In Tamil, the equivalent word for "nivas" would be "vasam" (வாசம்).
Here are some examples of how "vasam" is used in Tamil:
* Avargalin vasam eppo? (Where is their residence?)
* Naan intha vasaththil paarkkiraen. (I live in this residence.)
* Vasam kaettum poruthu. (A suitable residence is being sought.)
If you see "nivas" being used in a Tamil context, it's likely a borrowing from Sanskrit and has the same meaning as "vasam".