Based on TNRRLTA 2017 + 2022 Amendment — Verified April 2026

What to Do After Signing (so the landlord can't keep your deposit or claim you owe more)

Most deposit fights and "I can't evict them" problems in Chennai happen because people skip registration or have no proof of the flat's condition. Do these steps.

Most Important: Register within 90 days

Under Section 4 of TNRRLTA 2017, both landlord and tenant must jointly register the agreement on tenancy.tn.gov.in within 90 days of signing. An unregistered agreement cannot be used as evidence in any court or before the Rent Authority. tenancy.tn.gov.in

1
Both parties sign on every page
Immediately after execution

Both the landlord (Lessor) and all adult tenants (Lessees) must sign on every page of the agreement. Two witnesses with name, address, and signature are strongly recommended. Keep at least two originals — one for each party.

2
Pay stamp duty (e-Stamping preferred)
Before or at execution

Stamp duty is payable under Article 35 of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 (Tamil Nadu Amendment): ₹1 per ₹100 (or part thereof) of the aggregate of monthly rent × duration + security deposit, for tenancy terms below 30 years. Example: 11-month agreement at ₹20,000/month with ₹40,000 deposit → (₹2,20,000 + ₹40,000) = ₹2,60,000 → stamp duty ≈ ₹2,600. E-Stamping via authorised centres (banks, CMC offices) is preferred — physical stamp paper is also valid.

Article 35, Indian Stamp Act (TN Amendment) — tenancy.tn.gov.in/Home/FAQ
3
Register on tenancy.tn.gov.in within 90 days
Within 90 days of signing — mandatory

Both landlord and tenant must jointly register the agreement online at tenancy.tn.gov.in. What you need: scanned copy of signed agreement, Aadhaar/PAN of both parties, title documents (Patta, tax receipt), and ₹100 service charge. The Rent Authority will issue a Tenancy Registration Number (TR No.) within 15 days. Non-registered agreements cannot be used as evidence in a dispute or court — this is the most common pitfall landlords and tenants overlook.

Principal Act, Section 4 — tenancy.tn.gov.inNeed help with Rent Authority registration? Find a legal professional in your area →
4
Landlord hands original stamped copy to Tenant
Immediately after execution

The landlord must provide one original stamped and executed copy of the agreement to the tenant. The landlord retains the other original. Both parties should also keep digital scans as backup. Going forward, the landlord must issue rent receipts for each payment — electronic receipts (email or WhatsApp) are legally valid under the 2022 amendment.

5
At end of tenancy: notify Rent Authority and refund deposit
Within 15 days of tenancy end

On expiry or termination, both parties must inform the Rent Authority of the tenancy end using the prescribed form on tenancy.tn.gov.in. The landlord must refund the security deposit within 15 days after lawful deductions for arrears or damage beyond normal wear and tear. Failure to refund gives the tenant the right to approach the Rent Authority.

Principal Act, Section 11 — TNRRLTA 2017

Registration Process at a Glance

Registration Roadmap — Tamil Nadu

11-month lease · Only Rent Authority registration needed

1

Pay Stamp Duty

Before or at execution

Always required

Pay stamp duty under Article 35 of the TN Stamp Act — 1% of (total rent for the period + security deposit). Minimum ₹20. Use authorised e-stamp centres or buy stamp paper from CMC/bank.

2

Register on tenancy.tn.gov.in

Within 90 days of signing — mandatory

Mandatory — 90 days

Both landlord and tenant must jointly register on the Rent Authority portal within 90 days. You'll receive a Tenancy Registration Number (TR No.). An unregistered agreement cannot be used as evidence in court.

tenancy.tn.gov.in
3

Sub-Registrar Registration

Not required for ≤11 month leases

Not required

11-month leases are specifically structured to avoid mandatory Sub-Registrar registration. Rent Authority registration (Step 2) is the only mandatory registration for your lease.

Good news: Your 11-month lease only needs Rent Authority registration (₹100 service charge) — not the more complex Sub-Registrar process.

Key Rights Under TNRRLTA 2017

Landlord

  • Collect up to 3 months rent as security deposit (Section 11)
  • Enter premises with 24-hour prior notice, between 7 AM – 8 PM (Section 17)
  • Revise rent with 3 months written notice (Section 9)
  • Evict only on grounds listed in Section 21 via Rent Court
  • Deduct lawful dues from deposit at tenancy end

Tenant

  • Receive deposit refund within 15 days of vacating (Section 11)
  • Withhold rent if premises uninhabitable due to force majeure
  • Deduct repair costs (up to 50% of monthly rent) if landlord fails to act (Section 15)
  • Approach Rent Authority for deposit disputes, illegal hikes, or eviction
  • Receive electronic rent receipts — legally valid under 2022 amendment

Dispute Resolution Path

Civil courts have no jurisdiction — all rental disputes must go through the Rent Authority system:

Rent Authority→Rent Court→Rent Tribunal

Decisions are usually within 30–90 days (Chapters VI & VII, TNRRLTA 2017).

Get a lawyer when…

  • You need to evict a tenant — eviction only works on the grounds in Section 21, through the Rent Court, and the petition is worth professional hands
  • The deposit dispute involves damage claims the two sides genuinely disagree on
  • The landlord or tenant has already filed something before the Rent Authority or Rent Court
  • The property has title complications (no Patta, ongoing ownership dispute) that block registration

Legal sources

Need a legally compliant rental agreement?

Generate Your Agreement

Already have one? Register on tenancy.tn.gov.in

This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on TNRRLTA 2017 as amended up to 2022. It is not legal advice. Consult a qualified lawyer for specific legal situations. For the latest notifications visit tenancy.tn.gov.in.