Homebuyers Cannot Object to Every Brand Change, MahaRERA Says Quality Must Be Proven Inferior
Mumbai, August 20, 2026: Homebuyers may not be able to demand the exact brand mentioned in their property agreement every time a developer replaces a fixture, provided the replacement is of equivalent or better quality.
The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has rejected a complaint filed by homebuyers against developer Raunak Corporation over the replacement of specified bathroom sanitary fittings in a project in Kalyan near Mumbai.
Why this ruling matters to homebuyers
The case is important for buyers because developers sometimes replace brands or products specified in brochures or agreements during construction.
MahaRERA's decision indicates that a brand substitution by itself may not amount to a violation of Section 14(2) of the RERA Act. Buyers would need to establish that the replacement is inferior in quality or materially changes the agreed specifications.
What happened in the case
The buyers had entered into a registered Agreement for Sale in October 2019 for a flat costing around ₹31.69 lakh.
They alleged that the agreement promised sanitary fittings of a particular premium brand, but the developer installed fittings from another brand without obtaining their consent.
The buyers argued that this amounted to a violation of Section 14(2) of RERA.
What the developer argued
The developer maintained that the replacement was a minor and permissible variation.
It told MahaRERA that the alternative bathroom fittings were of equivalent or superior quality and did not constitute a material alteration under the RERA Act.
What MahaRERA decided
MahaRERA rejected the complaint, noting that the buyers did not place sufficient evidence on record to establish that the substituted fittings were inferior.
The authority also observed that the dispute did not involve any change in the sanctioned plan, layout, carpet area or structural specifications.
The buyers had also accepted possession after inspection, while the remaining issues were considered minor finishing or snag-list items.
What Section 14 of RERA means for buyers
Section 14 requires developers to construct projects according to the sanctioned plans and agreed specifications.
Material changes to the sanctioned plan, layout, fixtures, fittings or amenities generally require the allottee's consent.
However, the MahaRERA ruling makes an important distinction: not every product or brand substitution automatically becomes a material alteration.
What buyers should check before possession
If a developer replaces a product mentioned in the agreement, buyers should not rely only on the brand name while raising an objection.
They should check:
- Whether the replacement is genuinely equivalent in quality
- Whether the specifications have materially changed
- Whether the replacement affects the promised amenities
- Whether the agreement specifically restricts substitutions
- Whether there is documentary evidence showing inferior quality
Grihik Angle: For homebuyers, the key takeaway is that a different brand alone may not be enough to win a RERA complaint. If a developer changes a promised fixture, buyers should document the specifications and provide evidence of any actual downgrade in quality or material change before approaching the authority.