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In a move to increase transparency and accountability in the real estate sector, Tamil Nadu RERA bans ‘terms and conditions apply,’ along with vague travel time references in property advertisements. This regulatory update marks a significant shift in how developers can market their projects across Tamil Nadu, especially in Chennai and surrounding urban markets.
With real estate advertisements often filled with ambiguous disclaimers and exaggerated claims, the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TNRERA) has stepped in to ensure that homebuyers receive accurate, verifiable information. This decision is expected to bring a higher standard of clarity and honesty to the housing market.
What Has Tamil Nadu RERA Banned?
As per the official order released on July 1, Tamil Nadu RERA bans ‘terms and conditions apply’ from all real estate promotional content be it newspapers, websites, social media, or outdoor hoardings. The authority has explicitly stated that developers can no longer include this vague disclaimer, which often misleads homebuyers or hides critical caveats under fine print.
In addition, the regulation bars the use of travel time estimates from nearby landmarks. For instance, claims like “10 minutes from the airport” or “15 minutes from the railway station” are now restricted, as such metrics are unreliable and highly variable depending on traffic conditions.
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Mandatory Elements for All Real Estate Advertisements
TNRERA has introduced stringent requirements that must be followed by developers when advertising their projects. Here’s what must now be included:
- RERA Registration Number with QR Code (as per Form-C)
- Website address of the TNRERA authority
- Promoter’s full name, office address, and valid contact details
- Accurate location of the project as per approved plans
- Minimum font size of 12 points for all critical information
These elements must be clearly visible in all newspaper ads, brochures, flyers, and digital content. Outdoor advertisements like hoardings, vehicle wraps, and pole banners are also covered under this directive.
Why Travel Time Claims Are Misleading
While real estate ads often boast about proximity to airports, metro stations, or IT parks, TNRERA has emphasized that travel time cannot be used as a metric due to daily fluctuations in traffic. Instead, if a developer wishes to refer to a landmark, they are allowed to mention the distance in kilometers by the most commonly used route — not the time it takes to travel.
This move adds to the clarity expected by potential buyers and prevents disappointment caused by misleading proximity claims after the purchase.
Impact on Developers and Marketing Teams
With this order, real estate developers and their marketing agencies will need to overhaul their promotional strategies. Tamil Nadu RERA bans ‘terms and conditions apply,’ meaning there’s no room for vague disclaimers. Every claim made in advertising must now be backed by fact, including clear project location and registration information.
Social media posts on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook are not exempt. They, too, must carry the RERA number and include a direct link to the TNRERA website.
Failure to comply could lead to penalties, and in some cases, legal action under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.
What Homebuyers Should Look For
These new rules are designed to empower buyers. Here's how:
- Always check for the RERA registration number and scan the QR code to verify project authenticity.
- Avoid ads that don't disclose the developer’s full details or show only promotional catchphrases without substance.
- Beware of time-based claims about distance to major landmarks.
The idea is to ensure that the buyer is not misled at any point during the decision-making process. Tamil Nadu RERA bans ‘terms and conditions apply,’ so that buyers can make informed decisions based on verifiable project details.
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Legal Experts Welcome the Move
Legal professionals believe that this is a landmark step toward consumer protection. Advocate Chandrachud Bhattacharyya emphasized that when developers make representations, whether in print, online, or in contracts, and fail to deliver on them, buyers are entitled to legal recourse.
According to Bhattacharyya, “These regulations are critical to protect homebuyers. They help ensure that when someone invests in what is often their dream home, they do so with clarity, transparency, and legal protection.”
The underlying principle is simple: real estate advertising should never cross the line into misrepresentation.
Conclusion
As Tamil Nadu RERA bans ‘terms and conditions apply’ and cracks down on ambiguous travel claims, a new era of accountability is being ushered into the state’s real estate sector. These rules are not just legal formalities; they’re about restoring faith in homeownership by ensuring buyers are informed, protected, and empowered.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this is a welcome step toward cleaner, clearer, and more honest real estate marketing in Tamil Nadu.
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Ans 1. TNRERA has banned the use of vague disclaimers like ‘terms and conditions apply’ and travel time references (e.g., “10 minutes from airport”) in all real estate advertisements.
Ans 2. Because travel time varies depending on traffic and other factors, such claims are considered unreliable and misleading. Developers may only mention distance in kilometers via the most common route.
Ans 3. All formats, including: Newspaper ads Social media posts Websites and digital flyers Outdoor ads like hoardings and vehicle branding
Ans 4. Mandatory details include: RERA Registration Number and QR code (Form-C) Promoter’s name, address, and contact details Location of the project as per approved plan TNRERA website address Minimum 12-point font size for critical information
Ans 5. Violations can attract penalties or legal action under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.
Ans 6. Use the QR code in the ad to visit the official TNRERA portal, where you can check the project’s registration status and developer details.
Ans 7. Yes, but only by distance (in km) not estimated travel time.
Ans 8. These rules ensure transparency, reduce misleading promotions, and help buyers make informed decisions with accurate and verifiable information.