13,785 real estate agents are no longer registered with MahaRERA

MahaRERA had in January 2023 mandated that all registered real-estate agents should appear for a "competency examination" by September 1.

Registration of more than 13,000 real estate agents has lapsed in Maharashtra, a list issued by Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) shows. The real estate authority has cautioned homebuyers against doing business with such agents.

Since its inception in May 2017, MahaRERA had made it mandatory for all real estate agents to register with it. Six months ago, these agents were also asked them to display their RERA registration number and QR codes on their promotional material and activities.

More than 44,000 real real agents registered in Maharashtra, one of the biggest real estate markets in the country. These agents have to renew their registration every five years but 13,785 of them failed to do so. Most of the registrations lapsed between May and June 2022.

Competency exam

MahaRERA had in January 2023 mandated that all registered real estate agents should appear for a competency examination by September 1.

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Mehul R Thakkar

Special Correspondent|Moneycontrol

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Those who clear the exam, which tests the aspirants on home buyers rights, RERA Act, and other aspects of the sector, are certified as real estate agents.

Also read: After developers, MahaRERA asks real estate agents to display QR code or face penalty

Warning for homebuyers

"Homebuyers should remain cautious and should not deal with such real estate agents. We have been conducting competency examinations, and expect all of these real estate agents to clear it and renew their registration," a MahaRERA official said.

Most of the agents who let their registrations lapsed were small-time dealers, who might not see the need to register but the regulatory framework is being tightened, the official said. "It is better for all stakeholders to comply with the framework to ensure that they remain relevant in the real estate sector," the MahaRERA official who didn;t wish to be identified said.

Also read: 5 things homebuyers in Maharashtra must look for in their real estate agent

According to the list put out on the MahaRERA website, most of the agents whose registrations lapsed are from the Konkan region, which includes the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune and the Nagpur region.