HRA Exemption in Chennai
Chennai follows the 50% HRA rule for FY 2026-27. See a worked example and the three-rule breakdown that decides your tax-free HRA.
City Rule
50% of Basic+DA
Annual Exemption
₹2.14 L
Annual Taxable HRA
₹38,400
Limiting Rule
Rent paid minus 10% of salary
Worked Example for Chennai
₹52,000
₹21,000
₹23,000
50%
Three-Rule Comparison (Annual)
| Rule | Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| Actual HRA received | ₹2.52 L |
| 50% of Basic + DA | ₹3.12 L |
| Rent − 10% of Basic + DA lowest: applies | ₹2.14 L |
₹2.14 L
₹38,400
Rent paid minus 10% of salary
How HRA Exemption Works in Chennai
Chennai is one of the four original HRA metros alongside Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, so its 50% status is long-standing. South Chennai tech corridors sit at the pricier end of the ₹20,000–₹40,000 range.
House Rent Allowance exemption under Section 10(13A) is the same formula everywhere: the only city-specific part is whether the second rule uses 50% or 40% of your Basic + DA. Chennai is on the 50% list for FY 2026-27, so the second-rule cap is half of your Basic + DA. Your tax-free HRA is the lowest of the three rules, so a higher percentage cap only helps if it is not already limited by your actual HRA or rent.
The Three Rules
- Actual HRA received from your employer
- 50% of Basic + DA: the metro cap for Chennai
- Rent paid − 10% of Basic + DA
Old vs New Regime
HRA exemption is available only under the old tax regime. If you opt for the new regime, your entire HRA is taxable, no matter which city you live in. From FY 2026-27 you must also disclose your relationship with the landlord when claiming HRA, and provide the landlord's PAN if annual rent exceeds ₹1 lakh.