When it comes to real estate development in Chennai, obtaining RERA approval is one of the most critical steps to ensure the project’s legality and transparency. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016—popularly known as RERA—was introduced to regulate the real estate sector, protect buyers, and promote fair practices among developers. Whether you are a builder, promoter, or agent, getting RERA approval in Chennai is mandatory before marketing, selling, or advertising any real estate project.
This blog will walk you through the step-by-step process to get RERA approval in Chennai, explaining the eligibility, required documents, and benefits.
What Is RERA Approval?
RERA approval is the official registration and authorization provided by the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TNRERA) for real estate projects and agents. Without this approval, a builder cannot legally market or sell a property. The goal of RERA is to bring transparency and accountability to the real estate industry.
The TNRERA has jurisdiction over the entire state of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai Metropolitan Area. Any real estate project with more than eight units or over 500 square meters of land must be registered under RERA before launch or sale.
Why RERA Approval in Chennai Is Important
Legal Compliance:
It is mandatory for all builders and developers to register their projects with TNRERA before any advertisement or sale.Buyer Confidence:
RERA-registered projects assure buyers that the builder complies with all legal and financial standards.Transparency:
RERA requires developers to disclose all project details, including land title, layout plan, construction progress, and financial details.Dispute Resolution:
Both buyers and builders can approach TNRERA for dispute resolution, ensuring a fair and efficient process.Financial Discipline:
Builders must deposit 70% of the project funds in a separate bank account, which can only be used for construction and land costs.
Step-by-Step Process for Getting RERA Approval in Chennai
Let’s break down the step-by-step process for obtaining RERA approval in Chennai:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before applying, ensure that your project meets the criteria for registration:
The total land area exceeds 500 square meters, or
The project has more than 8 apartments/units.
Both ongoing and new projects fall under RERA if they have not received completion certificates before the Act came into force.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
You’ll need to collect the following documents before submitting your RERA application:
For Promoters (Builders/Developers):
PAN card and Aadhaar card of the promoter.
Legal title deed and ownership documents.
Encumbrance certificate (EC) for the project land.
Building plan approval from CMDA or local authority.
Commencement certificate.
Layout plan and sanctioned plan details.
Proforma of the sale agreement and allotment letter.
Details of previous real estate projects by the promoter.
Bank account details for the 70% project fund deposit.
Photographs of the project site.
For Real Estate Agents:
Company registration documents or partnership deed.
Address proof and ID of partners/directors.
PAN card, photographs, and contact information.
Income tax returns for the last three years.
Step 3: Register on the TNRERA Portal
Visit the official TNRERA
Create a new user account and log in as a Promoter or Real Estate Agent, depending on your category.
Step 4: Fill the Online Application Form
Once logged in:
Select “Project Registration” for builders or “Agent Registration” for real estate agents.
Fill out the form with details such as project name, location, land area, number of units, and cost of the project.
Upload all the required documents in the prescribed format.
Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee
Pay the required registration fee through online mode (Net Banking / Debit Card). The fee varies depending on the project type:
Residential projects: ₹5 per square meter
Commercial projects: ₹10 per square meter
Plotted developments: ₹5 per square meter
Step 6: Verification by TNRERA
After submission, the TNRERA officials verify the documents and details. If there are discrepancies or missing information, you will be notified to make corrections.
The verification process generally takes 30 to 60 days, depending on the project’s size and complexity.
Step 7: Grant of RERA Registration
Once approved, you’ll receive a RERA Registration Number and Certificate from TNRERA.
You must display this number on all promotional materials, brochures, advertisements, and the project site.
Validity and Renewal
The RERA registration is valid for the project duration as mentioned in the application.
If the project is delayed, the promoter must apply for renewal at least three months before the expiry date with valid reasons and progress reports.
Common Reasons for RERA Application Rejection
Incomplete or incorrect documents.
Land title not clear or under litigation.
Building plan approval not obtained from CMDA or DTCP.
False project information or discrepancies in layout details.
To avoid rejection, ensure all documents are valid and accurate before submission.
Benefits of RERA Approval in Chennai
Enhances credibility and trust among homebuyers.
Increases project visibility on the official TNRERA website.
Protects both buyers and developers from fraudulent practices.
Ensures timely project completion through regulated fund use.
Encourages transparent dealings between all stakeholders.
Conclusion
Obtaining RERA approval in Chennai is not just a legal formality—it’s a mark of trust, transparency, and commitment to quality. With the Tamil Nadu RERA regulations in place, developers can ensure that their projects meet all legal and technical requirements while buyers gain confidence in their investment.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can streamline your RERA registration process and ensure your real estate project in Chennai is 100% compliant with TNRERA standards.