerts, and more
- Authority Login: For RERA authorities and officials
- TEMP Login: For special services and temporary access
Users who are registering for the first time have to Sign Up with some basic information like name, email, and mobile number. After registration, you will be able to use all public services.
How Do You Search for RERA Registered Projects?
Located verified projects are easy to find:
Step 1: Go to rera.karnataka.gov.in and click on the "Services" tab
Step 2: Select 'Project Status' from the menu list
Step 3：Filter your search:
- Search by project name
- Filter by district (Bangalore Urban, Mysore , etc.)
- Search with RERA registration number
- Filter by the name of the promoter/developer
Step 4: Get full project information, like:
- Validity period of registration
- Approved layout/building plan
- Expected completion date
- Present status of the project
- Track record of the promoter
This is a handy thing to have when you're trying to judge projects in Bangalore or indeed in any other city in Karnataka.
What is the RERA Karnataka Registration Process?
Both developers and agents need to register with Karnataka RERA to do any real estate business. Here's how the registration works:
How Can Developers Register Their Projects with RERA Karnataka?
Step 1: Gather Documents: Visit the RERA Karnataka portal and check the status of the required documents. Make sure you have your approvals and clearance.
Step 2: Submission of Application
- Click on 'Registration' and ' Project registration.'
- Select your Type of Firm (Proprietorship, Partnership Firm / LLP, Company, Cooperative Societies, Development Authority / Competent Authority / Public Body / Government Body, Other)
- Type in the official email address contactable by us for communication
Step 3: Form Filling
- Fill in Form A with all the details of the promoter
- Give detailed information about the project, including:
- Full address and location detail
- Type of project (residential, commercial, or mixed)
- Land area and units in number
- Project duration & completion date
- Sanction of all legal
Step 4: Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of all required documents (a detailed list is given below)
Step 5: Payment Fee: Pay the registration fee using the online payment gateway. Charges depend on the nature and size of the project.
Step 6: Acknowledgment: Download the acknowledgment receipt. It is the norm that the authority disposes of applications within a month or two if all documents are complete.
What Documents Are Required for Project Registration?
Land and Title Documents:
- Encumbrance certificate (for the last 30 years)
- Title deeds are to be enclosed for establishing clear ownership.
- Sale deed and RTC ( Record of Rights, Tenancy and Cops)
- Khata certificate.
- Land conversion certificate(s) (if applicable)
Approvals and Clearances:
- Locally issued certificate of institution from the institution of grace.
- Sanctioned building plan and layout plan.
- Sanctioned plotting plan (for plotted developments)
- NOC from Fire Directorate
- NOC from Electricity Board (BESCOM/other)
- NOC from Water and Sewer Board (BWSSB)
- Environmental permissions (if necessary)
- Airport Authority NOC (if applicable)
- Any other statutory clearances required.
Financial Documents:
- Audited financial results for three years
- Profit and Loss Account
- Statement of cash flows
- CA certificate.
- Returns of income tax
- PAN card of the promoter
Documents of the Project:
- Detailed description of Project
- Proforma of the sale agreement
- Proforma of allotment letter
- Brochure on the project
- Professional engineer's certificate
- Professional engineer's certificate
Legal Documents:
- Notarized affidavit (no violation declaration)
- Joint development agreement (if applicable)
- Bank affidavit for opening project-specific escrow account
How Can Real Estate Agents Register with RERA Karnataka?
Real estate agents who want to operate in Karnataka must also register themselves with Karnataka RERA. The procedure is easier than project registration:
Step 1: Enter the portal and click on the 'Agent Registration' step on the agent page.
Step 2: Agent Type:
- Individual
- Proprietorship / Partnership firm/LLP / Company / Societies / Development Authority / Trust
Step 3: Enter your personal Organisational information, such as name /name of the company and company registration numbers, etc
- Name as per pancard
- Business address
- Contact details
- Educational background
Step 4: Attach documents, as required:
- PAN (self-attested)
- Aadhaar card or any other photo ID
- Residence Proof
- Passport-size photo
- Business registration documents (for firms/companies)
- Deed of partnership (if applicable)
- A notarized affidavit on ₹100 stamp paper
Step 5: Submission and Payment of Registration Fees
What Are the Karnataka RERA Agent Registration Fees?
The agency fee is as follows:
- Individual Agent: Rs. 25000 for 5 years.
- Partnership Firms/companies: Rs 2,00,000 for 5 years.
Agents are required to renew their registration to be able to do so legally.
What Are the RERA Karnataka Project Registration Fees?
