Is a ₹99 rental agreement legally valid in Tamil Nadu?

Yes. Legal validity depends on proper stamp duty, signatures, and witness — not on how the document was drafted. Our agreements are formatted to Tamil Nadu legal standards and include all required clauses under the TN Tenancy Act 2017.

How much does a rental agreement cost in Tamil Nadu?

Agreements.co.in charges ₹99 for a professional rental agreement PDF. Stamp duty (Article 35, Tamil Nadu Stamp Act) and Rent Authority registration (₹100) are additional government charges that apply regardless of where you get the agreement drafted.

Do I need to register my rental agreement in Tamil Nadu?

Under the TN Tenancy Act 2017, all rental agreements must be registered with the Rent Authority (tenancy.tn.gov.in), regardless of duration. Sub-Registrar registration under the Registration Act 1908 is mandatory only for leases exceeding 11 months.

How long does it take to get the rental agreement?

The PDF is generated and emailed within minutes of payment. You can also download it immediately from the thank-you page.

Agreements.co.in - Rental Agreement Registration Service

Based on TNRRLTA 2017 + 2022 Amendment — Verified April 2026

What to Do After Signing Your Rental Agreement

A step-by-step compliance guide for landlords and tenants in Tamil Nadu. Failure to follow these steps — especially registration within 90 days — can make your agreement legally unenforceable.

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.

Post-Signing Compliance Steps

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.

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

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.in

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.

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

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).

Official Legal Sources

TNRRLTA 2017 (Act 42 of 2017) — Full Text

Tamil Nadu Regulation of Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants Act, 2017 with all amendments.

Official Rent Authority Portal — tenancy.tn.gov.in

Online registration, First Schedule forms, rules, notifications, and FAQ.

TNRRLTA Rules 2019

Tamil Nadu Regulation of Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants Rules, 2019.

Stamp Duty FAQ — tenancy.tn.gov.in

Confirms Article 35 stamp duty calculation method for Tamil Nadu rental agreements.

Need a legally compliant rental agreement?

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