UP-RERA Introduces Online Complaint System for Unlawful Transfer Charges

In a significant move to protect homebuyers, the UP Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UPRERA) has introduced an online complaint system to challenge unlawful transfer charges imposed by developers. This initiative aims to curtail arbitrary fees and enhance transparency in real estate transactions.

The new facility is now live on the UPRERA portal, enabling homebuyers and allottees to file complaints under Form-M through the e-court system. This step follows the implementation of the 10th Amendment to the UPRERA General Regulations, 2019, which sets caps on the fees promoters can charge for property transfers and succession cases.

Under the revised framework, developers are prohibited from executing fresh agreements for sale or lease in transfer cases. Instead, they must update records through endorsements in existing agreements. The key limits introduced include:

- Up to ₹1,000 processing fee for property transfers within the family, including inheritance cases. - Up to ₹1,000 for transfers between family members. - Up to ₹25,000 maximum processing fee for transfers to non-family members. - The rules also require documentation such as succession certificates, death certificates, and NOCs from legal heirs in inheritance-related transfers.

The digital complaint system is designed to curb arbitrary charges that have reportedly reached lakhs of rupees, causing financial stress and delays in property transfers. With this online mechanism now operational, allottees can directly flag violations and seek relief, marking a significant shift towards tighter enforcement of fair pricing norms in real estate transactions.

Homebuyers can file complaints by following these steps:

- Logging into up-rera.in. - Selecting e-Court login/sign-up. - Filling Form-M. - Choosing “Unlawful Transfer Charges” under complaint grounds. - Uploading supporting documents. - Paying a ₹1,000 fee.

Industry experts have welcomed this move, recognizing its potential to enhance transparency and accountability. Venket Rao, Founder of Intygrat Law Offices, stated, “UP-RERA’s move to enable online complaints against illegal transfer charges is a significant step towards greater transparency and consumer protection in real estate transactions. Arbitrary transfer fees, especially in resale and inheritance cases, have long been a concern for homebuyers.”

Ravi Kant, Co-founder of Elegance Enterprises & Elegance Infra, noted that excessive charges had often created financial pressure on families during transfers. “This initiative gives homebuyers a proper platform to raise grievances and will help make the real estate ecosystem more transparent and accountable,” he said.

Pavan Gupta, Founder of Farmland Bazar, added that the digital route would improve efficiency. “The move will enhance transparency, accountability, and buyer confidence by offering a more accessible grievance redressal mechanism,” he said.

Overall, the introduction of this online complaint system by UPRERA is a positive step towards ensuring fair and transparent practices in the real estate sector, providing homebuyers with a robust mechanism to protect their rights and interests.