What a rent agreement should include
- Names, addresses and ID details of the owner and all adult tenants.
- Full address and description of the property.
- Monthly rent, the due date and how it is paid.
- Security deposit, and when and how it is returned.
- Start date, term, lock-in period and notice period.
- Who pays electricity, water, maintenance and repairs.
- What the property can be used for, and house rules.
- A list of furniture, appliances and meter readings on move-in.
- Rent increase on renewal, and signatures of both parties and two witnesses.
Why many agreements are for 11 months
A lease of one year or more generally has to be registered, so many owners and tenants sign an 11-month agreement and renew it. Longer leases, especially commercial ones, are often worth registering for stronger legal standing.
Stamp paper and registration
Stamp duty depends on the rent, deposit and term. In Madhya Pradesh, e-stamping and registration run through the state’s Sampada system. Check the current amount with a licensed stamp vendor, a document writer or a lawyer before you sign.
Read our rental safety tips before you visit or pay.