RERA and legal

Agreement for sale: what to read before you sign

By Prime Picks | Space Decisions Realty · 23 October 2026

The brochure sells the flat. The agreement for sale is the document that binds both sides. For an under-construction home, it governs everything until the keys change hands, so it deserves more of your time than the sales visit did.

What the law gives you

Under Section 13 of the RERA Act, a promoter cannot take more than 10% of the cost as an advance without first signing a written agreement for sale, which should be registered. In Maharashtra a model form exists, so ask whether the draft follows it and where it differs. Section 14(3) requires the promoter to fix structural or workmanship defects reported within five years of possession, free of charge.

Clauses to read slowly

1. Parties and unit. Check names, the unit number, floor, tower and the carpet area stated.
2. Price and what it includes. Look at what is part of the agreement value and what is charged separately.
3. Payment schedule. Each payment should be linked to a stage of construction or a stated date.
4. Taxes. The agreement should say who pays which taxes and how changes are handled.
5. Possession date. Read the committed date and any grace period.
6. Delay. Look for the interest payable to you if possession is late and the interest you pay if you delay.
7. Cancellation. Read how much can be deducted if you cancel.
8. Parking. Check whether it is allotted, covered or open, and how it is numbered.
9. Amenities. The agreement should list what will be provided and when.
10. Changes. Look for the promoter's right to alter plans, and what consent is needed.
11. Defect liability. Check that the five-year period is stated.
12. Maintenance. Read deposits, corpus, charges and who runs the building at first.

Compare against the sales material

Put the brochure, the cost sheet and the agreement side by side. Highlight every number that differs. For example, if the cost sheet shows two car parks and the agreement shows one, ask which is correct before you sign.

Get help

Ask a lawyer to read the draft. Do it before you sign, and before you pay any amount beyond what is already allowed. A lawyer's fee is small compared with the price of the flat.

Keep your copies

Keep the signed, registered original safe. Photograph every page of the draft you reviewed, and note the date.

We are not lawyers, and this is not legal advice. For the charges to check before the agreement, see our price and cost guide, and for layout questions see our 3 BHK with study vs 4 BHK guide.

This note is general information for buyers, not legal, tax or financial advice. Figures for Lodha Wakad come from developer sales material and are indicative. Rates and rules change, so confirm current details with the developer, MahaRERA and a qualified professional.