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Learn more about Lease Agreement in India

A Residential Lease Agreement is a document signed by a landlord and a tenant when a renter wants to rent a property in India. This lease agreement will assist you in becoming a better landlord. You have the most effective method for establishing a mutually beneficial landlord-tenant relation. When you sign into any form of Residential Lease arrangement, you must ensure that you have a legally binding agreement that outlines your rights and obligations as a landlord or tenant. You will have all of the stipulations in this Lease Agreement that safeguard the property from damage and the owner from nonpayment of rent. If you want to rent a property that is not for living purpose, you may use our Commercial Lease Agreement form for a business renter or the Land Leasing Agreement.

Table of contents


What is a Lease Agreement?

The Residential Lease Agreement refers to a legally binding contract between a landlord and his tenant that includes all of the terms for renting a house or apartment as a dwelling. This document is also known as a Landlord-tenant lease or an Apartment Leasing Agreement.

In the event of a disagreement, the Residential Lease Agreement protects both the landlord and the renter. State regulations frequently govern residential rental agreements. As a result, some of the suitable and enforceable language used in these papers differ from state to state. If you are a landlord or a tenant, you should consult an attorney about residential lease agreements.

A Residential Lease Agreement is a contract used by landlords to rent out real estate with the understanding that someone will be living there. The parties are often the property owner and the tenant, also known. The lease term will indicate how long the lease is for, what day the lease begins, and what day the lease ends, the rental payments, it should be written down how much rent is due, how frequently (weekly, monthly, annually), and when it is due.

If the tenant fails to comply with the conditions of his residential lease agreement, the landlord has the legal right to terminate the lease and evict the tenant. If this occurs, the renter may be compelled to pay the remaining months of the lease as well as a penalty for breach of the agreement. If the lease expires under regular conditions, the tenant must notify the landlord of his intention to vacate ahead of time. If he does not, the monthly payments may be automatically renewed on a month-to-month basis since the landlord cannot simply lease the property to a new renter before the existing tenant leaves.

What types of properties are covered by the Lease Agreement?

A Rental Lease Agreement can be used for several sorts of residential properties:

➤ Apartment
➤ Condo
➤ Duplex
➤ House
➤ Office
➤ Townhouse

What is included in the lease Agreement?

A Lease Agreement’s typical contents include:

➤ The names of the lessor and lessee, as well as their representatives.
➤ The property's description
➤ Rent payment method
➤ Methods for terminating the agreement prior to the expiration date, as well as any fees
➤ The amount of the security deposit and the account in which it is stored
➤ Utilities provided by the lessor, and how the price for such services will be established if the lessor charges for such utilities
➤ On-site amenities and facilities that the tenant is authorised to use, such as a swimming pool, laundry, or security systems
➤ Rules and regulations such as pet rules, noise restrictions, and penalties for violations
➤ Identification of available parking, including reserved parking places, if available
➤ How tenant repair requests are handled, as well as emergency protocols

A Leasing Agreement should also include the following clauses:

Duration: The length of time the leasing agreement will be in force
Rent: The compensation or payment provided to the lessor by the lessee in exchange for the leased property
Deposits: The necessary deposit amount (if any), the purpose of each deposit, and the terms for deposit return or modification at the conclusion of the lease period
Terms of Use: The purpose for which the property is to be used, as well as the terms and conditions for using the property
Utilities: Which utilities are included in the rent and which are the responsibility of the renter
Insurance: Whether or not the lessee is obligated to insure the property - most commonly used in business leasing agreements
Repairs and Upkeep: The party responsible for the property's repairs and maintenance – the lessor or lessee

Why use a Lease Agreement?

The benefits of a written lease are often thought to be certainty and clarity. The lease specifies the rent for the length of the lease. Unless the agreement expressly indicates otherwise, rent cannot be raised throughout the lease period. A lease specifies the tenant’s and landlord’s responsibilities. If there are any disagreements between the tenant and the landlord, the lease indicates what the parties agreed upon. There are sometimes misconceptions between the renter and landlord when there is no signed lease.

A Leasing Arrangement can benefit the lessee by providing access to and use of an item that they might not be able to afford otherwise.

A lessor might gain from a lease arrangement by converting an underutilized asset into a source of revenue. If the lessor has a valuable item but does not use it, they would be better off leasing it to another party who will use it and get rental payments.

What to do before signing a Lease Agreement?

Step 1. Examine the property

Before signing a lease, you should always check the property. And inspect everything thoroughly!

