The Tamil Nadu Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1960
The Tamil Nadu Legislature enacted the Tamil Nadu Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1960, Tamil Nadu Act No. 18 of 1960, to regulate residential and non-residential letting, control rents and prevent unreasonable tenant eviction. It received the President’s assent on 24 September 1960 and was...
What the Act governs
The Tamil Nadu Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1960 regulates the letting of residential and non-residential buildings, rent control and the eviction of tenants. It applies to landlords and tenants of covered buildings and provides procedures involving government-appointed Controllers and authorised officers.
A building includes a building, hut or separately let part used for residential or non-residential purposes. It can also include associated gardens, grounds, out-houses and landlord-supplied furniture. A room in a hotel or boarding house is excluded from this definition.
Where it applies
The Tamil Nadu Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1960 applies to the City of Madras, the City of Madurai and municipalities constituted or treated as constituted under the Tamil Nadu District Municipalities Act, 1920. The Government may use notifications to stop applying the Act in specified municipalities or cities, apply it again, or extend all or selected provisions to other areas in the State.
The source also notes that the Act does not apply to buildings belonging to or vested in a corporate authority, or against that authority for tenancies created by it. It does apply to a building let to a corporate authority.
Main provisions
The Tamil Nadu Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1960 covers:
- notice of vacant buildings and release of buildings;
- fixation and permitted changes of fair rent;
- restrictions on collecting more than fair rent or agreed rent;
- rent and advance receipts;
- tenant deposits of rent in specified circumstances;
- tenant eviction and payment of rent while eviction proceedings are pending;
- recovery of possession for repairs, reconstruction or demolition;
- tenant reoccupation after repairs;
- protection of amenities enjoyed by tenants;
- necessary repairs when a landlord fails to carry them out;
- appeals, revision, costs and enforcement of orders;
- exemptions, information requirements and penalties.
Status of the supplied copy
The Tamil Nadu Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1960 was initially extended several times and was made permanent by Tamil Nadu Act 23 of 1973. The supplied copy is furnished by PRS Legislative Research, which states that it has not independently verified the contents. Readers are directed to the relevant State department, latest government publication or gazette notification for authoritative text.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does the Act cover both homes and commercial buildings?
Yes. The Tamil Nadu Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1960 regulates both residential and non-residential buildings.
Can a landlord collect more than the fair rent or agreed rent?
The Act includes a provision restricting landlords from claiming or receiving amounts above the fair rent or agreed rent.
Does a hotel room count as a building under the Act?
No. The definition of building excludes a room in a hotel or boarding house.
Is the PRS Legislative Research copy authoritative?
PRS Legislative Research says the contents have not been independently verified. It advises readers to consult the relevant State department, latest government publication or gazette notification for authoritative text.
