Modern Tenancy Reforms In Tamil Nadu: Implementation Challenges Of The Model Tenancy Act And Rental Housing Policies
- IJLLR Journal
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Dr. V. Rekha, Assistant Professor of Law, Chennai Dr. Ambedkar Govt. Law College, Pudupakkam
G. Ponmani, Assistant Professor of Law, Saraswathy Law College, Tamil Nadu
ABSTRACT
The rental housing sector plays a crucial role in addressing the increasing demand for urban housing in India. Rapid urbanisation, migration, and changing socio-economic conditions have highlighted the need for an effective and balanced tenancy framework. Historically, tenancy laws in India were primarily designed to protect tenants through stringent rent control measures. While these laws prevented arbitrary eviction and unreasonable rent increases, they also discouraged investment in rental housing and contributed to the growth of informal tenancy arrangements. Recognising these challenges, the Government of India introduced the Model Tenancy Act, 2021, to formalise the rental market, promoting transparency, and balancing the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. This study examines the evolution of tenancy laws in India with particular reference to Tamil Nadu and analyses the implementation of the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants Act, 2017, which reflects the principles of the Model Tenancy Act. The research evaluates key reforms such as mandatory written tenancy agreements, online registration mechanisms, market-driven rent determination, regulation of security deposits, and the establishment of Rent Authorities, Rent Courts, and Rent Tribunals for speedy dispute resolution. The study further explores the practical challenges associated with implementation, including low awareness among stakeholders, persistence of informal rental arrangements, administrative constraints, digital accessibility issues, and concerns regarding affordability in urban areas. It also assesses the impact of these reforms on both landlords and tenants and examines whether the new legal framework effectively addresses longstanding issues within the rental housing market. The paper concludes that while tenancy reforms in Tamil Nadu represent a significant shift from traditional rent control to a modern contractual framework, their success depends on effective enforcement, institutional capacity, stakeholder awareness, and continuous policy refinement. A transparent and efficient tenancy regime is essential for promoting housing availability, protecting rights, and ensuring sustainable urban development.
