{"id":751,"date":"2026-06-09T11:36:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T11:36:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snagmash360.in\/blogs\/?p=751"},"modified":"2026-06-09T11:39:01","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T11:39:01","slug":"rera-and-property-inspection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snagmash360.in\/blogs\/rera-and-property-inspection\/","title":{"rendered":"RERA and Property Inspection: Your Complete Guide to Legal Rights Indian Buyers Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Before RERA \u2014 the Real Estate Regulatory Authority Act of 2016 \u2014 Indian property buyers had limited legal recourse against builders who delivered substandard property or refused to address defects. The Act fundamentally rewrote the rules in favour of buyers, creating specific legal rights, formal complaint mechanisms, and mandatory builder obligations that didn’t previously exist. Yet most buyers don’t fully understand their rights under RERA \u2014 and miss the opportunity to use these powerful legal protections.<\/p>

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This guide explains exactly how RERA interacts with property inspection, what legal rights buyers have to compel builders to address defects, and how professional inspection documentation supports your RERA complaints when builders refuse to honour their obligations. If you’re buying or have recently bought RERA-registered property in India, this guide could save you significant time, money, and frustration.<\/p>

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RERA didn’t just create rules. It created enforcement mechanisms. The buyers who use these mechanisms effectively get their builders to address defects. The buyers who don’t know about them often face the same defects with no recourse. The difference comes down to documentation and process \u2014 both of which professional inspection makes possible.<\/p>

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What RERA Actually Covers<\/h2>

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority Act applies to most new property development in India, with specific requirements for builders and protections for buyers:<\/p>

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Key RERA Provisions Affecting Property Inspection<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

\u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>Mandatory RERA registration for projects above 500 sqm or 8 units<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

\u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>5-year structural warranty for major structural defects<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

\u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>1-year general warranty for non-structural defects from possession<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

\u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>Builder obligation to rectify defects at no cost to buyer during warranty<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

\u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>Penalty provisions for builders who don’t address defects within stipulated time<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

\u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>Formal complaint mechanisms with state RERA authorities<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

\u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>Compensation rights for delays in defect rectification<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

\u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>Buyer’s right to refuse possession if property doesn’t match specifications<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

\u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>Mandatory disclosure of project details, approvals, and progress<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

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The 5-Year Structural Warranty: Your Strongest Legal Protection<\/h2>

Section 14(3) of the RERA Act creates one of the strongest property protections in Indian law: a mandatory 5-year structural defects warranty that applies to every RERA-registered project. This warranty:<\/p>

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  1. Cannot be waived or modified to reduce buyer protection<\/li>
  2. Applies regardless of what your specific sale agreement says<\/li>
  3. Covers major structural elements and key systems<\/li>
  4. Requires builder rectification at no additional cost<\/li>
  5. Has formal enforcement mechanism through RERA authority<\/li>
  6. Permits compensation if rectification is delayed<\/li>
  7. Continues regardless of property ownership changes<\/li><\/ol>

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    What the Structural Warranty Specifically Covers<\/h3>

    The 5-year structural warranty under RERA covers:<\/p>

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    Covered Under Structural Warranty<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

    Not Covered (Falls Under 1-Year Warranty)<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Foundation defects causing structural issues<\/p><\/td>

    Internal finishes: paint, plaster, tiles<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Load-bearing wall failures or major cracking<\/p><\/td>

    Hardware: door handles, locks, latches<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Beam, column, and frame structural issues<\/p><\/td>

    Non-structural cracks (hairline, cosmetic)<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Roof structural failure or major waterproofing failure<\/p><\/td>

    Fittings: taps, basins, fans, lights<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Floor slab defects affecting structural integrity<\/p><\/td>

    Minor leaks not affecting structure<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Major drainage failures with structural implications<\/p><\/td>

    Cosmetic defects in joinery and cabinetry<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

    Structural seismic or design defects<\/p><\/td>

    Normal wear and tear during occupation<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

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    The 1-Year General Defects Warranty<\/h2>

    In addition to the 5-year structural warranty, RERA establishes a 1-year warranty for general defects:<\/p>

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    • Covers non-structural defects in workmanship and finishes<\/li>
    • Begins from the date of possession, not from contract date<\/li>
    • Builder must rectify identified defects at no cost<\/li>
    • Specific defects must be formally reported during the warranty period<\/li>
    • Builder has reasonable time (typically 30\u201360 days) to rectify<\/li>
    • Repeated failures or refusal triggers RERA complaint mechanism<\/li><\/ul>

