{"time":1757678113524,"blocks":[{"id":"Z5Yaaphka3","type":"header","data":{"text":"INTRODUCTION","level":2}},{"id":"i8uuMZZosd","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"India's advent of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act,2016 (RERA) certainly fostered a transformation in the property panorama. Prior to the RERA, there used to be a gap in clarity of transparent information, confidence, and the promotion of unconstructed houses, and ad copy. Even the developers, particularly the new ones, took a back seat when it came to the clarity of the obligations which governed their industry."}},{"id":"BrRDT5-4B-","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"RERA's most 'popular' form is Restricted to the Residential Real Estate market: Constructed Flats, Villas, Residential-Group Housing, Plotted Developments, and the like. What of the Commercial Real Estate market: Offices, IT Parks, Shopping Malls, and Coworking Spaces? This is precisely the area RERA Commercial registrations addresses. And the distinctions between Commercial and Residential RERA are not trivial—they span eligibility, documentation, timelines, compliance costs, and penalties."}},{"id":"Bryo0KgbXs","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"To a developer, these distinctions are not simply a challenge of Compliancy, which is the shallow understanding of the repercussions of RERA Residential Commercial."}},{"id":"Utkbfy9GKb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In the RERA Residential vs Commercial blog, I outline the most pertinent distinctions, the recent amendments of 2024–2025, and real world experience."}},{"id":"jXllzsONdM","type":"header","data":{"text":"WHY SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED?","level":2}},{"id":"yD9Bj0iP6t","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Both commercial real estate RERA and residential registration have the same core aim–protecting the consumer and ensuring transparency. However, the type of consumer shifts."}},{"id":"vGVTAYMlld","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"In residential projects, the purchaser is often an an individual or a family who puts all their life’s savings into a house. Any delay or fraud in this case could set them back financially, not to mention the emotional toll it could take.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"In commercial projects, the purchaser is usually an investor, a company, or an entrepreneur who is buying an office or a retail space. The stakes in this case are just as high–business activities depend on the timely delivery of the space and proper possession of the space.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"2jwxtB5rdc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"A RERA certificate is mandatory due to the following reasons: "}},{"id":"2jbXwP4g0K","type":"list","data":{"style":"ordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Legal Requirement–No developer can advertise, sell or book any unit in a project which is more than 500 sq. meters or 8 apartments (the limit varies from state to state) without RERA registration.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Transparency–Approved plans, sanctioned layouts, escrow accounts set up for the project, and other mandatory documents must be made available to the public.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Accountability–A developer must adhere to the schedule, and in case he fails to do that, he must refund the money along with the interest.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Dispute Resolution–Consumers have the right to file grievances to the RERA Authority or Appellate Tribunal.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"1foPr0I9Jy","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In the absence of RERA, a high-rise mall or a lavish housing project cannot legally be offered for sale."}},{"id":"TW8QYCkAg-","type":"header","data":{"text":"WHO ISSUES SUCH A LICENCE/CERTIFICATE?","level":2}},{"id":"E2e_aTpqW0","type":"image","data":{"caption":"Who Issues Such Licence/Certificate","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"stretched":false,"file":{"url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dmd2a1z29/image/upload/v1757678087/hkztahxoqcfbx3h9tasw.jpg"}}},{"id":"IiBi4PRCWx","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The State RERA Authority is the authority which will give the registration, whether for commercial or residential projects. Each state and union territory has its own RERA authority—for instance:"}},{"id":"cMvofk09Dy","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"MahaRERA in Maharashtra","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"UP RERA in Uttar Pradesh","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"K-RERA in Kerala","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Haryana RERA (HRERA) with different Gurugram and Panchkula benches","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"3bLJmslAJR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Although the parent Act is central, the implementation is slightly different from state to state. That's why a developer needs to verify state-specific RERA guidelines prior to applying."}},{"id":"HZLOfmR7Te","type":"header","data":{"text":"ELIGIBILITY AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE","level":3}},{"id":"Vj9BzSqEIr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Eligibility"}},{"id":"rGqP11ndVI","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Residential projects: Any project of more than 8 apartments or 500 sq. meters land size.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Commercial projects: Any mall, IT park, retail center, co-working space, or office space over threshold area set by state.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"nMs_azc_FS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Exemptions:"}},{"id":"kFm0FczSe6","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Projects already completed before May 2017 (the cut-off date for RERA).","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Renovation, repair, or redevelopment project without new advertisement/sale.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"OmbjnQ7ZAn","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Documents Required"}},{"id":"SjSbpCaUTh","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Most states have an online filing system now. Typical documents are:"}},{"id":"NHmjgHTpgB","type":"list","data":{"style":"ordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Developer/Promoter Details – PAN card, Aadhaar, incorporation certificate, MoA/AoA, partnership deed.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Project Details – Proof of land ownership, approved building plan, commencement certificate.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Financials – CA-certified balance sheet, estimated cost of project, details of escrow account.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Legal Proofs – Encumbrance certificate, title search report.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Declarations – That 70% of funds of the buyer will be paid into escrow for construction.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Commercial RERA Specifics – Terms of lease model (if applicable), fire safety NOCs, parking plan, structural stability certificate.