From rent to repairs: Why written rent agreement is essential for tenants

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Renting an accommodation is a common living arrangement for students and employees. However, in many places, tenancy agreements are often still based on informal or verbal understandings that hold little legal weight in case of disputes.

Hence, a written agreement becomes essential for legal recourse. A rent agreement is executed on stamp paper (or e-stamp paper) and is enforceable in court. Electronic stamp papers can be generated and purchased online from state-specific portals like Uttar Pradesh’s IGRSUP, or physically from the Sub-Registrar's office or a local notary.

Essentials in agreement

A rent agreement must include the monthly rent amount and its due date. It must mention the security deposit amount and lock-in period.

The duration of tenancy, along with the notice period required for termination, should also be written. The agreement must also mention the number of occupants, the nature of property use, and whether the tenant can sublease the property to another individual. Factors like the number of lights, taps, and main door keys must also be looked for. Additionally, the agreement must clearly define the maintenance responsibilities regarding major and minor repairs, and the extent to which alterations can be made on a property.

This ensures that the landlord cannot arbitrarily deduct from your security deposit or charge you for repairs you aren’t responsible for. Make sure go through the document or get consultation from a broker or advocate and flag anyunclear or disputed conditions as changes after the agreement become complex.

Documents required

Documents required for a legal agreement include the landlord’s proof of ownership of the property (sale deed, conveyance deed, allotment letter, etc.),

and the police verification of tenants. Both the landlord and the tenant require a passport-sized photograph, address proof, and Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID). Police verification of the tenants is necessary, and legal action can be taken against the landlord if an unverified tenant is found to be involved in illegal activities. Usually, identity and address proofs of two witnesses are also required if the agreement is registered. Under the Registration Act of 1908, registration is mandatory for rent agreements exceeding 11 months.