The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) was enacted to bring transparency, accountability, and consumer protection in the real estate sector. In Maharashtra, the Act is implemented through MahaRERA. However, not all real estate projects are mandatorily required to be registered under MahaRERA.
Projects That Must Be Registered with MahaRERA
As a general rule, every real estate project that involves marketing, advertising, selling, or allotment of apartments, plots, or buildings must be registered with MahaRERA before any such activity is undertaken. This includes residential and commercial projects, whether launched by private developers, partnerships, or companies.
Statutory Exemptions from MahaRERA Registration
The RERA Act provides specific exemptions where registration is not mandatory. These exemptions are clearly defined and must be strictly interpreted.
Registration is not required in the following cases:
• Where the area of the plot proposed to be developed does not exceed 500 square metres
• Where the number of apartments proposed does not exceed eight, inclusive of all phases
• Projects involving only renovation, repair, or redevelopment, provided there is no marketing, advertising, selling, or new allotment of apartments, plots, or buildings
• Projects that received completion certificate prior to the commencement of RERA
If either the plot size exceeds 500 sq. mt. or the number of apartments exceeds eight, MahaRERA registration becomes compulsory.
Why MahaRERA Registration Is Important for Homebuyers
A MahaRERA-registered project ensures:
• Disclosure of complete project details
• Defined possession timelines
• Mandatory escrow account of 70% project funds
• Legal accountability of the promoter
• Right to claim refund, interest, or compensation
Buying into an unregistered project where registration is mandatory can expose buyers to serious legal and financial risks.
How to Verify Whether a Project Is Registered with MahaRERA
Verifying registration is simple and should be done before booking or making any payment.
Follow these steps on the MahaRERA official website:
• Visit the MahaRERA portal
• Click on ‘Registration’
• Select ‘Registered Projects’
You can search using project name, promoter name, or MahaRERA registration number.
What Information Is Available on the MahaRERA Website
The MahaRERA portal provides extensive project disclosures, including:
• Promoter details and past projects
• Project layout, approvals, and sanctioned plans
• Number of apartments and units sold
• Stage-wise construction status
• Declared date of completion
• Details of encumbrances and litigations
• Projects whose registrations are revoked
This transparency empowers homebuyers to make informed decisions.
What If a Project Is Not Registered?
If a project required to be registered is found to be unregistered:
• A complaint can be filed with MahaRERA
• The promoter may face penalties, interest liability, and even imprisonment
• Buyers can seek refund with interest or compensation
Conclusion
While not all projects require MahaRERA registration, most residential and commercial projects exceeding the prescribed limits must be registered by law. Homebuyers should always verify registration status on the MahaRERA website before investing. This single step can protect you from fraud, delay, and legal complications.
