Advice - Can a builder forfeit whole booking amount Advice - Can a builder forfeit whole booking amount

7 months ago

Can a builder forfeit whole booking amount paid before agreement if I want to cancel booking??

Legal Counsel Vidhikarya

Responded 7 months ago

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A.Dear Client,
A Builder cannot forfeit the entire amount of booking that is received before the execution of the Agreement to Sell between the parties which will be termed as unfair trade practice if the matter is litigated upon. In the given situation, if you possess documentary evidence of payment/receipt of booking money, then if the housing project is a registered project under RERA, file a complaint against the Builder for unfair trade practice before the said authority. As per the provision under RERA, a Builder cannot receive the booking money from the Purchaser without entering into an agreement to sell. Otherwise, you need to file a complaint against the Builder under Sec.35 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 before the Dist. Consumer Commission for alleged deficiency in service and unfair trade practice claiming refund of entire booking money along with compensation for harassment. The complaint should be filed within two years from the date of cause of action i.e, the date of denial of refund of booking money by the Builder.. So, reach out to an Advocate for guidance and steps.
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Vidhi Samaadhaan Vidhi Samaadhaan

Anik

Responded 7 months ago

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A.Dear Client,
The builder's ability to forfeit the entire booking amount if you decide to cancel your booking before entering into a formal agreement can depend on several factors, including the terms and conditions outlined in the builder-buyer agreement, the builder's policies, and applicable real estate laws in your jurisdiction.

Here are some general considerations:

Builder-Buyer Agreement: Review the builder-buyer agreement or booking agreement that you signed with the builder when making the booking. This agreement typically outlines the terms and conditions related to cancellations, refunds, and forfeitures of booking amounts. The specific provisions of this agreement will determine the builder's rights and your obligations.

Cancellation Policy: Builders often have cancellation policies in place, which may specify the conditions under which booking amounts can be forfeited and the amount that can be refunded. These policies can vary from one builder to another.

Consumer Protection Laws: In many jurisdictions, there are consumer protection laws and regulations that govern real estate transactions. These laws may include provisions regarding the cancellation of bookings and the refund of booking amounts. You should be aware of the legal protections afforded to you under these laws.

Negotiation: If you are considering canceling your booking, it may be worth discussing your situation with the builder directly. Builders may be open to negotiation, especially if there are valid reasons for your cancellation, such as unforeseen circumstances.

Legal Advice: If you encounter difficulties or disputes related to the forfeiture of the booking amount, it's advisable to consult with a qualified real estate attorney. They can review the terms of the agreement, assess the applicable laws in your jurisdiction, and provide you with guidance on how to proceed.

In summary, whether a builder can forfeit the entire booking amount for a canceled booking depends on the terms of the builder-buyer agreement, the builder's policies, and applicable laws. It's essential to carefully review the agreement, seek legal advice if needed, and communicate with the builder to understand your rights and options in the event of a cancellation.
Thank you.
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Vidhi Samaadhaan Vidhi Samaadhaan

Kishan Dutt Kalaskar

Responded 7 months ago

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A.Dear Sir,
Normally they will do like that if you are not stronger and if the grounds for cancellations of booking are not valid.
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