Figures are commonly-cited ranges with a verify badge — confirm the current schedule at the sub-registrar/portal before paying a rupee.
Renting in Tamil Nadu: law, portal and real costs
Rent law: Tamil Nadu Regulation of Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants Act, 2017
Every tenancy agreement must be registered with the Rent Authority online.
The security deposit for residential premises is limited to three months' rent.
Registration / e-stamp portal
Tamil Nadu tenancy registration (Rent Authority) — tenancy.tn.gov.in
Worked stamp-duty example
Rent ₹15,000 a month on an 11-month agreement: stamp duty about 1% of average annual rent — ₹1,65,000 × 1% ≈ ₹1,650, plus online registration with the Rent Authority.
Typical monthly rents
City
1 BHK
2 BHK
Chennai
₹10,000 – ₹22,000
₹15,000 – ₹35,000
Coimbatore
₹7,000 – ₹13,000
₹10,000 – ₹20,000
Indicative ranges from typical listings; actual rent depends on locality, furnishing and society.
Local tips
Even if the market asks for 6–10 months' advance in Chennai, the 2017 Act caps it at three months for residential premises.
Both landlord and tenant must register the agreement with the Rent Authority — keep the registration number.
More Tamil Nadu renting questions
Is rent agreement registration mandatory in Tamil Nadu?
Yes, the 2017 Act requires every tenancy to be registered with the Rent Authority, which can be done online.
How much advance can a landlord take in Tamil Nadu?
For residential premises, the law limits the security deposit to three months' rent.
What happens if the agreement is not registered?
Unregistered tenancies can face difficulties in disputes before the Rent Authority and Rent Court.
Last reviewed 2026-10-30. Stamp duty schedules change — confirm on the official portal before paying.
Tamil Nadu questions
Tamil Nadu me stamp duty kitni lagti hai? / What is stamp duty in Tamil Nadu?
~1% of average annual rent. Use the calculator with your rent and deposit for an estimate — then verify at the sub-registrar before paying.
Tamil Nadu me registration compulsory hai? / Is registration compulsory in Tamil Nadu?
No (11-month); yes above 11 months
Tamil Nadu me deposit kitna normal hai? / What deposit is normal in Tamil Nadu?
6–10 months Chennai market norm (law caps lower — verify, negotiable). Get refund conditions and timeline in writing — 'will adjust later' is how deposits die.
Also useful
Rent agreement register karna zaroori hai? / Is registration compulsory?
Above 11 months: YES, PAN-India (Registration Act). 11-month: optional in most states (notarized works, registered is stronger) — EXCEPT Maharashtra, where registration is compulsory at ANY term. Rajasthan needs Rent Authority registration instead.
To stay under the 12-month compulsory-registration threshold in most states — saving registration cost and office visits. In Maharashtra this logic fails: registration is still mandatory.
Maharashtra me stamp duty kaise nikalti hai? / How is Maharashtra stamp duty calculated?
Article 36A: 0.25% of (total rent for the term + non-refundable deposit + 10% p.a. interest on refundable deposit) + ₹1,000 urban / ₹500 rural registration (+ e-filing/service charges). Example: ₹15,000 × 11 mo + ₹50,000 deposit ≈ ₹1,700 all-in urban (duty ≈₹400 + registration + charges).
Stamp duty kaun bharta hai? / Who pays stamp duty?
In absence of contrary agreement, the LESSEE (tenant) pays (Sec 29(c) Indian Stamp Act) — but most agreements split or assign it explicitly. Whatever it says in writing wins, so read that clause.
Notary vs registered agreement? / Notarized or registered — which is better?
Registered always wins in court. Notarized 11-month agreements are the common compromise (cheap, fast). For multi-year stays or high deposits, pay for registration.
E-stamp paper kya hai? / What is e-stamp paper?
Electronic stamp duty payment (SHCIL / state portals like Kaveri, IGR) replacing physical stamp paper in most states. Keep the e-stamp certificate with the agreement — it IS the duty proof.