RERA Glossary
Below is a fairly comprehensive glossary of terms as used under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) in India, along with concise definitions and relevant notes. (You can treat this as a reference; you may also see slight variations in state-level RERA rules.)
Glossary of RERA Terms & Definitions
Introduction :
RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) refers to the body established under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, enacted by the Government of India to regulate and promote transparency in the real estate sector. It ensures accountability from builders, protects homebuyers’ interests, and promotes fair practices in real estate transactions.
RERA makes it mandatory for developers and agents to register projects and disclose all relevant details. It provides a grievance redressal mechanism for buyers and developers through its authority and appellate tribunal. Overall, RERA aims to create a more organized, transparent, and trustworthy real estate market in India.
Below is a brief list of glossary / words / terms used on context to RERA and real estate for your easy reference.
Aa
Adjudicating Officer
The officer appointed under Section 71 of RERA to adjudicate compensation payable for contraventions of the Act.
Advertisement
Any document, circular, notice or publicity of any form (print, digital, media, etc.) that informs persons about a real estate project, offering for sale of plot/apartment/building or inviting advances/deposits.
Agreement for Sale
An agreement entered into between the promoter and the allottee, detailing the terms, conditions, price, payment schedule, etc.
Allottee
In relation to a real estate project, the person to whom a plot, apartment, or building has been allotted, sold or transferred by the promoter — includes subsequent transferees, but excludes persons to whom the property is given on rent.
Apartment
A separate and self-contained part of immovable property (one or more rooms or enclosed spaces) located on one or more floors in a building or on a plot, used (or intended) for residential, commercial or ancillary uses.
Appellate Tribunal
The Real Estate Appellate Tribunal constituted under Section 43 of RERA, which hears appeals against decisions, orders or directions of the RERA Authority or adjudicating officers.
Architect
A person registered as an architect under the Architects Act, 1972.
Authority
The Real Estate Regulatory Authority established by the State or Union Territory under Section 20 of RERA.
Bb
Building
Any structure or part of a structure intended to be used for residential, commercial, business, trade, or related purposes.
Cc
Carpet Area
The net usable floor area of an apartment, excluding area covered by external walls, service shafts, exclusive balconies/verandahs, open terraces, but including internal partition walls.
Chair person
The Chairperson of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, appointed under Section 21 of RERA.
Chartered Accountant
A qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) who has obtained a Certificate of Practice.
Commencement Certificate
Also called building permit / construction permit — the certificate/permission by whichever competent authority that allows/promoter to commence development works per sanctioned plan.
Competent Authority
The local / statutory authority (or any authority under any law) which has jurisdiction over land and issues permissions/approvals for development.
Completion Certificate
A certificate issued by the competent authority certifying that the real estate project has been developed according to the sanctioned plan, layout, specifications, and all relevant approvals.
Dd
Day
“Day” refers to a working day in the concerned State or Union Territory (as notified by the appropriate government).
Development
Carrying out operations in, on, over or under land — includes engineering works, material change in immovable property, redevelopment, etc.
Development Works
The internal and external works (infrastructure, utilities, roads, landscaping etc.) carried out in a real estate project.
Ee
Engineer
A person who holds a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) recognized by appropriate institutions or is registered as an engineer under law.
Estimated Cost of Real Estate Project
The total cost estimated by the promoter for completion of his obligations (including land cost, development cost, etc.).
External Development Works
External Development Works
Ff
Family
Members related by blood, adoption or marriage.
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