01 · RERA boundary
RERA is not a universal house-construction warranty.
RERA regulates promoter-allottee real-estate development for sale. A homeowner who already owns a plot and separately appoints a contractor will ordinarily sit outside that sale model. A villa, plot or house sold within a promoter's development may still fall within RERA. Check the documents and registered project rather than relying on the words 'individual house'.
The five-year defect rule and 30-day rectification period are RERA promoter obligations where the Act applies. They should not be presented as automatic terms for every private contractor appointment.
02 · Consumer route
Paid housing construction can be a consumer service.
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 includes housing construction within service. Where the client qualifies as a consumer, a deficiency claim may be available. Commercial-purpose exclusions, the contract, expert evidence and facts still matter.
- National Consumer Helpline: pre-litigation facilitation
- e-Jagriti: current Consumer Commission filing and case portal
- CCPA: class-wide consumer harm, not a substitute for every individual claim
03 · Records
Preserve the proof before the dispute.
Keep the signed scope, drawings, specifications, priced schedule, variations, payment records, site photographs, tests, inspection notes, notices and handover records. Record the problem, location, date, requirement, action owner and requested response in writing.
04 · Timing
Do not assume discussion stops the clock.
A consumer complaint ordinarily has a two-year limitation from the cause of action, subject to the Commission's power to admit delay for sufficient cause. Jurisdiction is currently based on consideration paid: District up to ₹50 lakh, State above ₹50 lakh to ₹2 crore, and National above ₹2 crore. Verify current rules and legal advice before filing.
Source record
Official sources reviewed
Links are provided for verification. Requirements and portals can change after the review date.