What Is RERA Carpet Area & How Is It Calculated
RERA Carpet Area & Its Calculation
I. Meaning of Carpet Area
Carpet Area under RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 refers to:
“The net usable floor area of an apartment, excluding the area covered by external walls, areas under services shafts, exclusive balconies, verandas, and open terraces.”
Essentially, it is the actual area where a buyer can lay a carpet and use the space, unlike super built-up area, which includes common areas like lobby, staircase, and walls.
II. Legal Basis
Section 2(k) RERA Act, 2016 – Defines carpet area:
Carpet area = net usable area inside the walls of an apartment.
Section 4 of RERA – Requires promoters to disclose carpet area in advertisement, agreement, and registration details.
Section 13 of RERA – Price of apartment must be calculated based on carpet area.
Key Principle:
Carpet area is the legal basis for pricing apartments, ensuring transparency and avoiding disputes over super built-up area.
III. Components Included in Carpet Area
Bedrooms
Living room
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Internal passages inside the apartment
Excluded Components
External walls thickness
Balcony, terrace, or veranda (exclusive or common)
Common areas: lobby, lift shaft, staircase, corridor
Service areas like ducts or pipes
IV. Calculation of Carpet Area
Formula (Simplified):
Carpet Area=Length of usable room×Width of usable room (sum for all rooms)\text{Carpet Area} = \text{Length of usable room} \times \text{Width of usable room (sum for all rooms)}Carpet Area=Length of usable room×Width of usable room (sum for all rooms)
Steps:
Measure length and width of each usable room inside the walls.
Add the areas of all rooms to get net usable floor area.
Exclude external walls, common areas, balconies, terraces, and service ducts.
Example:
Living Room = 12 × 15 = 180 sq.ft
Bedroom 1 = 10 × 12 = 120 sq.ft
Bedroom 2 = 10 × 10 = 100 sq.ft
Kitchen = 8 × 10 = 80 sq.ft
Bathrooms = 2 × 5 × 2 = 20 sq.ft
Total Carpet Area = 180 + 120 + 100 + 80 + 20 = 500 sq.ft
V. Case Laws
Lodha vs. Union of India (2019)
Court emphasized that promoters must clearly disclose carpet area in agreements and advertisement.
RERA Authority Maharashtra vs. Kolte Patil Developers (2020)
Sale price based on super built-up area without mentioning carpet area held violation of RERA provisions.
Real Estate Regulatory Authority Karnataka vs. Prestige Estates (2018)
Court held non-disclosure of carpet area misleads buyers, promoter liable for penalty under RERA.
VI. Practical Importance
Transparency in Pricing: Carpet area ensures buyers pay for actual usable space.
Prevents Misleading Advertising: Promoters cannot overstate super built-up area.
Legal Enforcement: Buyers can approach RERA Authority for disputes regarding carpet area vs. price.
Standardization: Promotes uniform understanding of property area across India.
VII. Conclusion
RERA Carpet Area is the net usable area inside an apartment, excluding walls, common areas, balconies, and terraces.
Courts and RERA authorities insist that carpet area must be disclosed in all agreements and advertisements, forming the basis of pricing.
Ensures transparency, fairness, and buyer protection in real estate transactions.
⚖️ Exam Tip:
Define carpet area under RERA.
Explain components included and excluded.
Provide simple calculation example.
Cite 2–3 case laws.
Conclude: Carpet area disclosure ensures transparency, prevents misleading pricing, and protects buyers’ rights under RERA.
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