Rera issues guidelines for builders to refrain from misleading ads

Panaji: In a set of new guidelines, the Goa Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Rera) has asked builders and realtors to refrain from adding disclaimers while advertising housing or commercial projects in the state.

Rera, in a notification, said that a vague mention of the project’s amenities would also be considered misleading. “Amenities as promised in the agreement or brochure should be clearly indicated... and mention of the mere number of amenities such as 11+ amenities shall be treated as prima facie misleading,” said Rera secretary Paresh Faldesai in the circular.

The Rera circular, which has been issued to the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (Credai) and the Goa Association of Realtors, has reminded real estate developers that all advertisements for real estate projects must contain the Goa Rera registration number as given in the registration certificate. This registration number must be displayed in the top right of the advertisement.

The rules also apply to online portals that advertise real estate projects and plots that are for sale in the state. “No disclaimer clause should be mentioned in the advertisement, such as terms and conditions apply,” said Faldesai in the circular.

While promoting new housing projects, builders often show images with luxury facilities or amenities with a small disclaimer that the images are for representational purposes. Builders also like to entice customers by highlighting the proximity of the housing complex to hospitals, schools, airports, and railway stations. Rera has decided to crack down on such practices.

“The location of the project as given in the approved plan should be mentioned in the advertisement. Travel time should not be mentioned as it varies depending on traffic conditions,” said the Rera circular.