Court of Small Causes, Chennai — small claims and the Rent Court
In short
The Court of Small Causes hears small money claims and certain tenancy-related matters. Under the 2017 tenancy Act it also exercises the functions of the Rent Court for Chennai, in Courts X to XVI — so an application between a landlord and a tenant under that Act is filed here, not in the City Civil Court.
What does the Court of Small Causes, Chennai hear?#
Small money claims and certain tenancy-related matters.
| Small money claims | May lie before this court. Larger claims go to the City Civil Court or the High Court on the value ladder. |
|---|---|
| Rent Court | Courts X to XVI exercise Rent Court functions for Chennai under the 2017 Act. |
| Appeals into it | From the Rent Authority, within 30 days. |
| Appeals from it | To the Rent Tribunal — the City Civil Court — within 30 days. |
Does your matter belong here?#
It probably does if:
- Your money claim is a small one.
- You are a landlord or tenant under the 2017 Act and the dispute is about eviction, rent or the tenancy itself.
- You are appealing an order of the Rent Authority.
What looks as if it belongs here and does not?
| Possession against a licensee, trespasser or former owner | City Civil Court, on value |
|---|---|
| A money claim valued above one crore rupees | Madras High Court, original side |
| Registration, refused rent, essential-supply complaints | The Rent Authority first |
Where is the Court of Small Causes, Chennai?#
Court of Small CausesMadras High Court Campus
Chennai 600104
Official website: chennai.dcourts.gov.in (Chennai City Courts)
The official list of Chennai courts names the Chief Judge’s court and Courts II to XVI of the Court of Small Causes.
Which guides apply here?#
Which other courts sit in Chennai?
Where do these facts come from?
- Chennai City Courts (eCourts) — Contact Us
- Chennai City Courts (eCourts) — official website
- Tamil Nadu Regulation of Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants Act, 2017 (Act 42 of 2017), as amended
Jurisdiction as stated in the guides linked above. Address and website checked against the official sources on 8 November 2026. General information, not advice on your facts.
If you are unsure whether your matter belongs in this court, a paid consultation can tell you before anything is filed.
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