In a land well project, the registration fee is dependent on the type of project and the land area:
How Much Does Registration Cost for Group Housing Projects?
| Land Area |
Fee Structure |
| Up to 1,000 sq.m |
₹5 per square meter |
| Above 1,000 sq.m |
₹10 per square meter (maximum ₹5 lakh) |
What Are the Fees for Plotted Development Projects?
| Land Area |
Fee Structure |
| All projects |
₹5 per square meter (maximum ₹5 lakh) |
How Much Do Mixed Development Projects Cost to Register?
| Land Area |
Fee Structure |
| Up to 1,000 sq.m |
₹10 per square meter |
| Above 1,000 sq.m |
₹15 per square meter (maximum ₹7 lakh) |
What Are the Registration Fees for Commercial Projects?
| Land Area |
Fee Structure |
| Up to 1,000 sq.m |
₹20 per square meter |
| Above 1,000 sq.m |
₹25 per square meter (maximum ₹10 lakh) |
What Penalties Apply for Late Registration?
If the developers file the projects after the deadline, extra penalties apply:
- Residential projects Up To 1,000 sq.m: ₹5 lakh
- All projects over 1,000 sq.m: ₹7 lakh
How Do You File a Complaint with RERA Karnataka?
Even with regulations in place, problems may occur. RERA Karnataka offers an effective grievance redressal for homebuyers. If you have bought a property in Mysore or anywhere else and have an issue, here is how to get it resolved:
What Are Valid Grounds for Filing RERA Complaints?
You can file a RERA complaint in Karnataka for:
- Delay in possession more than the date told to the buyer
- Defects in structural quality
- Non-availability of promised facilities
- Making changes in approved plans without consent
- Misleading advertisements or fake commitments
- Refund problem, when you have asked for cancellation
- Breach of the terms and conditions of the sale agreement
- Unregistered projects are being promoted or are selling products
What is the Step-by-Step Complaint Filing Process?
Step 1: Collect Documents, as you gather all the necessary documents:
- Builder-buyer agreement or sale deed
- Payment receipts and bank statements
- Email correspondence with the builder
- Project brochure and advertisements
- Registration certificate of the project with RERA
- Possession letter (when applicable)
- Photographs (for quality issues)
Step 2: Sign Up on the Portal. In case you are a new user, you need to sign up or register yourself on the Karnataka RERA website with your mail id and mobile number.
Step 3: Go to the Complaint Section
- Go to the tab "Registration."
Step 4: Fill the complaint form with:
- Your details as complainant (name, address, contact no.)
- Respondent details (builder/developer name, project name)
- Nature of complaint (a drop-down menu with options)
- Describe the problem in detail
- Relief sought (refund, possession, compensation, etc.)
- Sequence of occurrences
Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents. Upload all the necessary documents as PDF,s. Please clearly tag the documents.
Step 6: Pay the complaint fee. The complaint fee is ₹1,000 and is payable online through the portal for filing a complaint. If you are filing an appeal with the RERA Appellate Tribunal, the fee is ₹5,000.
Step 7: Submit and Save Reference Number. You will receive a unique complaint reference number after submission. Save this for tracking purposes.
How Can You Track Your Complaint Status?
Now you can check the RERA Karnataka complaint status online at:
- Sign in to your account
- Navigate to 'Services'
- Check 'Complaint Status'
- Type in your complaint reference no
- See the current status, hearing dates and orders
The 60-day target for disposal of complaints is set by the authority, but in more complicated matters, this may be extended. The hearing dates and decisions will be sent to you via email and SMS.
What Benefits Does RERA Karnataka Offer to Homebuyers?
Benefits of RERA Karnataka for the Property Buyers include:
How Does RERA Ensure Complete Transparency?
Every registered project's information can be accessed by the public. You can check project credentials, sanctioned plans and developer track record on your own, before dealing with real estate agents in Karnataka.
What Financial Protection Does RERA Provide?
The 70% escrow rule is designed to ensure that your money is going toward building your project and not something else. It acts as a deterrent against misappropriation of funds and abandoned projects.
How Does RERA Ensure On Time Delivery?
Heavy penalties for delay ensure that developers deliver projects on time. However, in case of delays, you are entitled to interest compensation as per 2% above SBI's MCLR.
What Quality Assurance Does RERA Guarantee?
The 5 year defect liability period means you builder,s remain liable for the quality of construction way beyond when you possess your home. All structural issues must be repaired within 30 days.
How Fast is RERA's Dispute Resolution Process?
The streamlined complaint mechanism is resolving matters far quicker than the erstwhile civil courts. Most cases are virtually over in 2-3 months.
What Are the Standardized Agreements Under RERA?
Standard sale agreement formats protecting buyer interests are prescribed by RERA. All contracts have to be registered with the commission, which will avert subsequent disputes.
