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RERA and structural defects: Can homebuyers challenge poor construction quality in housing projects?
The article discusses how homebuyers can seek relief for structural defects under RERA, including the 2016 Act's provisions and a Karnataka tribunal ruling on insurance documents. It cites cases in Pune and Noida to illustrate concerns about construction quality vis-a-vis rising prices, and references regulatory guidelines on possession.
Why It Matters
Regulatory rulings and court interpretations shape homebuyers' rights to repairs and compensation, potentially improving quality and accountability in housing projects.
Timeline
5 Events
Noida premium-homebuyers’ viral video highlights quality issues in high-rise
April 26, 2026
A Noida resident’s viral video highlighted concerns about poor construction quality in a high-rise development, showing crumbling plaster and exterior discolouration on a nearly ₹1 crore, 22nd-floor apartment. The video also raised hygiene concerns linked to pigeon waste in a neighboring vacant unit, fueling a broader NCR debate on the gap between rising property prices and delivered quality.
Karnataka RERA tribunal rules on Section 16 insurance documents
November 29, 2025
The Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority tribunal ruled on November 29, 2025 that real estate developers in Karnataka are legally bound to provide mandatory Section 16 insurance documents to homebuyers or bear the cost of repairs themselves.
Leakage reported in Pune; repairs promised post-monsoon
July 2023
Two months after possession, leakage issues in the Pune apartment were raised again, with the developer promising to carry out repairs after the monsoon.
Maitrayee Patel buys Pune apartment and reports leakage
May 2023
A 29-year-old homebuyer (name changed) purchased a ₹60 lakh top-floor apartment in Pune, Maharashtra, in May 2023. Within about two months, leakage was reported in one bedroom; upon complaint, the developer’s representative promised repairs after the monsoon when the area would dry.
Section 14(3) – structural defects remedy under RERA Act, 2016
2016
Section 14(3) of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 provides that if a structural defect or defect in workmanship or services is brought to the promoter's notice within five years of possession, the promoter must rectify such defects within thirty days at no additional charge. If the promoter fails to rectify within that period, the aggrieved allottee is entitled to appropriate compensation under the Act.