Tenancy disputes affect both homes and businesses. Unpaid rent, refusal to vacate, non-refund of advance, unauthorised sub-letting and damage to premises are common problems. In Tamil Nadu, tenancies are governed by the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants Act, 2017, which provides for written tenancy agreements and a dedicated system of Rent Authorities, Rent Courts and Rent Tribunals.
Adv. S. Mohamed Yunus advises and represents both landlords and tenants in Coimbatore — from drafting a sound tenancy agreement at the start to resolving disputes through notice, negotiation or proceedings before the appropriate forum.
Scope
Matters handled
- Eviction proceedingsEviction on grounds such as default in rent, misuse, sub-letting or the landlord's own requirement, as permitted by law.
- Rent arrears recoveryRecovery of unpaid rent and charges from defaulting tenants.
- Advance / deposit refundRecovery of security deposits wrongfully withheld by landlords.
- Tenancy agreementsDrafting and reviewing residential and commercial rental and lease agreements.
- Rent revision disputesDisputes over rent increase and the terms agreed in the tenancy.
- Commercial leasesLease disputes involving shops, offices, godowns and industrial sheds.
- Tenant protectionProtecting tenants against illegal lockouts, disconnection of essential services and forcible eviction.
Process
How the process works
- 1
Review of tenancy
Examining the agreement, rent receipts and correspondence to identify rights and obligations.
- 2
Notice
Issuing a legal notice demanding rent, possession or refund, or replying on the client's behalf.
- 3
Filing before the forum
Proceedings before the Rent Authority or Rent Court, or the civil court where applicable.
- 4
Resolution
Settlement, eviction order or recovery order, followed by execution if required.
Documents to keep ready
- Rent / lease agreement
- Rent receipts or bank transfer records
- Proof of security deposit paid
- Notices and messages exchanged
- Property ownership documents (for landlords)
- Photographs of the premises and its condition
Relevant laws
- Tamil Nadu Regulation of Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants Act, 2017
- Transfer of Property Act, 1882
- Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
- Registration Act, 1908
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is a written rent agreement compulsory in Tamil Nadu?
Under the Tamil Nadu Act of 2017, tenancies are required to be in writing and their particulars are to be intimated to the Rent Authority. A properly drafted agreement protects both landlord and tenant.
Can a landlord evict a tenant without a court order?
No. A landlord cannot forcibly evict a tenant, cut off essential supplies or lock the premises. Eviction must follow the procedure prescribed by law.
What can a tenant do if the advance is not refunded?
The tenant can issue a legal notice and, if the amount is still not refunded, approach the appropriate forum for recovery of the deposit after adjustment of any lawful dues.
Does the Act apply to commercial premises?
The Act covers both residential and non-residential premises, subject to certain exemptions specified in the law. Whether it applies to a particular property should be checked on its facts.
The information on this page is general in nature, based on the law as generally understood, and is not legal advice. Legal positions change and outcomes depend on the facts of each case. Please consult before acting on any information.
