How Does RERA Regulate Broker and Agent Activities?

Introduction

The introduction of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act transformed the Property arket in India by bringing structure, accountability and legal clarity to every stakeholder involved in a transaction. Among all the changes introduced, one of the most crucial reforms was the regulation of real estate agents and brokers. Before RERA, the brokerage industry functioned without standardized practices, documented responsibilities or penalties for misconduct. Buyers often depended solely on the information shared verbally by brokers, making them vulnerable to misrepresentation, hidden charges, and project misinformation.

Also Read: What Penalties Do Developers Face for RERA Violations in 2025?

With RERA, the role of agents became formalized. The Act clearly defines who can operate as an intermediary, what responsibilities agents must fulfill, the commissions they must disclose, the documents they must maintain, and the penalties they face for violation. Every agent dealing in a RERA-registered project must undergo mandatory registration, maintain transparency in communication, and comply with the professional code of conduct.

This detailed blog explains how RERA regulates brokers and agents in Maharashtra, covering registration, documentation, responsibilities, advertising rules, commission norms, grievance mechanisms, penalties, and other essential aspects that buyers, sellers and intermediaries must understand.

What Does RERA Aim to Achieve by Regulating Broker Activities?

RERA aims to ensure that real estate agents operate ethically, transparently and in a manner that supports a fair transaction environment. The key objectives include:

1. Ensuring only registered agents participate in property transactions.
2. Preventing brokers from promoting unregistered or unauthorized projects.
3. Providing buyers with verified and accurate project information.
4. Minimizing misrepresentation and misleading marketing practices.
5. Standardizing commissions and disclosure norms.
6. Creating accountability through legal documentation and transaction records.
7. Offering buyers a structured grievance mechanism through the maharera complaint login system.

By regulating broker activities, RERA significantly enhances trust and reduces disputes in the real estate market.

How Does the RERA Agent Registration Process Work in Maharashtra?

Any individual or firm wishing to operate as a real estate agent must complete the rera agent registration process. Maharashtra has made this mandatory for all agents involved in buying, selling, advertising or marketing RERA-registered projects. The process involves:

1. Creating a user account through the maha rera login section or the maharera agent login portal.
2. Filling the online RERA registration form with personal and professional details.
3. Uploading required documents as per the RERA agent registration documents list.
4. Paying the rera agent registration fees Maharashtra online.
5. Awaiting verification and approval from MahaRERA.
6. Receiving a unique RERA agent registration number that must be displayed on all promotional materials and communication.

Once registered, the agent becomes legally authorized to participate in regulated transactions within Maharashtra.

Also Read: MahaRERA 2025: RERA Maharashtra Registration, Complaint, Projects & Agents

What Documents Are Required for RERA Agent Registration in Maharashtra?

The documents required for rera agent registration Maharashtra must be uploaded during the application stage. These include:

For Individual Agents

1. PAN card
2. Aadhaar card
3. Proof of address
4. Passport-size photograph
5. Self-declaration regarding any past criminal involvement
6. Income tax details, if required

For Firms or Companies

1. Registration certificate or incorporation certificate
2. PAN of the entity
3. Partnership deed or Articles of Association
4. Office address proof
5. Passport-size photos of authorized partners or directors
6. Compliance-related declarations

These documents form the core of the rera agent registration requirements and must be accurate for approval.

Also Read: Can I Buy Property without Registered on RERA?

What Is the Fee Structure for RERA Agent Registration in Maharashtra?

The rera broker registration fees are standardized across the state. The charges are:

1. Around Rs. 10,000 for individual agents
2. Around Rs. 1,00,000 for firms, LLPs or private limited companies

These fees must be paid online during the online rera registration for agents process. The same structure applies during renewal.

Why Is RERA Registration Mandatory for Agents?

RERA requires registration to ensure that only accountable and identifiable intermediaries operate in the sector. Mandatory registration prevents:

1. Promotion of illegal, unapproved or unregistered projects.
2. Misleading advertisements with false promises.
3. Unrecorded commission structures or verbal agreements.
4. Manipulation of project information.
5. Evasion of dispute redressal responsibilities.

Agents who operate without registration can face significant penalties, including restrictions on their business activities.

What Responsibilities Do Registered Agents Have Under RERA?

Once registered, agents must comply with regulations while dealing with buyers and developers. Their responsibilities include:

1. Providing accurate project details based on the maharera project details page.
2. Sharing only verified information available on the maharera project search portal.
3. Assisting buyers in understanding legal documents and approvals.
4. Ensuring all advertising materials display the RERA registration number.
5. Avoiding misrepresentation, false claims, and misleading commitments.
6. Maintaining written records of every transaction.
7. Ensuring commissions are disclosed honestly.
8. Not charging any hidden or unauthorized fees.

