Rent agreement in Karnataka
Karnataka has the highest urban rental share in India (Census 2011), driven by Bengaluru's large migrant workforce. Since 8 January 2026, the Karnataka Rent (Amendment) Act, 2025 caps residential security deposits at 2 months' rent and makes digital registration on the Kaveri 2.0 portal mandatory.
Legal essentials in Karnataka
Document type
Rental Agreement
Governing law
Karnataka Rent Act, 1999 (as amended by the Karnataka Rent (Amendment) Act, 2025)
Stamp duty
Stamp duty in Karnataka is 1% of the total rent + deposit amount. E-stamping available via SHCIL / Kaveri Online. Under the Karnataka Rent (Amendment) Act, 2025 (in force 8 January 2026), residential security deposits are capped at 2 months' rent and commercial deposits at 6 months' rent.
Registration
Mandatory — register digitally via the Kaveri 2.0 portal within 60 days of execution (₹5,000 penalty for non-compliance)
Stamp duty and registration rules can change — confirm the current figure on your state's official stamp/registration portal before you pay. See the full India rent guide for the Model Tenancy Act rules that apply across states.
Karnataka rent agreement — FAQs
Do I need to register a rent agreement in Karnataka?
Yes. Under the Karnataka Rent (Amendment) Act, 2025 — in force since 8 January 2026 — rental agreements must be registered digitally on the Kaveri 2.0 portal within 60 days of signing. Non-compliance carries a ₹5,000 penalty. The old 11-month workaround for avoiding registration no longer applies.
How much security deposit can a landlord charge in Karnataka?
Since January 2026, residential security deposits are capped at 2 months' rent and commercial deposits at 6 months' rent under the Karnataka Rent (Amendment) Act, 2025. The older 10-month deposit norm in Bengaluru is no longer enforceable.
What stamp duty applies in Karnataka?
Stamp duty is commonly around 1% of the total rent + deposit for typical residential agreements, with additional registration charges if you register. Verify the current rate on the Kaveri Online portal.
Is an 11-month agreement legally valid in Karnataka?
Yes, provided it is on the correct e-stamp paper, signed by both parties and two witnesses — but since January 2026 it must still be registered digitally on Kaveri 2.0 within 60 days, irrespective of the term. A registered agreement also carries the strongest evidentiary value if a dispute arises.
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Related reading
Sources
- The Model Tenancy Act, 2021 — PRS Legislative Research
- Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs — Model Tenancy Act
- The Registration Act, 1908 (registration of leases)
General information, not legal advice. Stamp duty and registration rules can change — verify with your state's Sub-Registrar or official portal.