The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) addresses various issues related to builder-buyer agreements to promote transparency, accountability, and fairness in real estate transactions. Here are the key provisions and mechanisms established by RERA to regulate builder-buyer agreements: Mandatory Registration: Builders and developers are required to register their projects with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) before advertising or selling. This registration ensures that the project meets legal standards and safeguards the interests of buyers. Standardized Agreement Formats: RERA mandates that builder-buyer agreements must be in a standardized format, ensuring clarity and consistency in the terms and conditions. This helps in reducing ambiguity and misunderstandings between the parties. Disclosure of Project Details: Builders are required to disclose all material facts related to the project, including the layout plan, carpet area, amenities, and other essential details. This transparency enables buyers to make informed decisions. Timely Completion and Delivery: RERA emphasizes the timely completion and delivery of projects. Builders must adhere to the timelines specified in the agreement, and any delay may lead to penalties, including interest on the amount paid by buyers. Payment Schedule: The act stipulates a clear payment schedule, outlining the amounts and timelines for payments to be made by buyers. Builders cannot demand payments beyond what is specified in the agreement unless there is a mutual agreement. Escrow Account Requirement: Builders are required to maintain a separate escrow account for each project, where 70% of the amounts received from buyers must be deposited. This ensures that funds are utilized solely for project construction and not diverted for other purposes. Quality of Construction: RERA mandates that builders ensure the quality of construction and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Buyers have the right to expect that the construction meets the standards outlined in the agreement. Rights and Obligations of Buyers: The act clearly defines the rights and obligations of buyers, including the right to seek redressal for grievances related to quality, delivery, and other aspects of the builder-buyer agreement. Dispute Resolution Mechanism: RERA provides a mechanism for dispute resolution through the Real Estate Regulatory Authority and Appellate Tribunal. Buyers can file complaints against builders for violations of the act, and the authority is mandated to resolve these disputes within a specified timeframe. Penalties and Compensation: Builders found in violation of RERA provisions may face penalties, including fines or imprisonment. Additionally, buyers are entitled to compensation for any loss or damage incurred due to the builder's failure to comply with the agreement. Consumer Protection: RERA reinforces consumer protection in real estate transactions, enabling buyers to seek justice and remedies in cases of fraud, misrepresentation, or failure to fulfill contractual obligations. In summary, RERA addresses issues related to builder-buyer agreements by mandating registration, enforcing transparency, ensuring timely delivery, protecting buyer rights, and providing mechanisms for dispute resolution and penalties. These provisions aim to create a more reliable and accountable real estate market in India, benefiting both builders and buyers.