These rules form the foundation of the RERA code of conduct for brokers.

Also Read: What Is the Status of RERA for Redevelopment Projects in Maharashtra? A Complete 2025 Deep-Dive

How Does RERA Prevent Promotion of Unregistered Projects?

Agents are strictly prohibited from marketing projects that are not registered with RERA. They must:

1. Verify project information through maharera project search or maharera project search without login.
2. Share only approved layouts, plans, timelines and amenities.
3. Avoid representing assumptions or future developments as confirmed offerings.
4. Inform buyers about all official details available on the RERA portal.

Any agent promoting unregistered projects can face penalties and cancellation of registration.

What Are the Rules Regarding Advertising and Promotions by Agents?

RERA has clearly defined regulations to prevent misleading promotional activities. Agents must:

1. Display their RERA registration number on brochures, digital posts, banners, websites and property listings.
2. Avoid exaggerated claims about amenities, views or future development.
3. Promote only what is officially approved.
4. Maintain a factual representation of the property.

These rules address issues associated with false advertising and ensure transparency.

How Does RERA Regulate Broker Commission?

RERA does not fix a universal commission percentage but mandates transparency. Agents must:

1. Disclose the rera broker commission in writing.
2. Charge the same commission percentage from both buyer and seller if mutually agreed.
3. Avoid sudden increases in commission amounts.
4. Ensure that all payments are documented with receipts.

This prevents disputes and aligns commission practices with ethical standards.

Also Read: What Rights Do Buyers Have Under RERA in 2025?

How Can Homebuyers Verify an Agent’s Credentials Under RERA?

Buyers can verify an agent’s credentials through:

1. The RERA agent’s profile on the MahaRERA website.
2. Confirmation of their RERA registration number.
3. Checking the agent’s involvement in registered projects.
4. Reviewing past complaints listed under their profile.

Verification ensures that buyers interact only with authorized professionals.

What Is the Validity of a RERA Agent Registration?

RERA agent registrations are valid for five years. This is commonly referred to as RERA agent renewal and validity 5 years. After expiry, the agent must:

1. Reapply online.
2. Submit updated documents.
3. Pay the renewal fees.
4. Ensure continuous compliance with rules.

Non-renewal can lead to automatic suspension of the agent’s authorization.

Can RERA Penalize Agents for Misconduct?

Agents are liable for penalties under Section 62 of the Act. RERA penalties for agents section 62 include:

1. Fines for non-registration while operating.
2. Fines for promoting unregistered projects.
3. Fines for misleading advertisements.
4. Fines for non-compliance with tribunal orders.

The authority may also restrict the agent’s business activities for repeated violations.

Can RERA Imprison Real Estate Agents for Violations?

While imprisonment is rare for agents, RERA can initiate legal proceedings in extreme cases. Specific violations that may trigger escalated action include:

1. Continuous non-compliance with tribunal orders.
2. Fraudulent practices causing major financial loss to buyers.
3. Deliberate misrepresentation of legal approvals.

In such cases, courts may take action beyond financial penalties.

What Is the Process to File a RERA Complaint Against an Agent?

Buyers can file a RERA complaint against agent online through the MahaRERA portal. The process includes:

1. Visiting the maharera complaint login section.
2. Filling the online complaint form.
3. Uploading supporting documents like receipts, messages or contracts.
4. Paying the prescribed complaint fee.
5. Attending hearings as scheduled by the authority.

RERA examines the complaint and issues orders that the agent must comply with.

Also Read: What Is the Process to File a Complaint Under RERA?

What Happens if an Agent Does Not Follow RERA Orders?

Failure to comply with tribunal orders can lead to:

1. Additional penalties.
2. Restriction of business activities.
3. Suspension or cancellation of the agent’s registration.
4. Escalation to higher legal forums.

These regulations ensure that agents respect the authority’s decisions.

Conclusion

RERA has reshaped the real estate sector by imposing clear rules and accountability on agents and brokers. With mandatory registration, documented responsibilities, strict advertising rules, transparent commission practices and defined penalties, RERA ensures that buyers interact with authorized professionals who follow ethical standards. The system not only protects homebuyers but also elevates the credibility of genuine agents who follow the law and contribute positively to the sector’s growth.

For readers looking for verified project details, transparent dealings and a smooth transaction experience, platforms like Housiey simplify home-buying by connecting customers directly with developers without involving multiple brokers.

To further understand how RERA is shaping the regulatory environment, readers can explore our detailed blog on RERA for Redevelopment in Maharashtra.

FAQs