Rent Agreement Format in India (2026): A Free, Plain-English Guide

What is a rent agreement?

A rent agreement (or rental/tenancy agreement) is a written contract between a landlord and a tenant that records the terms on which a property is let out — the rent, the deposit, the duration, and each party's responsibilities.

Under the Model Tenancy Act, 2021, a written agreement is mandatory. Even where your state hasn't adopted that Act, a written agreement is what protects both sides if a dispute arises.

Clauses every rent agreement should contain

• Names, addresses and ID details (PAN/Aadhaar) of the landlord and tenant
• Full description and address of the property being rented
• Monthly rent, due date, and the mode of payment
• Security deposit amount and the conditions for its refund
• Tenure (start and end dates) and renewal terms
• Maintenance responsibilities — who pays for what
• Rules on subletting, alterations, and permitted use
• Notice period for vacating, and grounds for termination
• Signatures of both parties and two witnesses

The 11-month convention — why so common?

Most residential agreements in India run for 11 months. The reason is procedural: under the Registration Act, 1908, a lease of 12 months or more generally must be registered at the Sub-Registrar's office, which adds cost and time.

An 11-month term sidesteps compulsory registration while still being fully valid. It can be renewed on expiry.

Stamp duty and stamp paper

The agreement must be printed on stamp paper of the value your state prescribes, or e-stamped via SHCIL/NeSL. Stamp duty varies by state and is usually a small percentage of the annual rent plus deposit.

Maharashtra, for example, charges 0.25% of total rent + deposit for the licence period, while Karnataka charges around 1%. Always check the current rate for your state.

Registration vs notarisation

Registration at the Sub-Registrar's office gives the strongest legal standing and is mandatory in some states (and for longer tenures). Notarisation is a lighter step accepted for short tenures in several states.

Under the Model Tenancy Act, the tenancy must additionally be reported to the District Rent Authority within two months.

Create yours in 2 minutes

Score99 generates a state-specific rent agreement with all of the above clauses, correct stamp-duty guidance, and witness fields — for ₹199. You print it on stamp paper and you're done.