Rent agreement in West Bengal
West Bengal tenancies are governed by the West Bengal Premises Tenancy Act, 1997. Stamp duty is tiered by the length of the term, and registration becomes compulsory for agreements of 12 months or more — so 11-month terms are the norm across Kolkata and Howrah.
Legal essentials in West Bengal
Document type
Rent Agreement
Governing law
West Bengal Premises Tenancy Act, 1997
Stamp duty
Stamp duty in West Bengal is charged on a tiered scale based on the lease term and rent under the Indian Stamp Act as applicable in the state. Use the official calculator on the Directorate of Registration & Stamp Revenue portal (wbregistration.gov.in) for the exact figure; e-stamping and fee payment are handled online.
Registration
Mandatory if duration > 11 months
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.
West Bengal rent agreement — FAQs
Do I need to register a rent agreement in West Bengal?
Registration with the Sub-Registrar becomes compulsory for terms of 12 months or more under the Registration Act, 1908, so most agreements are kept to 11 months. Registering even a shorter agreement gives stronger evidentiary value if a dispute arises.
What stamp duty applies in West Bengal?
Stamp duty is charged on a tiered scale based on the term and rent. Use the official calculator on the Directorate of Registration & Stamp Revenue portal (wbregistration.gov.in) for the exact figure before buying stamp paper.
Is an 11-month agreement valid in Kolkata?
Yes. A correctly stamped 11-month agreement signed by both parties and two witnesses is valid and enforceable, and can simply be renewed on expiry.
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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.