Make a list of the primary qualities or needs you’re searching for in a house to evaluate if it’s practical and a good fit for you. You should also be on the lookout for any symptoms of bugs or rodents.

It’s also a good opportunity to get a broad sense of the complex, street, or neighbourhood to determine whether you’d like to live there, noting amenities like stores, neighbours, and safety.

Furthermore, if you will be living with others, you should invite them to the rental inspection as well.

This should prevent any disappointment if the property does not meet their expectations…and you from being blamed!

If the owner requests it, you must additionally fill out a Rental Application.

Step 2. Inquire whether any damage will be repaired

Whether you see any damage during the inspection, ask the agent or landlord if it will be repaired before you move in. If they agree, get it in writing to avoid any misunderstandings later on.

Step 3. Carefully read the lease

While it may appear tedious and complicated, read the full lease agreement to ensure you understand precisely what you’re signing up for. Keep a look out for any lease clauses that are too tight or unfair for your tenancy or lifestyle. You should also pay close attention to any lease termination costs and terms.
Also, double-check the lease length, rental price, how frequently and how rent must be paid to confirm it matches what was advertised and what the agent informed you directly.

Better still, ask if you may take the lease home for a day so you can read it thoroughly and without being hurried into anything.

Step 4. Inquire about the rent included

Check with the agent to see what precisely is included in the rent. Is the cost of water included in the rent? And, if there is a yard, would regular garden upkeep be included, or will it be your responsibility and expense?

Step 5. Determine whether property modifications are permitted

If you want to make any changes to the property, you should consult with the agent beforehand. This may involve nailing a painting to a wall, planting some of your favorite shrubs in the garden, or painting a nursery room.

Step 6. Determine if you will be permitted to sublet

If you want to sublease a room to make some extra money, be careful to check with the agent beforehand, as leases typically include a provision against subletting. You must check on this first, whether you want to locate someone to share with and eventually put on the lease yourself, or rent a place through a room-sharing service like Airbnb. This may not only be against the landlord’s wishes, but it may also be against strata by-laws if you live in a complex.

Step 7. Find out whether your pet is accepted

Check whether the property is pet friendly if you have a pet or believe you might want one in the near future.

If pets are permitted, make certain you understand what this entails. They may still be restricted from coming inside or making any noise. It may also be limited to a certain sort of pet, such as a little outdoor dog.

You should also consider the property’s compatibility for your pet, such as if it is properly and securely fenced. You may have additional questions about a property, and it’s a good idea to clarify these points – as well as those mentioned above, where applicable – before signing a lease so you know exactly what you’re getting into in a new home.

What can the Landlord do if the tenant refuses to pay the rent?

Living in or expanding your entry into someone else’s property without his authorization is a felony.

A tenant is obligated by Indian law to pay his rent on time and is not permitted to live on the owner’s property without paying rent.

The basic component of trespass is entering someone else’s property. Trespass cannot be represented by a mere assertion or declaration that a person may access the property. A physical trespass must occur in order for a trespass case to be registered. If someone enters a property where he has not been expressly or generally permitted to access, he has committed trespass.

Trespass is committed if someone does not leave the property after the time he was granted consent to leave has elapsed.

Under Indian Law, a tenant’s occupation or lengthy stay without paying rent might be considered trespass:

➤ Sections 103 and 104 empower the landlord to use force to evict the renter. However, only when required to safeguard the property; otherwise, the owner may be charged with violence.
➤ According to Section 108 (o) of the Transfer of Property Act of 1882, the owner has the right to evacuate his residence if the rent agreement is violated, and non-payment of rent might be regarded as a breach.

Trespass of an individual’s property without his agreement, by another person without authority, is defined as criminal trespass in Section 441 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

According to the Section, if an unauthorised individual enters another person’s property without his authorization, he will be prosecuted for criminal trespass.

The punishment for criminal trespass is specified in Section 447 of the Indian Penal Code: If the renter refuses to leave your property even after being ordered to do so, he will be chastised for criminal trespass. Criminal trespass is punishable by imprisonment for up to three months or a fine of up to five hundred rupees, or both.

How to legally terminate a Lease in India?

A Legal Notice for Lease Termination is a communication sent by one party to another party to a Lease Agreement telling them that they have violated the conditions of the lease by failing to execute their portion of the duties.

In such a case, one party is required to serve the other party with a legal notice. This explains in full how they were unable to satisfy the provisions of the Agreement. This is the first step in terminating a Lease Agreement between two parties.

Unless the landlord agrees to a shorter notice period, a tenant must submit at least 21 days’ written notice to discontinue the tenancy. This contract should be in writing. To discontinue a tenancy, a landlord must provide at least 90 days’ written notice.

