In a significant move to enhance transparency and protect homebuyers, the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TNRERA) has implemented new guidelines targeting misleading advertisements in the real estate sector. The authority has banned the use of vague disclaimers such as ‘terms and conditions apply’ and prohibited claims regarding travel time from landmarks, which often mislead potential buyers.
New Guidelines for Real Estate Advertisements
Real estate developers in Tamil Nadu must now adhere to strict advertising guidelines set by TNRERA. These guidelines are designed to eliminate ambiguity and ensure that potential buyers receive clear and accurate information about real estate projects.
| Key Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| TNRERA Registration | Advertisements must include the TNRERA registration number with a QR code and website address at the top right corner. |
| Font Size | The font size for registration numbers and other details must be no less than twelve. |
| Project Details | Clear mention of the builder’s name, office address, contact information, and exact project location is mandatory. |
| Landmark Proximity | Only the distance to landmarks via the most common route can be mentioned; travel time claims are banned. |
Ban on Misleading Disclaimers
TNRERA has specifically outlawed disclaimers like ‘terms and conditions apply’ in all forms of real estate advertising. This move aims to provide clarity and prevent potential buyers from being misled by hidden terms that might affect their purchasing decisions.
“All developers’ project advertisements in newspapers, magazines, or websites must contain the TNRERA registration number with a QR code as given in Form-C and the website address of the Authority,” stated the order.
Comprehensive Coverage in Advertisements
Besides digital and print media, the guidelines extend to all outdoor advertising forms, including hoardings, boards on road dividers, and advertisements on public transport vehicles. Each advertisement must prominently display the RERA registration number, QR code, and the Authority’s website address.
“The location of the project, as given in the approved plan, should be mentioned in the advertisement,” the order further detailed. “If the promoter wishes to mention the nearby landmark, the distance of the project site from such a landmark by the most commonly used route shall be mentioned.”
Implications for Homebuyers
These stringent rules are a step towards safeguarding homebuyers, ensuring they receive all necessary information to make informed purchasing decisions. By eliminating misleading claims, TNRERA aims to foster a fair and transparent real estate market in Tamil Nadu.
“These regulations are critical to protect homebuyers,” commented an official. “They help ensure that when someone invests in what is often their dream home, they do so with clarity, transparency, and legal protection.”
Q1: Why did TNRERA ban travel time claims in advertisements?
TNRERA banned travel time claims because they can vary significantly due to changing traffic conditions, which can mislead potential buyers about the accessibility of a property.
Q2: What must be included in all real estate advertisements according to TNRERA?
Advertisements must include the TNRERA registration number, QR code, website address, builder’s name, office address, contact information, and the exact project location.
Q3: Are there specific font size requirements for these details?
Yes, the font size for the registration number and other details must be no less than twelve to ensure visibility and readability.
Q4: How does TNRERA ensure transparency with these guidelines?
By mandating clear and comprehensive information in advertisements, TNRERA ensures that potential buyers have access to all necessary details to make informed decisions, reducing the risk of being misled.
Q5: What forms of advertising do these guidelines cover?
The guidelines cover all forms of advertising, including digital, print, and outdoor advertisements like hoardings and vehicle ads.
In conclusion, TNRERA’s decisive action against misleading advertisements represents a significant step towards a more transparent and trustworthy real estate market in Tamil Nadu. These measures are expected to empower homebuyers with the information they need to make informed decisions, thereby enhancing consumer confidence in the sector.