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      How to Activate Your RERA Protections<\/h2>

      Having rights and exercising rights are different things. Effective use of RERA protections requires specific actions:<\/p>

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      Step 1: Identify and Document Defects Professionally<\/h3>

      RERA complaints succeed or fail on documentation quality. A professional home inspection report \u2014 particularly snagging inspection or defects liability inspection \u2014 provides exactly the documentation that RERA authorities require:<\/p>

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      • Detailed description of each defect with severity classification<\/li>
      • Photographic evidence linked to specific locations<\/li>
      • Professional inspector credentials and certification<\/li>
      • Reference to specific code or standard violations where applicable<\/li>
      • Recommended remedial actions and timeframe<\/li>
      • Thermal imaging or other technical evidence where appropriate<\/li><\/ul>

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        Step 2: Formal Notice to Builder<\/h3>

        Before approaching RERA, you must give the builder formal opportunity to address defects:<\/p>

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        1. Written formal notice referencing your purchase agreement and possession date<\/li>
        2. Detailed defect list with reference to inspection report<\/li>
        3. Specific rectification timeline request (typically 30\u201360 days)<\/li>
        4. Delivery via email AND registered post for documentation<\/li>
        5. Copy to your conveyancer or solicitor for parallel documentation<\/li>
        6. Request written acknowledgment of receipt<\/li>
        7. Follow-up correspondence at agreed milestones<\/li><\/ol>

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          Step 3: RERA Complaint if Builder Doesn’t Respond<\/h3>

          If the builder fails to address defects within reasonable time, formal RERA complaint becomes available:<\/p>

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          • File complaint with relevant state RERA authority<\/li>
          • Submit all documentation: inspection reports, correspondence, builder agreement<\/li>
          • Attend hearings as required by RERA process<\/li>
          • Engage qualified legal counsel for significant matters<\/li>
          • RERA can compel builder rectification or order compensation<\/li>
          • Decisions are typically faster than civil court litigation<\/li><\/ul>

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            State-by-State RERA Authorities<\/h2>

            RERA is implemented at the state level, with specific authorities and procedures varying by state. Major state RERA authorities include:<\/p>

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            State<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

            Authority<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

            Notable Features<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            Maharashtra<\/p><\/td>

            MahaRERA<\/p><\/td>

            Most active enforcement; established case law<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            Karnataka<\/p><\/td>

            K-RERA<\/p><\/td>

            Strong consumer protection focus<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            Delhi NCR<\/p><\/td>

            Delhi RERA \/ UP RERA \/ Haryana RERA<\/p><\/td>

            Coordinated cross-jurisdictional approach<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            Tamil Nadu<\/p><\/td>

            TNRERA<\/p><\/td>

            Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            Gujarat<\/p><\/td>

            Gujarat RERA<\/p><\/td>

            Established complaint procedures<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            Rajasthan<\/p><\/td>

            RERA Rajasthan<\/p><\/td>

            Active enforcement record<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            West Bengal<\/p><\/td>

            WBHIRA<\/p><\/td>

            West Bengal-specific provisions<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            Kerala<\/p><\/td>

            Kerala RERA<\/p><\/td>

            Coastal-state specific considerations<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

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            Common RERA Complaint Categories<\/h2>

            Certain categories of RERA complaints arise repeatedly, and inspection documentation is particularly valuable for these:<\/p>

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            Delay in Defect Rectification<\/h3>

            When builders accept defect identification but fail to rectify within reasonable time, RERA complaints can compel action. Inspection documentation establishes when defects were identified and what specific work was required.<\/p>

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            Refusal to Acknowledge Defects<\/h3>

            When builders refuse to acknowledge defects exist \u2014 claiming they’re ‘normal’ or ‘buyer-caused’ \u2014 professional inspection reports provide the independent evidence that RERA authorities require to act.<\/p>

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            Property Not Matching Specifications<\/h3>

            When delivered property differs from specifications in the builder-buyer agreement, RERA can compel either rectification to specification or appropriate compensation. Inspection reports documenting the discrepancies provide the evidentiary basis.<\/p>

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            Structural Defects Within 5-Year Warranty<\/h3>

