The Tamil Nadu Regulation of Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants Rules, 2019
The Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, issued G.O. Ms. No. 36, Housing and Urban Development (HB4), dated 22 February 2019, making the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants Rules, 2019. The rules apply to all urban areas in Tamil Nadu and establish procedures for registering tenancy agreements, depositing refused rent, reporting the end of tenancies, and handling proceedings before Rent Authorities, Rent Courts and Rent Tribunals.
What the rules govern
The Tamil Nadu Regulation of Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants Rules, 2019 were issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, through G.O. Ms. No. 36, Housing and Urban Development (HB4), dated 22 February 2019. They apply to all urban areas in Tamil Nadu and came into force on 22 February 2019.
The rules support the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants Act, 2017. They govern tenancy registration and procedures before the Rent Authority, Rent Court and Rent Tribunal.
Who is affected
The rules affect landlords and tenants of premises in urban areas of Tamil Nadu. They also apply to authorised agents acting under a power of attorney and to parties filing applications or appeals in tenancy disputes.
Tenancy registration and updates
Key requirements include:
- Every tenancy agreement must be registered with the Rent Authority.
- Agreements entered into after commencement of the Act must be registered within ninety days from execution.
- Written agreements made before commencement of the Act must be registered within ninety days from publication of the rules in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette.
- The Rent Authority must verify the parties' names, identities and addresses, then issue a Tenancy Registration Number within thirty days after submission.
- Party names, premises details and tenancy duration must be uploaded to the Rent Authority website within fifteen days after registration.
- Expiry or early termination must be reported in Form II within fifteen days. The website record must then be updated within fifteen days after the information is received.
Rent payments and interest
If a landlord refuses rent or refuses to issue a receipt, the tenant must send the rent and other charges through one of the listed payment methods for two consecutive months. If the landlord still does not accept payment, the tenant must deposit it with the Rent Authority.
Unless the tenancy agreement provides otherwise, interest on rent arrears and other charges is eight per cent per year. A landlord who defaults on a required refund must also pay eight per cent interest per year on the unrefunded amount.
Applications and appeals
Applications and appeals use prescribed Forms IV to VII. Rent Authority proceedings generally involve notice, a reply, affidavits, documents and a hearing. The Rent Authority must dispose of applications within ninety days from filing. Rent Tribunal appeals should be decided within one hundred twenty days from service of the appeal notice on the respondent.
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 my urban tenancy agreement need to be registered?
Yes. Every tenancy agreement covered by these rules must be registered with the Rent Authority.
What should I do if my landlord refuses to accept rent?
The tenant must send the rent and other charges through a listed payment method for two consecutive months. If the landlord still does not accept them, the tenant must deposit the amount with the Rent Authority.
Must the Rent Authority be told when a tenancy ends?
Yes. The parties must report expiry or early termination in Form II within fifteen days from the date the tenancy ends.
Can a landlord immediately re-let premises recovered for personal occupation?
A landlord who recovered possession under the specified provision must obtain permission from the Rent Court before re-letting all or part of the premises within three years from obtaining possession.
