Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, was enacted to establish the Real Estate Regulatory Authority for regulation and promotion of the real estate sector and to ensure sale of plot, apartment or building, as the case may be, or sale of real estate project, in an efficient and transparent manner and to protect the interest of consumers.
1: Act Background and Ministry Under Which This Act Is:
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, was enacted to establish the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) for the regulation and promotion of the real estate sector. The act aims to ensure the sale of real estate projects in an efficient and transparent manner and to protect the interests of consumers. The act falls under the administrative purview of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which oversees matters related to urban housing and real estate development in India. The ministry plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the real estate sector.
2: Enactment Date, Number of Chapters, Number of Sections:
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, was enacted on 25th March, 2016, and is known as Act No. 16 of 2016. The act is structured into ten chapters. It comprises 92 sections, covering various aspects such as definitions, registration of real estate projects and agents, functions and duties of promoters, rights and duties of allottees, establishment of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, Central Advisory Council, Real Estate Appellate Tribunal, offences and penalties, and miscellaneous provisions. The act also includes provisions for finance, accounts, and audit. The act has been amended over time to reflect changing requirements.
3: Act Governed By:
The Real Estate Act is governed by the Central Government, which has the power to make rules and regulations under the Act. The act also provides for the establishment of State Real Estate Regulatory Authorities (RERAs) to oversee the implementation of the act at the state level. The act is governed by the provisions outlined within it, as well as rules and regulations framed by the Central and State governments. It is therefore a combination of central authority with a state-level implementation.
4: On Whom It Is Applicable:
The provisions of The Real Estate Act are applicable to promoters, real estate agents, allottees (buyers), and all those involved in the real estate sector in India. This includes developers, builders, agents, and consumers. The act ensures that all stakeholders adhere to the standards and regulations outlined, as well as the Act’s mandate and guiding principles. The general public, especially those investing in real estate, are direct beneficiaries of the Act’s provisions. The act’s focus is to regulate the real estate sector and ensure transparency.
5: Penalties/Punishments:
The act prescribes various penalties for non-compliance and offenses, including:
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Non-Registration: Non-registration of real estate projects attracts penalties.
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Contravention of Provisions: Contravention of other provisions of the act can lead to fines or imprisonment.
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Failure to Comply with Orders: Failure to comply with orders of the Authority or the Appellate Tribunal can lead to penalties.
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Non-Registration of Agents: Real estate agents operating without registration are liable for penalties. The act’s emphasis is on ensuring transparency and accountability in real estate transactions.
6: Important Pointers:
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Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA): The act establishes RERA as the primary regulatory body.
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Registration of Projects: It mandates the registration of real estate projects and agents.
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Promoter Obligations: It outlines the obligations of promoters, including disclosure of information and adherence to timelines.
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Allottee Rights: It specifies the rights and duties of allottees (buyers) of real estate.
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Appellate Tribunal: It establishes a Real Estate Appellate Tribunal to hear appeals against orders of RERA.
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Rule-Making Power: It empowers the Central and State governments to make rules and regulations for carrying out the purposes of the act.
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Transparency and Accountability: It aims to bring transparency and accountability to the real estate sector. The act provides a comprehensive framework for regulating the real estate sector.
7: Act Copy: