RERA disposal rates mask poor recovery for homebuyers: FPCE

A status report on the implementation of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, released by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, shows that Real Estate Regulatory Authority – Karnataka (RERA-K) has achieved an 80% progress in disposal of complaints.

Haryana-Gurugram and Maharashtra have performed better than Karnataka in the disposal of complaints. Maharashtra had the largest number of projects as well as complaints, data showed.

However, the Forum for People’s Collective Efforts (FPCE), which has been at the forefront of the fight for homebuyers in the State, said assessing the implementation of RERA through the rate of disposal of complaints was misleading.

“States such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka report impressive disposal figures; however, the real challenge begins after a favourable order is passed. ‘Disposal’ merely indicates that a judgment has been delivered, but enforcement, ensuring that buyers receive refunds or possession, remains a major hurdle,” it said.

According to data compiled by FPCE from the RERA-K website as of January 23, 2026, a total of 2,325 Revenue Recovery Certificates (RRCs) worth ₹1,081.84 crore have been issued. However, only 282 cases involving ₹110.27 crore have been recovered, reflecting recovery rates of just 8.24% in number and 9.81% in value, the release stated.

Lax implementation of the RRCs issued by RERA has been a longstanding issue with the implementation of the Act. Once RERA-K issues RRCs, they are referred to the State’s revenue administration for implementation. The Deputy Commissioners of the districts are in charge of the same. FPCE had earlier demanded that RERA-K be given the power to execute its orders as well. Gujarat and Haryana have adopted this model. There was a proposal to make an AC-level officer in charge in every district for implementing RRCs and bring in accountability. However, there has been no movement on either proposal.

M.S. Shankar, General Secretary, FPCE, said there is an urgent need for a national RERA portal that tracks cases until actual recovery and displays the total money refunded to buyers, rather than merely highlighting disposal statistics.