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The Forum for People’s Collective Efforts (FPCE), a group that fights for homebuyers' rights, has asked the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to take strong action against misleading real estate advertisements. The group says stricter rules and penalties are needed to protect homebuyers from being tricked by false claims made by developers.

A recent report by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) showed that 34% of real estate ads in Maharashtra, reviewed between April and September, broke advertising rules. FPCE pointed out that this is not just a problem in Maharashtra—it’s happening across the country. They believe these misleading ads are the first step in cheating homebuyers and taking their life savings.

FPCE criticized the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) for imposing very small fines on developers for misleading ads. On average, developers paid only Rs 14,000–15,000 as penalties, which FPCE says is too little to stop them from continuing these practices.

To address this, FPCE has suggested several solutions:

1. Heavier Fines: Developers who mislead buyers should face bigger penalties that can actually stop them from repeating such practices.
2. Refunds for Misled Buyers: Homebuyers who are tricked by false advertisements should be allowed to exit the project and get their money back, with interest.
3. Better Consumer Protection: There should be clear rules to spot and stop misleading ads from a homebuyer’s perspective.
4. Compensation: Developers should compensate buyers for any financial losses caused by false claims.

Currently, buyers have no proper way to get their money back or claim compensation if they are misled by ads. FPCE says this is unfair and needs to change.

While acknowledging some progress, like ASCI working with MahaRERA to catch misleading ads, FPCE wants a nationwide system to protect all homebuyers. They believe strong rules and strict enforcement are the only ways to ensure developers stop misleading practices.

FPCE’s message is clear: homebuyers deserve fair treatment, and those who break the rules must face serious consequences. For homebuyers looking to rent properties as a secure alternative, platforms like EazeMyRent can offer transparent and reliable options.