What is this service?
The contract between landlord and tenant for occupation of a property.
A rental agreement records the rent, deposit, duration, lock-in, maintenance responsibilities, notice period and what happens on default. In Bengaluru, residential agreements are commonly made for eleven months and renewed, but the right structure depends on your tenancy - registration and stamping rules must be checked for your case, not assumed.
Why and when you need it
- Why
- It protects the deposit, fixes rent and notice, and is the first document asked for in any dispute.
- Who needs it
- Landlords and tenants of houses, apartments, villas and PG accommodation.
- When
- Before handing over possession or paying the deposit.
Required documents
- Ownership proof of the landlord (title deed or Khatha)
- Identity proofs of landlord and tenant
- Property address and schedule
- Agreed rent, deposit and terms
Identity and supporting documents
- PAN card of each applicant or party
- Aadhaar card or another government photo identity and address proof
- Passport-size photographs
- For companies and associations: incorporation documents, board resolution and authorisation letter
Step-by-step procedure
- Verify the landlord's ownership or authority to rent
- Fix rent, deposit, duration, lock-in, notice and maintenance terms
- Draft the agreement with schedules for furnishings and condition
- Stamp the agreement correctly and sign with witnesses
- Register where the law requires for the agreed term
Fees, stamp duty and timelines
- Government fee
- Government fees, where applicable, are paid only on the official portal or at the government office. Confirm the current amount on the official portal before payment.
- Assistance charges
- Professional assistance charges are quoted after understanding your requirement. Government fees and SRCHN service charges are always shown separately. Confirm the final quote before work begins.
- Processing time
- Processing time varies by office and case. No completion timeline is guaranteed.
Government fees and SRCHN assistance charges are always kept separate. Nothing here is an invented price - confirm current amounts on the official portal or with our team before paying.
Legal requirements
- Karnataka Rent Act, 1999 and the Transfer of Property Act, 1882 as applicable
- Registration Act, 1908 - leases beyond the exempted period require registration
- Karnataka Stamp Act, 1957
Common rejection reasons
- No lock-in or notice clause - disputes on early exit
- Deposit refund terms not recorded
- Landlord's ownership or authority not verified
Important cautions
Do not assume an 11-month agreement is universally exempt from registration - check the current law for your tenancy
Notarisation does not replace registration where registration is required
Record the condition of the property and furnishings in a schedule with photos
FAQs
Is an 11-month agreement always enough?
Eleven-month agreements are common practice, but the exemption from registration depends on the law applicable to your tenancy and term. Confirm for your case - do not assume.
Should the agreement be notarised or registered?
It depends on the term and the law. Notarisation authenticates signatures; registration is a separate legal requirement where applicable.
What deposit terms should be recorded?
Amount, what it secures, deductions allowed, interest if any, and the exact timeline and mode of refund on vacating.
