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Housing Schemes

RERA-Registered Agents: What Registration Means for a Buyer

Agents selling flats in RERA-registered projects must register with the state authority, quote the number in every sale and avoid false claims.

RM

Written by Rohan Mehta

Published 2 November 2026·6 min read

On this page10 sections
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A broker who sells or arranges flats in a RERA-registered project must hold registration with the state RERA authority under Section 9 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. The agent must quote that registration number in every sale, keep records, and avoid false claims. If a registered agent misleads you, you can complain to the state authority.

Key facts

Item Rule
Law Sections 9 and 10, RERA Act, 2016; state RERA rules
Who must register Any agent facilitating sale or purchase in a registered project being sold by the promoter
Scope One registration covers the whole state or union territory
Registration number Must be quoted in every sale the agent facilitates
Validity 5 years in Maharashtra and Karnataka, then renewable
Penalty for breaking Sections 9 or 10 ₹10,000 a day, up to 5% of the cost of the flat or plot
Complaints To the state authority under Section 31

This page is about the broker. For the project itself, and which authority handles your state, see RERA authority by state.

Who must register as an agent

Section 2(zm) of the Act defines a real estate agent as anyone who negotiates or acts for one party in the sale of a plot, flat or building in a real estate project and earns a commission or fee. It also covers anyone who introduces buyers and sellers to each other, through any medium, for a fee.

Section 9(1) says no such agent may facilitate a sale or purchase in a project registered under Section 3, being sold by the promoter, without first registering. MahaRERA’s guidance names brokers, dealers and middlemen as covered.

The duty is tied to registered projects sold by the promoter. A broker handling the resale of an old flat in a project outside RERA falls outside this section, though other laws still apply.

How to check an agent’s registration

  1. Ask the agent for the RERA registration number and the state that issued it.
  2. Open that state’s RERA website and find the registered agents search.
  3. Search by the agent’s name or number and open the record.
  4. Check that the name, firm, address and validity match the person or company you are dealing with.
  5. Open the certificate to confirm it has not expired.
  6. Check the project’s own RERA page for its registration, since a registered agent may not sell in an unregistered project.

On MahaRERA, the Registered Agents page lists each agent with a certificate number and links to View Details, View Application and View Certificate. Maharashtra agent numbers begin with the letter A, for example A52100033967. Our guide to checking a RERA registration number covers the project side.

What registration involves: two state examples

Item Maharashtra Karnataka
Fee, individual ₹10,000 ₹25,000
Fee, others ₹1,00,000 ₹2,00,000
Validity 5 years 5 years
Renewal fee ₹10,000 individual; ₹1,00,000 others ₹5,000 individual; ₹25,000 others
Extra conditions Certificate of Competency; half-yearly report in Form 6 Renewal at least 3 months before expiry

Other states set their own fees and forms. MahaRERA Order No. 44/2023 (20 February 2023) moved sole proprietors into the individual fee category.

Maharashtra also tests agents. MahaRERA Order No. 41/2023, dated 10 January 2023, made a Certificate of Competency a condition for new registration and renewal from 1 May 2023. The order also covers staff at agency firms who deal with homebuyers. From 1 September 2023, promoters may name only certified agents in their project filings. Order No. 43/2023 requires registered agents to upload a half-yearly report in Form 6.

Agent duties under the Act

Section 10 says every registered agent shall:

  • not facilitate the sale of any plot, flat or building in a project that is not registered with the authority;
  • keep the books of account, records and documents prescribed by the state rules;
  • not engage in unfair trade practices, such as falsely claiming a standard of service, claiming approvals the promoter or agent does not have, or misrepresenting services;
  • not permit advertisements for services that are not meant to be offered;
  • help you get all the information and documents you are entitled to at the time of booking;
  • carry out any other functions the state rules prescribe.

Karnataka’s rules add that the agent must help both the buyer and the promoter exercise their rights and meet their obligations at booking and sale. Section 4(2)(j) also requires the promoter to list the names and addresses of its agents when registering the project.

What buyers can complain about

Section 31 lets any aggrieved person complain to the authority or the adjudicating officer against a promoter, allottee or real estate agent. Grounds include:

  • an unregistered agent dealing in a registered project;
  • an agent selling flats in a project that is not registered;
  • false statements about approvals, amenities, possession dates or the agent’s own affiliation;
  • withholding documents you were entitled to at booking.

Under Section 9(7), the authority can suspend or revoke an agent’s registration for a breach, or if the registration was obtained by fraud, after giving the agent a hearing. Forms, fees and steps are in our RERA complaint guide.

Brokerage and receipts

The Act does not fix brokerage rates. The fee is a matter of agreement between you and the agent, so settle it in writing before any site visit or booking.

  • Get a written brokerage agreement stating the fee, who pays it and when.
  • Pay by bank transfer or cheque, not cash, and ask for a receipt or invoice showing the agent’s RERA number.
  • Pay booking amounts to the promoter’s account named in the allotment letter, not to the agent.
  • Under Section 13, the promoter cannot take more than 10% of the cost before a registered agreement for sale, whoever collects it.

Before you book, run the checks in how to verify a builder as well; a registered agent does not make a project safe.

Penalties for unregistered agents

Section Default Penalty
62 Breach of Section 9 or 10 ₹10,000 for each day of default, up to 5% of the cost of the plot, flat or building
65 Ignoring the authority’s orders Daily penalty up to 5% of the estimated cost of the plot, flat or building
66 Ignoring the Appellate Tribunal’s orders Up to 1 year in prison, or a daily fine up to 10% of the estimated cost, or both

If a large sum is at stake, a property lawyer can review the brokerage terms and any complaint before you file.

Frequently asked questions

Is RERA registration compulsory for property agents?

Yes, for agents facilitating sales in RERA-registered projects sold by the promoter. Section 9 bars them from dealing without registration.

How can I check if an agent is RERA registered?

Search the agent’s name or number on the registered agents page of the state RERA website and open the certificate.

Is one RERA agent registration valid across India?

No. Section 9(3) grants a single registration for one state or union territory, so an agent working in two states needs two registrations.

Does RERA fix brokerage charges?

No. The Act sets duties and penalties for agents but not their fees, which you agree with the agent.

Can I complain to RERA about a broker?

Yes. Section 31 allows a complaint against a real estate agent for breaking the Act, rules or regulations.

What is the penalty for an unregistered real estate agent?

Up to ₹10,000 a day under Section 62, capped at 5% of the cost of the property whose sale was facilitated.

Sources

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