What is Your Right to Know Under RERA?
You can request the entire project details while booking, Buyers. Developers have to reveal all material facts, such as whether the land owned is encumbered or not.
Address: Real Estate Regulatory Authority of Karnataka, 2nd Floor, Silver Jubilee Block Unity Building, CSI Compound, 3rd Cross, Mission Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka- 560027
Phone Numbers:
- 080-22249798
- 080-22249799
- 080-41624455
- 080-41692244
Email: contact.krera@ka.gov.in
Website: https://rera.karnataka.gov.in
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 05:30 PM (Lunch Break 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM)
How Can Homebuyers Use RERA Karnataka Effectively?
What Should You Check Before Booking Any Property?
- Always check if the property is RERA registered: Don't rely on verbal confirmation. Verify yourself at the Karnataka government RERA website by searching project-wise.
- Download the registration certificate and read it - It lists the completion date the law binds to, not what's stated in the marketing.
- Reconcile carpet area: Make sure the developer's that RERA quotes the same carpet area on the website. This ensures you are not paying for oversized measurements.
- Authenticate the escrow account: Verify that the builder has provided bank details to hold the 70% in escrow.
- Examine the builder's history: The portal lists all the developer's projects, also recording any complaints.
- Scan for encumbrances: Verify that the project land is free from mortgages or litigation.
What Red Flags Should You Watch For?
- Projects that are not registered under RERA are invalid
- Developers are demanding in excess of 10% as an advance before agreement
- Huge discrepancies between what has been approved and what is being sold/
- Builders with several delayed or stalled projects
- Statutory clearances not obtained (fire NOC, env clearance, etc)
- Possession timelines are vague, or contracts include clauses that allow indefinite extensions.
What Should You Monitor During the Construction Phase?
- Follow up on quarter progress update at the RERA portal
- Go for site visits to confirm actual progress as reported
- Retain all payment receipts and correspondence
- Record any deviations or alterations from original plans
- Voice concerns in writing and retain copies
What Steps Should You Take After Possession?
- Examine carefully within 30 days and report defects in writing.
- Make sure you get the Occupancy Certificate before you take possession.
- Make sure all the amenities promised to you are working.
- Register the complaints of defects within the 5-year period of warranty.
- Ask for original documents(sale deed, building plans, society documents.
Conclusion
So, as the real estate market in Karnataka continues to flourish, particularly in Bangalore with 36,000+ properties, Gurgaon, Mumbai, and other cities, RERA Karnataka remains your invincible armor. It encourages developers to be genuinely transparent and accountable, and it provides buyers like you the information you need to make smart decisions. Also, as the rera.karnataka.gov.in portal boasts of over 8,000 registered projects, cross-checking the information takes just minutes, which could help avert unnecessary troubles later on. When problems arise, the complaint process is becoming more effective by the day. Because being informed, double-checking registrations, and knowing your rights isn't just smart, it's necessary. Visit RealEstateIndia.com for listings, but always verify RERA status first. Here's safe and successful investing to build your future!
Frequently Asked Questions Anout Karnataka RERA
Is RERA registration compulsory for all projects in Karnataka?
Yes, Prior Rera Karnataka Registration shall be obtained by the promoter in respect of every project in case the land area in the project is more than 500 Square meters or the number of apartments proposed to be constructed is more than eight before the promoter advertises or sells any apartment in the project.
How do I check if a project is Rera registered?
Visit rera.karnataka.gov.in, navigate to Services > Project Status and Search by Project Name/ Developer Name/Rera Reg No.
What is the complaint fee?
The fee is ₹1,000 for filing with RERA Karnataka and ₹5,000 for appeals to the Appellate Tribunal.
How long to resolve complaints?
RERA Karnataka has a 60-day target to dispose of complaints, but complicated cases may take 2 to 3 months.
Will I get my money back if my project is delayed?
Yes, either possession with compensation@interest or refund with 2% above SBI MCLR as interest.
And if the builder is not RERA registered?
There are two sides to the pained reality of unregistered projects -- Selling unregistered projects is illegal. You can complain, and the builder is penalised for jail time up to 3 years.
Does RERA cover resale apartments?
No, Rera applies only to new developer projects and not to resale or individual transactions.
Do I need a lawyer to file a RERA complaint?
No, the process has been made as diy. Still, sometimes, legal assistance can be helpful in complicated cases.
Is it possible for commercial projects to be registered under RERA Karnataka?
RERA defines residential projects and commercial projects separately, RERA fee for both is different.
What if a builder disobeys RERA orders?
Default may attract further penalties and the sums can be recovered as land revenue due. A project may also be subject to deregistration if there are allegations of persistent violations.
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