🏠 Tamil Nadu Cracks Down on Misleading Real Estate Ads

TNRERA (Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority) has tightened regulations across all advertising platforms — print, TV, hoardings, digital, and social media. Here’s what’s now mandatory

1. RERA Registration Number — Must appear clearly, typically top-right of the ad, in a legible font.
2. Scannable QR Code (Form‑C) — Directs to TNRERA’s project info for easy verification.
3. Promoter Contact Details — Full name, office address, and phone number.
4. Approved Location — Exact project site; if citing distance to landmarks, it must be realistic and based on commonly used routes (no vague travel-time claims).
5. TNRERA Website — To let viewers cross-check details.
6. No Misleading Phrases or Disclaimers — Banned are vague terms like “T&Cs apply” or unverified claims such as “100+ amenities”

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📦 Special Cases & Online Rules

• Exempt Projects (e.g., completed before May 1, 2017) must clearly indicate that status and the reason.
• Online Portals cannot list projects unless they include valid RERA details and QR codes.
• Media Platforms running non-compliant ads may face action under Info & Broadcasting regulations

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🚨 Enforcement & Penalties

• Enforcement falls under amended Regulation 8(3) of TNRERA’s 2018 regulations
• Violations of the Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016 (Sections 61 & 63) can lead to penalties — including fines or up to 5% of the project’s estimated cost
• Media channels not following the rules may be reported to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

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📋 Why It Matters to Buyers

These reforms are aimed at:

• Ensuring transparency & accountability in advertising.
• Helping homebuyers verify project legitimacy before engagement.
• Reducing misleading claims, from unrealistic amenities to bogus location data.
• Leveling the playing field for developers who follow the rules.

Projects without sufficient disclosures or exaggerating their offerings can now be confidently ignored. Conversely, compliance with these norms is a strong signal of reliability.

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✅ What Buyers Should Do

• Look for RERA number & QR code in ads.
• Check TNRERA’s site using the QR to verify project approval status and details.
• Be skeptical of claims like “XY minutes from XYZ” — check actual distances yourself.
• Confirm promoter identity and contact info is provided.
• If ads appear incomplete or misleading, file a complaint with TNRERA.