            Major structural defects identified within the 5-year warranty period must be addressed by the builder. RERA enforcement compels builders who refuse cooperative resolution. Professional structural inspection documentation is particularly valuable here.<\/p>

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            Common Area Defects in Multi-Unit Projects<\/h3>

            Defects in common areas \u2014 lobbies, lifts, parking, amenities \u2014 affect all unit owners. RERA complaints can be filed by individual owners or society management with appropriate documentation.<\/p>

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            Inspection Documentation Standards for RERA<\/h2>

            RERA authorities have specific expectations for inspection documentation used in complaints:<\/p>

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            RERA-Standard Inspection Documentation Requirements<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            \u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>Inspector credentials: licensed and insured property inspector<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            \u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>Detailed defect descriptions with specific location references<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            \u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>Photographic evidence with date, time, and location metadata<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            \u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>Severity classification consistent across the report<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            \u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>Reference to applicable codes, standards, or specifications<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            \u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>Specific recommended remedial actions<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            \u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>Inspector’s signature and contact details for verification<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            \u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>Date of inspection clearly documented<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            \u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>Comparison with builder-buyer agreement specifications where relevant<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

            \u2713\u00a0 <\/strong>Independent assessment with no relationship to builder or buyer’s agent<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

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            Defects Liability Period Strategy with RERA in Mind<\/h2>

            RERA’s warranty provisions interact directly with the defects liability period strategy. Smart buyers integrate inspection programs with RERA documentation requirements:<\/p>

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            1. Snagging inspection at handover documents defects requiring immediate rectification<\/li>
            2. First-year defects liability inspection identifies issues emerging during occupation<\/li>
            3. 4-year structural inspection identifies issues within 5-year warranty period<\/li>
            4. Each inspection creates dated documentation for warranty enforcement<\/li>
            5. Inspection reports serve as basis for RERA complaints when builders refuse cooperation<\/li>
            6. Re-inspection after rectification verifies completion and documents continuing issues<\/li><\/ol>

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              When Inspection Documentation Doesn’t Help<\/h2>

              Honest acknowledgment: inspection documentation has limits in RERA processes:<\/p>

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              • RERA applies only to properties registered under the Act \u2014 many older properties aren’t covered<\/li>
              • Some defects fall outside warranty coverage (resident damage, normal wear)<\/li>
              • Documentation must be timely \u2014 defects emerging after warranty expiry typically aren’t recoverable<\/li>
              • RERA processes take time even with strong documentation<\/li>
              • Some defects require additional specialist evidence (engineering, environmental)<\/li>
              • Builders may dispute findings and require alternative dispute resolution<\/li><\/ul>

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                Beyond RERA: Other Legal Protections<\/h2>

                RERA isn’t the only legal protection available to property buyers in India. Inspection documentation supports multiple legal frameworks:<\/p>

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                Legal Framework<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

                What It Covers<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

                Inspection Documentation Value<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                RERA<\/p><\/td>

                New construction projects post-2016<\/p><\/td>

                Structural and general warranty enforcement<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                Consumer Protection Act<\/p><\/td>

                Service deficiency including property<\/p><\/td>

                Evidence of substandard delivery<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                Civil litigation<\/p><\/td>

                Contract enforcement, misrepresentation<\/p><\/td>

                Documented condition for claims<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                Insurance claims<\/p><\/td>

                Coverage for various property events<\/p><\/td>

                Pre-existing condition documentation<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                Building society disputes<\/p><\/td>

                Common area and management issues<\/p><\/td>

                Independent assessment of issues<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                Society arbitration<\/p><\/td>

                Internal management disputes<\/p><\/td>

                Objective documented evidence<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

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                Practical Strategy: How to Use Your Legal Rights<\/h2>

                Putting RERA protection into practice requires strategic approach:<\/p>

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                Before You Buy<\/h3>
                1. Verify RERA registration status of the project you’re considering<\/li>
                2. Review project history and any existing RERA complaints<\/li>
                3. Confirm builder’s track record on previous projects<\/li>
                4. Understand specific provisions of the builder-buyer agreement<\/li>
                5. Document everything in writing from the initial inquiry stage<\/li><\/ol>

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                  During Construction<\/h3>
                  1. Stage inspections where access permits documentation of construction quality<\/li>
                  2. Photograph project progress at significant milestones<\/li>
                  3. Document all communications with builder<\/li>
                  4. Verify RERA-mandated disclosures are being met<\/li>
                  5. Report any deviations from approved plans to RERA authority<\/li><\/ol>

