Difference Between RERA and MahaRERA

The Indian real estate sector has evolved rapidly over the last few decades. Amid growing urbanisation, increasing demand for homes, and the influx of new developers, the sector needed a strong regulatory framework to protect homebuyers and bring order to the chaos. That’s where RERA – the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, – stepped in.

While RERA is a central piece of legislation, its implementation is carried out by individual states. Maharashtra took a pioneering step by not only being the first to set up a real estate regulatory authority but also creating one of the most robust and digitised systems in the form of MahaRERA.

In this blog, let’s unpack the difference between RERA and MahaRERA in a simple, detailed, and humanised manner. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a curious investor, or a real estate agent, this guide will clarify how these two entities work and how they protect your interests.

What is RERA?

RERA, short for the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, was passed by the Indian Parliament in It’s a game-changing law designed to increase transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the real estate sector.

Objectives of RERA:

1. To protect homebuyers from fraud and project delays

2. To bring transparency to real estate transactions

3. To ensure timely delivery of projects

4. To set up a fast-track system for dispute resolution

5. To establish a uniform regulatory environment across India

RERA is a central framework, which means every state and union territory is required to set up its own regulatory authority based on the Act’s guidelines.

What is MahaRERA?

MahaRERA stands for the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority. It is Maharashtra’s state-level body formed under the RERA Act to regulate and promote the real estate sector in the state.

Maharashtra was the first state to notify RERA rules and launch its online MahaRERA portal in May Today, it is considered a role model for other states due to its digital-first approach, user-friendly website, and speedy redressal mechanisms.

Want to understand what is MahaRERA Act in layman terms? It’s simply Maharashtra’s version of the RERA law same backbone, just a local body ensuring the rules are followed in the state.

Let’s Understand the Difference Between RERA and MahaRERA

1. Aspect

2. RERA

3.MahaRERA

4. Nature

5. Central legislation

6. State regulatory authority (Maharashtra)

7. Jurisdiction

8. Entire country

9. Only Maharashtra

10. Implementation

11. Provides the law and framework

12. Executes and enforces RERA in Maharashtra

Website

Each state has its own

https://maharera.mahaonline.gov.in

13.Operational Since

May (nationwide)

May 1, (Maharashtra)

Focus

National rules and standardisation

State-level compliance, redressal, and transparency

Think of RERA as the blueprint, and MahaRERA as Maharashtra’s construction team. The law is the same across the country, but the execution depends on the state.

What’s the Difference Between RERA Registered and RERA Approved?

This is a common area of confusion for many buyers. Let’s simplify it:

1.RERA Registered means the project or agent has completed all formalities and has a valid registration number issued by the respective state authority (like MahaRERA).

2.RERA Approved is often a misleading marketing term. RERA doesn't approve projects it registers them.

So, if a project says “RERA Approved,” don’t just take their word. Always ask for the RERA registration number and verify it on the official website.

This clarity is especially important when considering a property like Atlantaa Enclave. If the project is truly RERA compliant, you’ll find all its details on the MahaRERA portal, ensuring your investment is in safe hands.

Functional Differences Between RERA and MahaRERA

1. Registration of Projects and Agents

RERA mandates registration of all real estate projects over sq. meters or those having more than eight apartments. Real estate agents must also register to operate legally.

MahaRERA implements this rule through its online portal, where developers and agents can:

1. Submit documents

2. Pay registration fees

3. Receive a MahaRERA registration number

This registration ID must appear in every ad, brochure, or digital promotion of the project.

Atlantaa Enclave, for example, proudly displays its MahaRERA registration number across its marketing materials a mark of trust and compliance.

2. Transparency & Disclosure

RERA enforces mandatory disclosure of project details:

1. Project layout and sanctioned plans

2. Timeline for completion

3. Legal title of land

4. Approvals and clearances

5. Ongoing litigations (if any)

MahaRERA goes a step ahead by making all this information publicly available online. This has been a game-changer for buyers who want to verify a project before investing.

With Atlantaa Enclave, interested buyers can view key documents, carpet area details, and construction timelines directly on the MahaRERA portal no need to depend solely on brochures or sales reps.

4. Filing Complaints & Dispute Resolution

Under both RERA and MahaRERA, buyers, developers, and agents can file complaints in case of disputes. However, MahaRERA is known for:

1. It fast-track hearings

2. User-friendly e-complaint portal

3. Transparent judgment archives

This creates a sense of confidence for consumers in Maharashtra.

5. Penalties and Compliance

RERA gives authorities the power to penalise defaulters, including fines and even jail terms. MahaRERA takes strict action against:

1. Non-registration of projects

2. False advertisements

3. Delayed possession

4. Builders can be blacklisted, and fines up to 10% of project cost can be imposed.

Real-Life Scenario: How RERA and MahaRERA Differ in Action

Let’s say a real estate developer plans to launch a 100-unit housing project in Thane, Maharashtra. Here’s how RERA and MahaRERA interact:

1. RERA mandates that this project be registered before selling or advertising.

2. MahaRERA executes this law. The developer must visit the MahaRERA portal, upload documents, pay fees, and get approval.

3. The project receives a unique MahaRERA registration number, which must be displayed in all marketing.

4. For a buyer, this number acts like a digital trust stamp. They can search the project on the MahaRERA portal, check delivery timelines, number of units sold, and even pending litigation.

5. This shows how the difference between RERA and MahaRERA lies in execution, not intent.

Why Maharashtra is Leading in RERA Implementation

First-mover advantage: MahaRERA was the first to go live

User-friendly digital portal

Real-time complaint status and judgment database

Quarterly compliance reports

MahaRERA has not only implemented the law effectively but also created a transparent ecosystem for all stakeholders.

Impact of RERA and MahaRERA on Stakeholders

For Homebuyers:

1. Clear project timelines

2. Access to verified property details

3. Legal protection and recourse

 For Developers:

1. Need for transparency and planning

2. Penalties for delays

3. Push for ethical business practices

 For Real Estate Agents:

1. Compulsory registration

2. Higher accountability

3. Professional conduct becomes necessary

Common Misconception: Is MahaRERA a Different Law?

No. MahaRERA is not a different act from RERA. It is Maharashtra’s implementation of the central RERA Act. The protections and principles are the same across India, but how the law is applied depends on the state authority.

Developer Spotlight: Atlantaa Limited and MahaRERA Compliance

Builders like Atlantaa Limited are setting high standards by embracing MahaRERA’s rules. Known for their infrastructure and real estate projects like Atlantaa Enclave, Atlantaa ensures:

1. On-time project registration

2. Full disclosure of documents

3. Ethical construction and marketing practices

They reflect the spirit of RERA and MahaRERA trust, transparency, and timely delivery.

Conclusion: What Should You Remember?

The difference between RERA and MahaRERA is all about scale and execution. RERA is the skeleton the nationwide law that protects all real estate stakeholders. MahaRERA is the muscle Maharashtra’s active and digital-ready implementation of the law.

If you’re buying, selling, or developing property in Maharashtra, understanding MahaRERA is non-negotiable. It gives you the tools to make informed decisions, stay protected, and participate in a more ethical real estate market.

Quick Tips for Buyers:

1. Always verify project details on the MahaRERA portal.

2. Never trust ads without a MahaRERA registration number.

3. If in doubt, file a complaint online it’s easy and effective.

4. For more insights and latest updates, visit: https://maharera.mahaonline.gov.in

5. Stay informed. Stay protected. Choose wisely.