Housing

No, your landlord cannot legally evict you without a court order in India. Self-help eviction — like locking you out or cutting off utilities — is illegal and punishable under law.

You can send a legal notice to your landlord demanding the security deposit, and if unpaid, file a complaint in the consumer forum or civil court. Under most state rent control laws, landlords must refund the deposit within 15–30 days after tenancy ends, minus lawful deductions.

Yes, rent control laws exist in India, but they vary by state and apply only to older buildings — most states cap annual rent increases at 10% or require 'reasonable' hikes based on repairs, inflation, and local norms.

In India, early lease termination depends on your lease agreement terms; if no clause exists, you generally need to give reasonable notice — often 30 days — and may be liable for unpaid rent or damages.

No, a landlord cannot cut off water or electricity to force eviction — it is illegal and amounts to 'self-help' eviction, prohibited under Indian law.

Yes, a landlord entering your rented flat without permission or reasonable notice may amount to trespass under Indian law, especially if you are in lawful possession.

You become a 'tenant holding over' — your tenancy continues on the same terms, but the landlord can terminate it with notice under the Transfer of Property Act.

No, a builder cannot make changes to the approved plan without prior consent from the competent authority and affected buyers — such changes are illegal and may attract penalties or cancellation of approval.

Yes, the builder is legally liable for structural defects in your flat within 5 years of possession under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.

You can file a complaint under the RERA Act or Consumer Protection Act, seek possession through civil suit, or claim refund with compensation for delay.

If your builder goes bankrupt before completing your flat, you are a financial creditor under the IBC and can file a claim with the resolution professional. You may also approach RERA for refunds or completion of the project.

Under RERA, you can claim monthly interest for delay, cancel the booking and get a full refund with interest, or approach the RERA Authority for compensation — all within strict timelines.

Yes, you can still file a complaint against an unregistered builder with the RERA Authority — registration is mandatory, and operating without it is a punishable offence.

A builder who fails to register under RERA faces a penalty of up to 10% of the project’s estimated cost, imprisonment up to 3 years, or both.

You can file a complaint with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) or consumer forum for compensation, refund, or specific performance — builders must deliver promised amenities under RERA and consumer protection laws.

No, builders in India cannot use your advance money for other projects. RERA strictly prohibits diverting buyer funds and mandates that 70% of collected amounts be deposited in a separate escrow account.

Before buying property in India, verify the title deed, sale agreement, encumbrance certificate (last 30 years), occupancy certificate, and building plan approval. Ensure the seller has clear, marketable title and no pending litigation.

Yes, a sale deed for immovable property valued at ₹100 or more must be registered under the Indian Registration Act, 1908 to be valid and enforceable.

Yes, NRIs can buy residential and commercial property in India without prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), but they cannot buy agricultural land, plantation property, or farmhouses.

Stamp duty for property registration in India varies by state, typically ranging from 3% to 10% of the property’s market value or consideration amount, whichever is higher.

No, as a tenant, you cannot claim ownership by adverse possession because your possession is not 'adverse' — it is permissive and based on the landlord's consent.

Yes, you can challenge excessive maintenance charges by reviewing the society’s bye-laws, demanding a detailed breakdown, and filing a complaint with the Registrar of Co-operative Societies or civil court.

Yes, any co-owner of joint property in India can file a suit for partition to force division or sale of the property, regardless of the other co-owners’ consent.

Under RERA, carpet area is the net usable floor area within walls (excluding external walls, balconies, and common areas), while super built-up area includes carpet area plus common areas like lobbies, lifts, and staircases — and builders must sell only on carpet area basis.