How to File a RERA Complaint in Patna | Step-by-Step Guide
If you're a homebuyer or investor in Patna facing delays, false promises, or quality issues with a real estate project, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) gives you a powerful legal remedy. Filing a RERA complaint in Patna is a structured process that can help you secure refunds, compensation, or timely possession of your property.
Serving all 38 districts of Bihar · RERA complaint filing & enforcement
What is RERA and Why It Matters in Bihar
The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) was established under the RERA Act, 2016, to protect homebuyers and ensure transparency in the real estate sector. In Bihar, the Bihar Real Estate Regulatory Authority (BRERA) operates from Patna and oversees all registered real estate projects in the state. Before RERA, homebuyers had limited recourse against builders who delayed projects, diverted funds, or delivered substandard construction. Today, RERA empowers buyers to file complaints directly with the authority and seek enforceable orders.
Who Can File a RERA Complaint in Patna?
Buyer or Allottee
Individual or entity that has booked a residential or commercial unit in a RERA-registered project.
Association of Allottees
Groups of homebuyers can file a collective complaint.
Real Estate Agent
Agents facing issues with a promoter can also file complaints.
Any Aggrieved Person
Anyone affected by a violation of the RERA Act, including unregistered projects.
Common grounds: delay in possession, deviation from approved plans, false advertisements, failure to transfer title, poor construction quality, non-refund of booking amount after cancellation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a RERA Complaint in Patna
Verify RERA Registration of the Project
Before filing a complaint, confirm that the project is registered under Bihar RERA.
- Visit the official portal: rera.bihar.gov.in
- Navigate to "Registered Projects" and search using the project name, promoter name, or RERA registration number
- Download or note the project details, including the registration certificate
Tip: If the project is not registered, you can still file a complaint, as operating without RERA registration is itself a violation.
Gather All Relevant Documents
Proper documentation is critical for a successful RERA complaint. Prepare both original documents and scanned copies for online submission.
| Document Category | Specific Documents |
|---|---|
| Identity Proof | Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Passport of the complainant |
| Property Documents | Allotment letter, booking receipt, payment receipts, agreement for sale |
| Builder Communication | Emails, letters, WhatsApp chats, demand letters from the builder |
| Project Details | RERA registration certificate, brochure, payment plan, construction schedule |
| Bank Records | Loan sanction letter, EMI statements, proof of payments made |
| Complaint Grounds | Photos/videos of construction defects, delay proof, possession letters (if any) |
| Legal Notices | Copy of any legal notice sent to the builder before filing (recommended but not mandatory) |
Pro Tip: Organize everything chronologically. A well-documented complaint significantly strengthens your case during the hearing.
Draft the Complaint with Required Details
Your complaint must clearly state:
- Names and addresses of the complainant(s) and the respondent (builder/promoter)
- RERA registration number of the project
- Facts of the case — a clear, chronological narrative of what happened
- Specific violations of the RERA Act, 2016 (cite relevant sections)
- Relief sought — what you want RERA to order (refund, compensation, possession, penalty, etc.)
- Annexures — list of all supporting documents attached
The complaint should be written in English or Hindi. While you can draft it yourself, consulting a RERA lawyer in Patna can improve precision and legal framing.
Calculate and Pay the Complaint Fee
The RERA complaint fee in Bihar is structured as follows:
| Type of Complaint | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Complaint before Bihar RERA Authority | ₹1,000 (as per Bihar RERA regulations) |
| Appeal to RERA Appellate Tribunal | ₹5,000 |
Note: Fees are subject to revision. Always check the latest fee schedule on rera.bihar.gov.in before filing. Payment is typically made online via the RERA portal using net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card.
File the Complaint Online or Offline
Bihar RERA allows both online and offline filing:
Online Filing (Recommended)
- Visit rera.bihar.gov.in
- Register as a user (complainant) with your mobile number and email
- Log in and select "File Complaint"
- Fill in the complaint form with all required details
- Upload scanned copies of documents and the complaint draft
- Pay the complaint fee online
- Submit and note the complaint reference number
Offline Filing
- Prepare the complaint in duplicate (or as required)
- Attach self-attested copies of all documents
- Submit at the Bihar RERA office in Patna: Bihar Real Estate Regulatory Authority, 3rd Floor, Biscomaun Bhawan, Gandhi Maidan, Patna – 800001
- Pay the fee via demand draft or as instructed
- Collect the acknowledgement receipt
Track Your Complaint Status
After filing, monitor your case regularly:
- Log in to the Bihar RERA portal and check "Complaint Status"
- Use your complaint reference number to track progress
- RERA may schedule hearings, request additional documents, or attempt mediation
Attend the Hearing
Once your complaint is admitted, Bihar RERA will issue notices to both parties and schedule hearings.
