Rent agreement stamp duty in Tamil Nadu, and registering with the Rent Authority
By Giridhar Reddy, founder of Domvio, Bengaluru
Updated
In Tamil Nadu, stamp duty on a tenancy agreement of under 30 years is ₹1 for every ₹100 of the term's rent plus any advance, fine or premium: in effect 1%. So an 11-month Chennai agreement at ₹20,000 a month with a ₹1,00,000 advance pays ₹3,200. Every tenancy must be registered with the Rent Authority within 90 days.
This is a sample for general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by state. It has not yet been reviewed by a lawyer. Have a lawyer examine it for your situation before you use or rely on it.
Tamil Nadu rent agreement stamp duty calculator
This calculator needs JavaScript. By hand: Tamil Nadu charges 1% (₹1 for every ₹100 or part) on total rent for the term, plus any fine, premium or advance for an 11-month agreement.
The rate: ₹1 per ₹100 of rent and advance
| Term of the tenancy | Stamp duty |
|---|---|
| Below 30 years | ₹1 per ₹100 or part of rent + fine + premium + advance |
| 30 to 99 years | ₹4 per ₹100 or part |
| Above 99 years | ₹7 per ₹100 or part |
The portal calls the base the "aggregate rent payable": the total of the rent, fine, premium or advance payable by the tenant under the agreement (Tamil Nadu tenancy portal FAQ). "Or part thereof" means the amount is rounded up to the next ₹100 first. For rent of ₹12,345 a month over 11 months, the duty is ₹1,358.
Why the advance makes Chennai agreements cost more
Maharashtra counts only a tenth of a refundable deposit for each year, and West Bengal leaves it out. Tamil Nadu adds the whole advance. At ₹20,000 a month for 11 months, the duty is ₹2,200 with no advance and ₹3,200 with a ₹1,00,000 advance.
| Area | Monthly rent | Duty at the lower rent | Duty at the higher rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avadi | ₹13,300 to ₹18,000 | ₹1,463 | ₹1,980 |
| Oragadam | ₹14,000 to ₹20,000 | ₹1,540 | ₹2,200 |
| Guduvanchery | ₹15,000 to ₹22,000 | ₹1,650 | ₹2,420 |
| Perumbakkam | ₹18,200 to ₹25,500 | ₹2,002 | ₹2,805 |
| Perambur | ₹19,000 to ₹27,000 | ₹2,090 | ₹2,970 |
These figures are for rent alone. Add 1% of whatever advance you take: ₹1,000 more for every ₹1,00,000.
Registering a tenancy with the Rent Authority
Tamil Nadu's tenancy law requires every tenancy to be in writing and registered with the Rent Authority, separately from any registration at the sub-registrar's office. These are the rules as the state's tenancy portal states them:
- Every term. Agreements of less than 12 months must be registered too.
- Within 90 days of signing the agreement.
- No fee. There is no registration fee, but the online service charges ₹100.
- Leave and licence counts. An agreement titled "leave and licence" must still be registered if its terms create a right in the property.
- Renewals are new agreements and must be registered again.
- Report the end. Tell the Rent Authority within 15 days when the tenancy expires or is ended.
- Unregistered agreements cannot be received as evidence of the tenancy, under section 4-A of the Act.
Stamp and sign the agreement
Pay the duty above on stamp paper or an e-stamp, and have both sides sign.
Apply online
The landlord, the tenant or an appointed property manager applies on the tenancy portal with the other party's address and phone number.
Present the documents
When the Rent Authority calls you, bring the original signed agreement, a copy of the title document or patta (or legal heirship certificate), the original ID proof used in the application, and a power of attorney or authorisation if an agent signed.
Get the certificate
After verification, the Rent Authority issues a certificate of registration of the tenancy agreement.
Rent, every month, on WhatsApp
Registered the tenancy? Now automate the rent.
Domvio sends each Chennai tenant a WhatsApp reminder with a UPI link before rent is due, and a PDF receipt to both of you when they pay. See the rent collection app.
Sources
- Tamil Nadu tenancy portal (Housing and Urban Development Department): FAQs
- Tamil Nadu tenancy registration portal
We last read these on 20 October 2026. Rates change by notification, so check the official page before you pay.
Once the agreement is signed, Domvio sends your tenant a WhatsApp rent reminder every month, with a UPI link to your own account and a PDF receipt when they pay. Free during early access.
Try Domvio freeFrequently asked questions
What is the stamp duty on a rent agreement in Tamil Nadu?
₹1 for every ₹100 or part of the total rent for the term plus any advance, fine or premium, for a tenancy of under 30 years.
Is the advance included in stamp duty in Chennai?
Yes. The state's tenancy portal adds the advance to the rent when working out the duty, so a large advance raises the stamp duty.
Do I need to register an 11-month rent agreement in Tamil Nadu?
Yes, with the Rent Authority, within 90 days. Tamil Nadu requires every tenancy agreement to be registered there, whatever its term.
How much does Rent Authority registration cost?
There is no registration fee. The online service charges ₹100.
Stop chasing rent every month
Domvio reminds your tenants on WhatsApp, takes rent straight to your UPI ID and sends PDF receipts automatically. Free during early access.