What if a project isn't RERA registered?

Don't pay anything. Selling an unregistered project (above the small-project exemption) is illegal under s.3, and you have no RERA protection if you go ahead. Report it to the state RERA authority, which can penalise the builder up to 10% of the project's cost and, for continued violation, seek imprisonment. Confirm first whether the project genuinely needs registration — projects on 500 sq.m or less, or with 8 or fewer units, are exempt Most state RERA portals have a direct 'report unregistered project' link Any money already paid on an unregistered project is harder to recover through RERA itself — you may need a civil or consumer forum remedy instead Ask the builder for their RERA registration number in writing before paying any booking amount

Can I report a builder for selling without registration?

Don't pay anything. Selling an unregistered project (above the small-project exemption) is illegal under s.3, and you have no RERA protection if you go ahead. Report it to the state RERA authority, which can penalise the builder up to 10% of the project's cost and, for continued violation, seek imprisonment. Confirm first whether the project genuinely needs registration — projects on 500 sq.m or less, or with 8 or fewer units, are exempt Most state RERA portals have a direct 'report unregistered project' link Any money already paid on an unregistered project is harder to recover through RERA itself — you may need a civil or consumer forum remedy instead Ask the builder for their RERA registration number in writing before paying any booking amount

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What Should I Do If a Project Isn't RERA Registered?

Short answer: Don't pay anything. Selling an unregistered project (above the small-project exemption) is illegal under s.3, and you have no RERA protection if you go ahead. Report it to the state RERA authority, which can penalise the builder up to 10% of the project's cost and, for continued violation, seek imprisonment.

Law: RERA Act s.3, s.59 · Authority: MoHUA / State RERA authorities · Status: in force (effective 1 May 2016) · Checked 25 Sept 2026

What you need to know

Confirm first whether the project genuinely needs registration — projects on 500 sq.m or less, or with 8 or fewer units, are exempt
Most state RERA portals have a direct 'report unregistered project' link
Any money already paid on an unregistered project is harder to recover through RERA itself — you may need a civil or consumer forum remedy instead
Ask the builder for their RERA registration number in writing before paying any booking amount

Who this applies to: buyers, NRIs

Official / primary source: up-rera.in

The law behind it

RERA Section 3 — Prior Registration of Real Estate Projects

A builder cannot advertise, market, book or sell any flat, plot or building until the project is registered with the state RERA authority. This is the single biggest protection RERA gives buyers — an unregistered project is illegal to sell.

Section 3, Act No. 16 of 2016 · in force · source

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What Should I Do If a Project Isn't RERA Registered?

What you need to know

The law behind it

RERA Section 3 — Prior Registration of Real Estate Projects

Work out your own numbers

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