Rent Agreement Stamp Duty in Tamil Nadu: 1% Rule and Rent Authority
Checked against official government sources. General information, not legal or financial advice.
In Tamil Nadu, stamp duty on a rent agreement of up to five years is 1% of the total rent for the term plus the advance (security deposit). If the agreement is registered at the sub-registrar’s office, the registration fee is 1% of the same amount, capped at ₹20,000. Separately, every tenancy agreement must be filed with the Rent Authority under the state’s 2017 tenancy law.
In this guide
Rent agreement stamp duty in Tamil Nadu
Stamp duty on residential rent agreements in Tamil Nadu:
| Term | Stamp duty | Worked on |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 year | 1% | Total rent for the term + advance |
| 1 to 5 years | 1% | Rent + advance (registration compulsory) |
| Longer leases | Higher rates; check before registering | – |
Confirm the exact amount with the sub-registrar or on TNREGINET before buying stamp paper.
Registration fee and when registration is compulsory
Leases of one year or more must be registered at the sub-registrar’s office. The registration fee is 1% of the rent and advance, capped at ₹20,000. In addition, under the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants Act, 2017, every tenancy agreement, including an 11-month one, must be filed with the Rent Authority on the state’s tenancy portal. An agreement that is not filed cannot be enforced through the Rent Court.
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Rent ₹20,000 a month for 11 months with a ₹1 lakh advance in Chennai. Stamp duty is 1% of ₹2,20,000 rent (₹2,200) plus 1% of the ₹1 lakh advance (₹1,000), ₹3,200 in all. If the agreement is also registered at the sub-registrar’s office, the registration fee would be about ₹3,200 more.
Why most rent agreements are for 11 months
Under the Registration Act, a lease of one year or more must be registered at the sub-registrar’s office. An agreement for 11 months does not need compulsory registration, which is why most landlords and tenants use it and renew it each year. An unregistered agreement on proper stamp paper is still valid evidence, but a registered one is stronger if there is a dispute. In Tamil Nadu, however, even an 11-month agreement must still be filed with the Rent Authority.
How to pay stamp duty and register in Tamil Nadu
- Agree the rent, advance and term, and work out 1% of the rent plus advance.
- Buy stamp paper (or an e-stamp, where available) for the duty and print the agreement on it; sign with two witnesses.
- File the agreement with the Rent Authority on the Tamil Nadu tenancy portal.
- For leases of one year or more, also register at the sub-registrar’s office through TNREGINET.
Documents needed
- The rent agreement, with rent, deposit, term, notice period and maintenance terms written in
- Proof of the owner’s ownership, such as the sale deed, property tax receipt or electricity bill
- Identity and address proof of the owner and the tenant (Aadhaar, PAN, passport or voter ID) and two witnesses
- Passport-size photographs, where the sub-registrar asks for them
- Receipt for the stamp duty (e-stamp certificate or online challan)
Before you sign
- Use a clear rent agreement format and check the clauses every rent agreement should have: rent increase, deposit refund, lock-in, notice period and repairs.
- Write the security deposit amount and refund timeline into the agreement, and pay it by bank transfer so there is a record.
- If the monthly rent is above ₹50,000, the tenant may need to deduct TDS on rent.
- Owners renting out for the first time can read our guide on how to rent out a property.
Related guides
Rent agreement in Tamil Nadu: common questions
What is the stamp duty on a rent agreement in Tamil Nadu?
1% of the total rent for the term plus the advance, for agreements of up to five years.
Is the advance counted for stamp duty in Tamil Nadu?
Yes. Stamp duty is charged on the rent plus the advance or security deposit.
What is the registration fee for a rent agreement in Chennai?
1% of the rent and advance, capped at ₹20,000, if the agreement is registered.
Do I need to file an 11-month rent agreement with the Rent Authority?
Yes. Under the 2017 tenancy law, every tenancy agreement must be filed with the Rent Authority, whatever its term.
Is registration compulsory for an 11-month rent agreement in Tamil Nadu?
Registration at the sub-registrar’s office is compulsory only for leases of one year or more.
Rates as notified by the Registration Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, checked in November 2026. Stamp duty rules change by notification, so confirm the amount on TNREGINET or at the sub-registrar’s office before you pay. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.
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