Builders and real estate promoters in the national capital have received a directive from the Delhi Real Estate Regulatory Authority (DRERA) to establish an “Allottee Grievance Cell” for each project, complete with a dedicated telephone number to promptly address concerns raised by allottees. This directive is part of an effort to enhance transparency and accountability within the real estate sector.
Furthermore, the authority has mandated that builders prominently display their names, addresses, RERA registration numbers of ongoing projects, as well as contact information for the Allottee Grievance Officer and Allottee Grievance Cell at the respective construction sites. The DRERA, composed of Anand Kumar, Ajay Kuhar, and Devesh Singh, has stipulated that all builders must confirm compliance with these directives by September 30, 2023.
The directive emphasizes that non-compliance will be treated as a violation of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act and may result in penalties under Section 61 of the Act. As per Section 61, developers who fail to adhere to the Act’s provisions may face penalties, including fines up to 5 percent of the estimated cost of the project.
Speaking to PTI, Anand Kumar, Chairman of DRERA, highlighted that this directive aims to provide homebuyers and allottees with accurate information about their chosen or potential projects. He noted instances where builders have falsely claimed RERA registration for non-registered projects, and stated that displaying registration numbers on construction sites will empower buyers to make informed decisions and identify legitimate projects.
Kumar emphasized that the introduction of an Allottee Grievance Cell and Officer will streamline redressal processes, offering a centralized mechanism for addressing concerns raised by buyers. Real estate experts have praised this step by Delhi RERA, recognizing it as a progressive move.
Venket Rao, legal advisor at UP RERA and founder of Intygrat Law Offices, commended the directive, noting that it will eliminate the need for allottees to navigate various departments within developer companies for grievance resolution. Rao highlighted the common challenges faced by buyers in dealing with multiple points of contact and lauded the directive for fostering accountability and transparency within the sector.