RERA in Tamil Nadu explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
The Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TNRERA) regulates real estate under the RERA Act, 2016 and the Tamil Nadu RERA Rules, 2017. Promoters of projects above 500 sq. m or eight units, and all agents, must register online before marketing or selling.
Overview
Tamil Nadu implemented the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 through the Tamil Nadu Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules, 2017, and constituted the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TNRERA) to oversee the sector across Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli and the state's rapidly growing peripheral corridors. TNRERA's mandate is to protect allottees, standardise disclosures and discipline the flow of project funds.
Applicable Law & Authority
The framework rests on the central RERA Act, 2016 as operationalised by the Tamil Nadu Rules and TNRERA's own regulations. The Authority runs an online portal for registration and public disclosure, and the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Appellate Tribunal hears appeals against its orders.
Who Must Register
A promoter must register any project where the developable land exceeds 500 square metres or the number of apartments exceeds eight, inclusive of all phases. Each phase counts as a distinct project. Projects that had a completion certificate before the Act came into force, and works of pure renovation or repair without fresh marketing, do not require registration. Real estate agents facilitating such projects register separately.
Fees, Thresholds and Timelines (Indicative)
| Item | Indicative Position |
|---|---|
| Project threshold | Land > 500 sq. m or > 8 apartments |
| Registration fee | Per sq. m of land (residential vs commercial rates differ) — verify current rate |
| Agent fee | Fixed fee (individual/entity) — verify current rate |
| Escrow requirement | 70% of allottee receipts in a separate account |
| Decision timeline | About 30 days; deemed registration if no response |
These figures are indicative. Fee slabs per square metre and agent fees are periodically revised under the Tamil Nadu RERA Rules — verify the current amount on the official TNRERA portal.
Process & Documents
The promoter files online and uploads: promoter PAN and identity; authenticated land title or a valid development/joint-development agreement; sanctioned plan, layout, specifications and DTCP/CMDA approvals as applicable; the proforma allotment letter and agreement for sale; and a declaration on affidavit committing to the 70% escrow, the completion timeline and the defect-liability obligation. Agents upload PAN, identity/address proof and, for firms, incorporation documents.
Ongoing Compliance
Registered promoters must file quarterly progress reports, keep booking and approval status updated, operate the designated project account with professional certification for each withdrawal, and remedy structural or workmanship defects reported within five years of possession. Material alterations to the sanctioned plan require the consent of two-thirds of allottees.
Due Dates, Penalties and Redress
Failing to register can attract a penalty of up to 10% of the estimated cost of the project, escalating to imprisonment for continued default. Misleading advertising and fund diversion carry separate penalties. Allottees may file complaints on the portal; TNRERA adjudicates and its Adjudicating Officer decides compensation, with appeals to the Appellate Tribunal.