Renting in Pune: rental agreement and tenant rights

Most homes in Pune are rented on a leave and licence agreement. Under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999, this agreement must be in writing and registered, and the responsibility to register it is the owner's.

The leave and licence agreement

• Registration is compulsory (Section 55 of the Act). An unregistered agreement weakens both sides in a dispute.
• Online registration is available through IGR Maharashtra, with Aadhaar-based e-signing, so owner and tenant need not visit an office.
• Stamp duty and a registration fee are paid on the agreement; the online system calculates them from the rent, deposit and term.
• Term: many agreements run for 11 months, but the term is whatever both sides agree.

What the agreement should say

• Rent, due date and how it is paid.
• Security deposit and when and how it is refunded.
• Notice period for either side and the lock-in, if any.
• Who pays maintenance, electricity, water and property tax.
• Repairs: which are the owner's and which are the tenant's.

Police verification

Owners in Pune must give tenant details to the police. Pune Police accept tenant information online. Keep the acknowledgement.

Basic rights

• An owner may not cut off or withhold essential supplies or services such as water or electricity to force a tenant out (Section 29 of the Act).
• Ask for a receipt for every rent and deposit payment.
• Disputes over eviction under a leave and licence agreement go to the Competent Authority under the Act. For anything serious, speak to a lawyer.

Brokerage on rentals

Brokers usually charge an amount linked to the monthly rent. Read brokerage fees in Pune and see Pune areas.

Questions