India’s new Home Rent Rules 2025 are set to reshape the rental housing landscape, placing tighter controls on deposits, documentation, inspections and rent increases. The reforms, aimed at modernising tenancy practices and curbing disputes, introduce both obligations and penalties that landlords must now comply with.
All tenancy agreements must be digitally stamped and registered online within 60 days of signing, with states upgrading their portals to streamline verification. Failure to register will attract penalties starting at Rs 5,000 and may render contracts unenforceable, exposing landlords to fraud risks and potential tribunal action.
For residential properties, security deposits are capped at two months’ rent, while commercial premises may collect up to six months. Deductions must be supported with photographic evidence to ensure transparency.
Rent can be revised only once a year and is capped at 5 percent plus CPI — up to a maximum of 10 percent. Landlords must issue a written notice at least 90 days in advance. The cap aims to prevent arbitrary increases while reinforcing the need for meticulous record-keeping.
Landlords may enter or inspect the property, but strict safeguards apply. A minimum of 24 hours’ written notice is mandatory, and visits must occur at a reasonable time of day. Repeated, intrusive or unannounced inspections can be challenged before the Rent Tribunal.
Eviction procedures have been streamlined, with fast-track tribunals empowered to resolve disputes within 60 days. Non-payment of rent for three months can trigger expedited eviction proceedings. Digital payment is compulsory for rents above Rs 5,000 a month, creating clear verifiable trails.
Both tenants and landlords must ensure a written tenancy agreement — digital or physical — is executed and registered online within the stipulated 60-day window.