If a renter has a month-to-month lease or rental agreement and the landlord wants the tenant to leave, the landlord must provide the tenant 30 days’ notice if the tenant has been occupied for a year or has a lease for at least one year.

What Tenants should know about Lease Agreement

What can I take out of my security deposit?

Most costs connected to regular wear and tear, such as paint fading, carpet damage, or filthy blinds, are not deductible. You can address damaged or hygienic issues that are regarded outside of normal use, such as structural damage or excessive dirt.

Can I raise the rent before the lease ends?

To modify the rent, you must usually wait until the lease expires. If you want to raise the rent, you must provide 30 or 60 days’ notice so that the present Tenant may decide whether to sign a new lease for the higher sum or vacate. Local legislation may apply to the mandatory notice time.

What if I am unable to pay the entire security deposit?

If you are unable to pay the full security deposit, you should inquire with the Landlord about making a payment arrangement. You must adhere to your payment schedule or face eviction.

What should I do if my lease is coming to an end?

Inform your landlord of your intention to stay. You must offer your Landlord at least 21 days’ notice if you do not wish to renew your lease. Examine your lease to discover if you agreed to a longer notice period. If you don’t know when you’ll be leaving, you might be allowed to start a month-to-month lease.

How can I reclaim my security deposit?

The length of time it takes to get your security deposit in India is governed by legislation, and this information may be contained in your original rental agreement. Make sure the Landlord knows your new postal address so that the cheque may be sent to you. If the unit is not returned in the same condition as it was received, certain charges will be taken from your deposit.

Are landlords required to allow dogs in their properties?

Landlords are not obligated to allow dogs on their property. If you want to bring a pet, make sure you get permission from the owner beforehand.

What Landlords should know about Lease Agreement

What are landlords legally obligated to do?

You are responsible as a landlord for making the required repairs to make the property livable. You are also responsible for fulfilling your end of the rental agreement, such as paying for utilities or lawn care.

Can I set a limit on the number of tenants?

You may if you follow local housing rules. The basic rule is two persons plus one per room. Using this rule of thumb, the maximum number of Tenants for a two-bedroom apartment would be five.

How much security deposit may I request?

Tenants are required to provide a security deposit of no less than two months’ rent.

Can I rent out my condominium flat in India for a short time?

Renting out your condominium apartment for business purposes is not permitted in India. To rent a property in India, owners mostly utilize the following platforms: Airbnb, Booking, DD Property, or Rent My Stay.

What can I take out of my security deposit?

Most costs connected to regular wear and tear, such as paint fading, carpet damage, or filthy blinds, are not deductible. You can address damaged or hygienic issues that are regarded outside of normal use, such as structural damage or excessive dirt.

Can I raise the rent before the lease ends?

To modify the rent, you must usually wait until the lease expires. If you want to raise the rent, you must provide 30 or 60 days’ notice so that the present Tenant may decide whether to sign a new lease for the higher sum or vacate. Local legislation may apply to the mandatory notice time.

What can I take out of my security deposit?

Most costs connected to regular wear and tear, such as paint fading, carpet damage, or filthy blinds, are not deductible. You can address damaged or hygienic issues that are regarded outside of normal use, such as structural damage or excessive dirt.

Can I raise the rent before the lease ends?

To modify the rent, you must usually wait until the lease expires. If you want to raise the rent, you must provide 30 or 60 days’ notice so that the present Tenant may decide whether to sign a new lease for the higher sum or vacate. Local legislation may apply to the mandatory notice time.

What if I decide not to renew my lease with a Tenant?

If you do not want to extend a lease with a Tenant, you must notify the Tenant ahead of time that the lease is about to expire and that you do not wish to renew it. In India, you must offer 90 days’ notice.

Are verbal leasing agreements legally binding?

Yes, in many circumstances, as long as you can simply demonstrate that there is an agreement between the Landlord and the Tenant. The conditions of the agreement, on the other hand, might be difficult to show in court. That is why it is critical to establish the conditions and have both parties sign them (particularly if the agreement is long-term).

Should I permit subletting?

In some circumstances, subletting can benefit landlords by reducing vacancy times. If a Tenant requests to sublease, they may be experiencing financial difficulties or just needing to relocate. In either case, subletting may be a great strategy to keep the apartment occupied if you choose the right subletter and record the transaction with a sublease agreement.

How can I learn about rent laws in India?

Consultation with a local attorney is an important starting step. A lawyer may analyze your rental documents and advise you on how to comply with the applicable legislation.

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