Karnataka RERA Rules 2017: Notes for Property Consultants

Updated 3 October 2026

An earlier version of this article was written as exam notes. Karnataka RERA has not mandated an agent exam, and that version also stated figures we could not verify, so it has been rewritten as notes for agents. Where a number appears below, it comes from the RERA Act 2016 or the Karnataka Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules, 2017. For anything else, check the official Karnataka RERA portal.

What the Rules do

The RERA Act 2016 is central law. It sets out who must register, what promoters owe allottees, what agents may do, and the penalties. Each state then makes rules that fill in the procedure: forms, fees, timelines and portal requirements. In Karnataka, those are the Karnataka Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules, 2017, and the Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority applies both.

Agent registration

Section 9 of the Act requires every real estate agent to register before facilitating the sale or purchase of a plot, apartment or building in a project that must be registered. The Karnataka Rules then set the detail:

- **Fee (rule 9):** ₹25,000 for an individual, ₹2,00,000 for an applicant other than an individual
- **Validity (rule 10(4)):** five years from the date registration is granted
- **Renewal (rule 11):** apply in Form J at least three months before the registration expires; the renewal fee for an individual is ₹5,000

K-RERA's agent registration checklist asks for identity proof, PAN, a photograph, a notarised affidavit and the fee. It does not ask for an exam or training certificate, for first registration or for renewal.

What an agent must do

Section 10 of the Act sets an agent's duties. An agent must not facilitate the sale of a plot, apartment or building in a project that should be registered but is not. An agent must keep books of account and records, must not make false statements or use unfair trade practices, and must help the allottee get the information and documents they are entitled to.

Section 62 lets the Authority penalise an agent who breaches Section 9 or 10 up to ₹10,000 for every day of default, up to 5% of the cost of the plot, apartment or building involved.

Projects and promoters

An agent working on a project should check its registration on the official portal before marketing it. Under Section 3 of the Act, a project must register unless the land is up to 500 square metres or it has up to eight apartments, counting all phases. Promoters must put 70% of the amounts they collect from allottees into a separate account (Section 4(2)(l)(D)) and may not take more than 10% of the cost as an advance before a registered agreement for sale (Section 13).

Complaints and appeals

Complaints go to the Authority under Section 31 of the Act. An appeal against the Authority's order goes to the Real Estate Appellate Tribunal within 60 days (Section 44), and from there to the High Court (Section 58). Section 79 bars civil courts from matters the Authority can decide.

Keeping these notes current

Karnataka RERA issues orders and circulars that change procedure. Before relying on a form number or a fee, confirm it on the official portal.