What to expect at the hearing:
- Both the complainant and the builder present their cases
- You can appear in person, through an authorized representative, or via a lawyer
- RERA may ask for clarifications or additional evidence
- The builder may file a written reply or counter-arguments
Important: Attend all hearings. Non-appearance without valid reason can lead to dismissal or ex-parte orders.
Receive the RERA Order
After hearing both sides, the Bihar RERA Authority will pass an order. The typical timeline for resolution is:
| Stage | Approximate Duration |
|---|---|
| Complaint filing to first hearing | 2–4 weeks |
| Completion of hearings | 2–6 months |
| Final order | Within 60 days from the date of filing (as mandated by RERA Act) |
Reality Check: While the Act mandates resolution within 60 days, complex cases may take 3–6 months depending on evidence volume and builder cooperation.
Understand the Remedies RERA Can Order
Bihar RERA has broad powers to grant relief. Depending on your case, the authority may order:
| Remedy | Description |
|---|---|
| Refund with Interest | Full refund of amount paid by the buyer with applicable interest (typically SBI MCLR + 2%) |
| Compensation | Monetary compensation for mental agony, rent paid, or other losses |
| Penalty on Builder | Fine up to 10% of project cost or imprisonment for violations |
| Direction to Complete Project | Order the builder to hand over possession by a specific date |
| Cancellation of Registration | Cancel the builder's RERA registration for serious violations |
| Rectification of Defects | Order structural or quality repairs at the builder's cost |
| Specific Performance | Enforce the agreement terms as originally promised |
Enforce the Order or File an Appeal
If the order is in your favor:
- The builder must comply within the timeframe specified
- If the builder fails to comply, you can approach the RERA Appellate Tribunal or file for execution through civil courts
If you are not satisfied with RERA's order, you can file an appeal with the Bihar Real Estate Appellate Tribunal within 60 days of the order.
Feeling overwhelmed by the RERA process?
Let a RERA advocate in Patna handle everything — from document compilation to hearing representation. We've helped hundreds of homebuyers win their cases.
RERA Complaint Form: Key Fields to Fill
When filling out the RERA complaint form for Bihar, ensure accuracy in these fields:
- Complainant Details: Full name, address, contact number, email, Aadhaar/PAN
- Respondent Details: Builder's registered name, address, RERA registration number
- Project Details: Project name, location, unit number, date of booking
- Nature of Complaint: Select from predefined categories or describe custom grievance
- Relief Sought: Be specific about refund amount, interest, possession date, etc.
- Document Upload: Ensure all files are in PDF/JPG format and within size limits
How to Sue a Builder Under RERA: Quick Checklist
- Is the project registered under Bihar RERA?
- Do you have all payment receipts and the agreement copy?
- Have you documented all delays and builder communications?
- Is your complaint fee ready?
- Have you decided whether to file online or offline?
- Do you need legal representation for the hearing?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Hire a RERA Lawyer in Patna for Your Complaint?
Proper Drafting & Form Selection
Incorrect form selection (Form M vs Form N) or vague relief claims can sink your case. A lawyer ensures precision.
Accurate Interest & Compensation Calculation
Many buyers accept offers 20–30% below their entitlement. A lawyer calculates the correct Section 18 interest and damages.
Oral Advocacy at Hearings
RERA hearings require strong oral arguments and the ability to counter the builder's counsel. Professional representation makes a difference.
Enforcement & Appeal Support
If the builder ignores the RERA order, a lawyer can initiate execution proceedings or appeal to REAT if the order is unfavourable.
Your Home Is Your Biggest Investment. Do Not Let a Builder Steal It.
Every month of delay is a month of rent you should not be paying. Every hidden charge is a rupee stolen from your savings. And every day you wait to file a RERA complaint is a day the builder strengthens their position.
One call to a trusted RERA lawyer Patna can be the difference between losing your home and reclaiming it.
Office: C/O Advocate Md Manzar Alam, Member No. 8648, New DBA Building, Patna Sadar, Patna – 800004
Firm: Sugam Tax & Legal Multiservices LLP · Serving All 38 Districts of Bihar
Free Consultation · Fixed Transparent Fees · RERA Bihar Complaint Filing & Enforcement