Here are the best websites/apps and local channels to search for apartments for rent in Chennai — with a short note on what each is best for and a quick tip for using them safely.

Top websites / apps

• NoBroker — best for trying to avoid brokers (owner-to-tenant listings, filters for locality/price). (nobroker.in)
• MagicBricks — very large inventory across Chennai, good filters and neighbourhood rental data. (Common choice for both owner and agent listings.) (magicbricks.com)
• 99acres — wide coverage and map search; strong mobile app for on‑the‑go browsing. (apps.apple.com)
• Housing.com — clean UI, many “verified” listings and map/neighbourhood info. Good for browsing furnished / premium options. (housing.com)
• Quikr / QuikrHomes — lots of owner-posted listings and budget options (also classifieds-style). (quikr.com)
• CommonFloor — useful for locality-focused searches and smaller, local listings. (commonfloor.com)
• NestAway (and other managed-rental platforms) — for managed/plug‑and‑play furnished rentals and shorter moves-in processes. (apps.apple.com)
• Sulekha / OLX / local classifieds — extra source for owner/PG listings but watch for outdated or duplicate ads. (apps.apple.com)
• PropTiger / Makaan — helpful when you also want neighbourhood market data or developer/complex-specific listings. (apps.apple.com)

Community channels (often faster / no-broker)

• Local Facebook groups (e.g., “Flats & Flatmates Chennai”) and Telegram groups (e.g., ChennaiHomes / Flats & Flatmates) — many owner posts and flatmate requests; good for no-broker leads. (Verify carefully.) (lbb.in)

How to use these effectively

• Search across multiple sites and set alerts — owners and agents post on different platforms. (Large portals often have the most listings but also duplicate/outdated ads.) (magicbricks.com)
• Use map view and filters (BHK, furnished, move‑in date) to narrow quickly. (magicbricks.com)

Safety tips (important)

• Don’t pay any deposit or advance before visiting the property and meeting the owner/agent in person. (consumer.ftc.gov)
• Verify landlord ownership (sale deed / property tax / society records) and ask for ID; insist on a signed, registered rent agreement. (housing.com)
• Beware of “too good to be true” rents and duplicate/fake listings — cross‑search the address and listing images. Report suspicious ads to the platform. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Quick plan to start

1. Pick 2–3 localities in Chennai you want.
2. Set alerts on MagicBricks, 99acres and Housing.com + check NoBroker for owner leads. (magicbricks.com)
3. Join a relevant Facebook/Telegram Chennai housing group for quick no-broker posts. (lbb.in)
4. Always inspect, verify documents, and sign a registered rental agreement before transferring large sums. (housing.com)

If you’d like, I can recommend the top websites specifically for a particular Chennai neighbourhood (e.g., Adyar, OMR/Sholinganallur, Anna Nagar, Velachery) and show which portals tend to have the most listings there. Which locality are you looking at?