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                    At Handover<\/h3>
                    1. Professional snagging inspection before signing possession<\/li>
                    2. Detailed defect documentation referenced to inspection report<\/li>
                    3. Written builder commitments to specific rectification<\/li>
                    4. Complete documentation collection as per checklist<\/li>
                    5. RERA registration and project status verification<\/li><\/ol>

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                      During Warranty Period<\/h3>
                      1. Document any newly emerging defects formally<\/li>
                      2. Defects liability inspection before 1-year warranty expires<\/li>
                      3. Submit defects via email AND registered post for documentation<\/li>
                      4. Track builder response timeline and quality<\/li>
                      5. Escalate to RERA if builder fails to address legitimate defects<\/li><\/ol>

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                        Post-Warranty (Structural Coverage)<\/h3>
                        1. 4-year structural inspection before 5-year warranty expires<\/li>
                        2. Specialist structural assessment for any concerns<\/li>
                        3. Formal documentation of any structural defects within warranty<\/li>
                        4. RERA complaint pathway available for unresolved structural matters<\/li><\/ol>

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                          SnagMash360 RERA-Compatible Inspection Services<\/h2>

                          SnagMash360 (snagmash360.in) provides property inspection services specifically structured to support RERA documentation and complaint processes. Our reports meet RERA standards for evidence submission, include the credential verification and methodological detail that RERA authorities expect, and provide the documentation foundation that distinguishes successful RERA complaints from those that fail for evidentiary reasons.<\/p>

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                          We work with property buyers, society management committees, legal counsel preparing RERA matters, and individual investors across India who recognise that professional inspection is essential infrastructure for effective use of legal rights under RERA. Our inspectors understand the documentation requirements that make inspection reports legally useful, not just technically detailed.<\/p>

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                          Use Your RERA Rights \u2014 Start with Professional Inspection<\/strong><\/p>

                          RERA protections only work when supported by professional documentation. SnagMash360 delivers inspection reports that meet RERA evidence standards, supporting your complaints, warranty claims, and builder accountability across all stages of property ownership.<\/p>

                          Visit snagmash360.in or email info@snagmash360.in for RERA-compatible inspection services.<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

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                          Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>

                          Does RERA apply to my property?<\/h3>

                          RERA applies to new residential and commercial projects registered after the Act’s implementation in your state. Pre-RERA properties may have different protections under prior laws. Verify your project’s RERA registration status \u2014 projects registered under RERA carry the protections described in this guide.<\/p>

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                          How long does a RERA complaint typically take?<\/h3>

                          Varies by state and case complexity. Simple defect rectification matters may resolve within 60\u2013120 days; complex disputes can take 12 months or more. Faster than civil court but not immediate. Inspection documentation submitted with the initial complaint typically accelerates the process.<\/p>

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                          Do I need a lawyer for RERA complaints?<\/h3>

                          Not legally required, but recommended for complex matters. Many RERA complaints are filed directly by property owners with success. For substantial financial matters or complex multi-party disputes, qualified legal counsel adds significant value.<\/p>

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                          What if my builder isn’t responding to my defects?<\/h3>

                          Document the lack of response carefully \u2014 emails, registered post, attempted phone contacts. After reasonable time (typically 30\u201360 days post-notification), file formal RERA complaint with all documentation including the inspection report. Builder unresponsiveness strengthens rather than weakens your case.<\/p>

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                          How do I find home inspection companies near me that produce RERA-compatible reports?<\/h3>

                          Ask specifically about RERA documentation standards and whether the inspector has produced reports used in RERA proceedings. Not all home inspection companies focus on this; those that do are better suited for buyer protection situations. SnagMash360 has dedicated RERA-compatible inspection expertise \u2014 visit snagmash360.in for details.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                          Before RERA \u2014 the Real Estate Regulatory Authority Act of 2016 \u2014 Indian property buyers had limited legal recourse against builders who delivered substandard property or refused to address defects. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":478,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-751","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snagmash360.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/751","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snagmash360.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snagmash360.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snagmash360.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snagmash360.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=751"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.snagmash360.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/751\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":755,"href":"https:\/\/www.snagmash360.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/751\/revisions\/755"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snagmash360.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/478"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snagmash360.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=751"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snagmash360.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=751"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snagmash360.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=751"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}