Tenant Guide
Easy Rental Agreement
Everything you need to know before signing a rental agreement in India — step by step.
6 Steps to a Safe Rental Agreement
01
Verify Landlord & Property
- Check the landlord's identity (Aadhaar, PAN) before signing anything.
- Verify property ownership via title deed or registry copy.
- Confirm the property is not mortgaged or under any legal dispute.
02
Negotiate Terms Before Signing
- Agree on rent amount, security deposit, and annual increment (usually 5–10%).
- Clarify what is included — maintenance, water, parking, electricity.
- Confirm the notice period (typically 1 month for both parties).
03
Draft the Rental Agreement
- Most agreements in India are Leave & Licence for 11 months to avoid mandatory registration.
- Include: full names, property address, rent, deposit, duration, and exit clause.
- List all fixtures and furnishings if the property is furnished.
04
Register or Notarise the Agreement
- For agreements of 12 months or more, registration is compulsory by law.
- For 11-month agreements, notarisation is optional but adds legal weight.
- Keep original copies — tenant and landlord each get one.
05
Pay Security Deposit with Receipt
- Standard deposit: 2–3 months rent in most cities (can be higher in Bengaluru).
- Always pay via bank transfer — keep the transaction record.
- The agreement must mention the deposit amount and refund conditions.
06
Move In & Document the Condition
- Do a walkthrough and photograph the property condition before moving in.
- Note any existing damage in writing so it's not deducted from your deposit later.
- Get keys, access cards, and parking stickers in writing.
Agreement Checklist
Make sure every rental agreement you sign includes all of these before you put your signature.
Full name and address of both landlord and tenant
Complete property address with pin code
Monthly rent amount (in words and numbers)
Security deposit amount & refund timeline
Lease duration with exact start and end date
Notice period for vacating (usually 30 days)
Lock-in period clause (if any)
Annual rent increment percentage
Maintenance, water, electricity responsibility
List of furnished items (if applicable)
Signatures of both parties with date
Two witness signatures
Things to Never Do
Never pay security deposit in cash without a written receipt.
Do not sign any blank papers or undated agreements.
Verbal agreements hold no legal value — always get it in writing.
Don't share original documents — always give photocopies.
If the landlord refuses to register a long-term lease, be cautious.
Quick Facts
11-Month Rule
Agreements under 12 months don't require mandatory registration under Indian law.
Deposit Limit
2–3 months rent is standard. Refund must happen within 15–30 days of vacating.
Notice Period
Either party must give 1 month's notice before vacating or asking to vacate.