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"FgzyE86vCR","type":"header","data":{"text":"STEP-BY-STEP SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE PROCESS","level":2}},{"id":"2qa6Us0dAj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"RERA commercial registration process is generally the same as residential but with different compliance requirements."}},{"id":"9AQGdE97ZV","type":"list","data":{"style":"ordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Prepare Eligibility Check – Determine if the project meets the threshold.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Collate Documents – According to above checklist.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Set Up Account on State RERA Portal – Such as maharera.mahaonline.gov.in or up-rera.in.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Complete Application Form – Such as promoter details, land status, approvals, unit details, timeline.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Upload Supporting Documents – All scanned and digitally signed.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Pay Online Fees – Varies from state to state and project type. (e.g., Maharashtra: ₹10 per sq. meter for residential and ₹20 per sq. meter for commercial, with a maximum of ₹10 lakh).","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":" RERA Authority Scrutiny – Queries can be posted for clarifications.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Grant of Registration – Given with a specific RERA number, valid for project duration.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Post-Registration Compliance – Quarterly compliance on portal, progress reports, financial reports.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"lGGruZ8yvS","type":"header","data":{"text":"RERA REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL PROJECTS VS RESIDENTIAL","level":3}},{"id":"HLQHYIzuhp","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Registration under RERA varies across commercial and housing projects but both share the purpose to safeguard buyers and promote transparent fund handling. "}},{"id":"EDxefoi_d7","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Registration is required for housing projects when the area is above 500 sq. m. or there are more than 8 units. Developers have to reveal the layout plans, carpet area, title deeds, and establish an escrow account for funds received from the buyers. Quarterly reporting to the authority is a must to ensure transparency."}},{"id":"zc2-d0mSnM","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For commercial developments—e.g., malls, IT parks, or office parks—the same levels hold, but authorities emphasize fire safety, occupancy certificates, parking compliance, and structural stability more. Rules for escrow accounts are tighter due to increased value investments and multiple investors."}},{"id":"0xUX9eB5IA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In both situations, non-registration or non-updating can lead to penalty, suspension of registration, or imprisonment. Essentially, RERA makes sure that buyers' money and faith are always safeguarded, irrespective of the fact that they are looking for homes or offices."}},{"id":"cgx48P3ap8","type":"header","data":{"text":"HOW LAWFINITY SIMPLIFIES SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE PROCEDURE?","level":2}},{"id":"p4dr3hMBaY","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"At Lawfinity, we get that RERA compliance isn't all about forms—it's trust-building. Developers tend to realize that construction is hard, but the true challenge is in navigating state portals, affidavits, inspections, and quarterly updates. That's where we come in."}},{"id":"xPw-FoRiod","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"How Lawfinity Makes RERA Compliance Easier"}},{"id":"cChrmYnt3Q","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Eligibility Check – We begin by assessing whether your project needs residential, commercial, or mixed-use RERA registration. This avoids unwanted filings and helps you begin in the right direction.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Document Vetting – Our experts meticulously arrange title deeds, escrow account proofs, NOCs, and sanctioned plans. All documents are in the state RERA authority-approved format to avoid rejection.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Portal Filing – Online filing is usually cumbersome. We take care of the whole process—form filling, uploads, and online fee payment—so your application progresses smoothly.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Query Resolution – In case there are objections from the RERA authority, we draft detailed replies supported by legal clarity so your application does not remain stuck.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Inspection Support – For office space or mall-like commercial projects, we assist you with fire safety approvals, occupancy standards, and structural stability certificates to keep you inspection-ready.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Ongoing Compliance – Our service does not end at approval. We help with quarterly progress reports, financial audits, and renewals, ensuring your project is compliant across its life cycle.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"HJZSzwHFdc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"With Lawfinity, you are not merely filing for RERA—you are establishing a shield of compliance that guards your reputation, fortifies buyer confidence, and keeps regulators happy."}},{"id":"JhYJokvHeK","type":"header","data":{"text":"MUSINGS FROM THE AUTHOR’S INK","level":3}},{"id":"R2xVjEzk-D","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The real estate industry is no longer the \"wild west\" that it used to be. With RERA commercial registration and residential compliance, if you are developing a luxury villa project or a 20-storey office building, the game is now clear as day: register, disclose, deliver."}},{"id":"_cxc8bnhed","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"However, compliance is not merely about forms and checking boxes—it is about gaining permanent trust. Today's buyers, be they a household booking a 2BHK or a company investing in high-end office space, demand transparency, timelines, and security. And that is precisely what RERA commercial registration guarantees for today's developers and investors."}},{"id":"gMPb91ea5B","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For developers, the decision is straightforward: treat RERA as a hassle, or adopt it as your passport to trustworthiness. Developers who see the worth of RERA commercial registration are successful in the market, and those who fight against it usually suffer fines, lawsuits, and damage to their reputation."}},{"id":"-jHvCXpvFD","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"At Lawfinity, we’ve worked with both residential and commercial RERA registrations, and our belief is firm—compliance is not a cost, it’s an investment in brand value. With proper guidance, RERA commercial registration becomes less of a hurdle and more of a growth partner, helping developers win trust and scale confide"}}],"version":"2.31.0-rc.7"}