Skip to content
Trust & safety

Stay safe while you rent or buy

Most listers are genuine. These habits protect you from the few who are not.
On this page
  1. 01Before you pay
  2. 02Verify the property
  3. 03Brokers posing as owners
  4. 04Extra checks for buyers
  5. 05How to report
The golden rule
Never pay a token, advance or deposit before you have visited the property in person and met the owner or their authorised agent.

Before you pay

  • Pay only to the verified UPI QR shown in the CiyaR app for that lister. Do not pay to a number or QR sent over WhatsApp, SMS or a phone call — even if it “looks like” CiyaR.
  • Upload the payment proof in the app so the receipt is recorded against your application or deal.
  • Be wary of urgency: “ten people are interested, pay now to block it” is a classic pressure tactic.
  • CiyaR staff will never ask for your OTP, UPI PIN or card details.

Verify the property

  • Prefer listings with the Verified badge — the owner or agent has shown ID and property proof to us.
  • Ask the owner for the Patta / Chitta and a recent Encumbrance Certificate (EC) (available on the TN Registration Department site) and check that the names and survey numbers match.
  • Check that the property tax receipt or electricity bill is in the owner's name and matches the address.
  • For PGs and hostels, ask about the licence, fire safety, CCTV, curfew and the warden's contact.
  • Read the rental agreement fully before signing; register it where required.

Brokers posing as owners

Some agents list as “owner” to avoid showing a commission. On CiyaR every listing shows who is listing it — owner, agent, builder or CiyaR-managed — and agents must show their RERA agent number and commission. If someone who listed as an owner asks for a brokerage fee, please report the listing.

Extra checks for buyers

  • For projects, look up the RERA registration on TNRERA — every CiyaR project page links to it.
  • Get an EC for 13–30 years, the parent documents, approved plan (DTCP / CMDA), and OC / CC for completed buildings; have a lawyer review them.
  • Check the guideline value and estimate stamp duty with our calculator; be cautious of anyone suggesting under-valuation.
  • Never hand over original documents before registration.

How to report

Use Report listing on any listing page (fake listing, already rented, broker posing as owner, wrong price, or something unsafe). Our team reviews reports, usually within one working day, and may hide the listing while we check. For anything urgent, email [email protected]. If you have lost money, also report it to the National Cyber Crime helpline 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.