Rent Agreement Format in India: What to Include, Stamp Duty and the 11-Month Rule

A clear rent agreement protects both the landlord and the tenant. Here is what it should cover.

What to include

• Names, addresses and ID of landlord and tenant
• Full address and description of the premises
• Period, start and end dates, and renewal terms
• Rent, due date and how it will be paid
• Security deposit and when and how it will be refunded
• Who pays maintenance, electricity, water and other bills
• Repairs: what the tenant fixes, what the landlord fixes
• Notice period and lock-in, if any
• Inventory of fittings, signed by both
• Signatures of both parties and two witnesses

Why 11 months?

Under the Registration Act, 1908, leases of one year or more must be registered. Many people use 11-month agreements to keep it simple, but some states require registration even for shorter agreements (for example leave and licence agreements in Maharashtra). Check your state's rule.

Stamp duty

Each state sets the stamp duty on rent agreements, often based on rent and deposit. Use e-stamp paper or non-judicial stamp paper of the right value.

Tenant police verification

Many cities require landlords to get tenants verified by the local police, often online through the state police citizen portal.

Get the Rent Agreement & Tenant Kit: agreements, inventory list, notices and deposit refund letter. Make monthly receipts free with the rent receipt generator.

General information as of October 2026, not legal advice.