What Are the Rules for Rent Agreement in Maharashtra?

November 28, 2025

A rent agreement is one of the most crucial legal documents when renting a property in Maharashtra. Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, understanding the rules helps avoid confusion, conflicts, and legal disputes. Maharashtra follows specific regulations under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999, along with government-prescribed stamp duty and registration norms.

This blog explains the essential rules you must follow while drafting and registering a rent agreement in Maharashtra.

1. Mandatory Registration for 12-Month Agreements

Any rent agreement made for 11 months or more must be registered legally under the Registration Act, 1908.
Unregistered long-term agreements are not valid in court and cannot be used as proof during disputes.

Most people create 11-month contracts to avoid compulsory registration, but if the tenancy is longer, registration is a must.

2. Valid Stamp Duty and e-Stamping Requirements

Stamp duty is applicable based on:

Property location
Monthly rent
Security deposit amount
Duration of the agreement

In Maharashtra, stamp duty is generally calculated as a percentage of the rent and deposit. You can purchase e-stamp paper online, making the process easy and legally compliant.

3. Security Deposit Rules

While there is no fixed legal cap, most rental agreements in Maharashtra follow:

1 to 3 months’ rent for residential properties
Higher deposits for commercial properties depending on negotiations

The deposit must be clearly mentioned in the agreement and returned at the end of tenancy after deducting any damages or pending dues.

4. Mention of Essential Terms

A legally valid rent agreement in Maharashtra must include:

Full names and address of landlord and tenant
Rent amount and payment cycle
Security deposit details
Duration (start and end date)
Maintenance charges (who pays)
Notice period for vacating
Conditions on renewal, eviction, and termination
List of amenities and property condition

Clear terms prevent misunderstandings and protect both parties.

5. Police Verification Is Mandatory

Tenants must undergo police verification, especially in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Nagpur.
Skipping this step may result in legal penalties for the landlord under state safety norms.

6. Digital and Aadhaar-Based Registration Available

Maharashtra offers online rent agreement registration (e-registration) authenticated with:

Aadhaar verification
Biometric/KYC verification

This helps tenants and landlords complete the entire process remotely without visiting a sub-registrar office.

7. Rules for Rent Increase

Rent cannot be increased arbitrarily. The agreement must specify:

The exact percentage of rent increase
The time interval (usually every 11 months or annually)
Whether the increase follows a mutual decision or legal rent control guidelines

8. Repair and Maintenance Responsibilities

As per common practice:

Landlord: Major structural repairs (plumbing, wiring, leakage)
Tenant: Regular minor maintenance and cleanliness

This division must be clearly written in the agreement.

9. Termination and Notice Period Rules

The agreement should include:

The notice period required before vacating (commonly 30 days)
Any penalty for premature exit
Conditions under which eviction is allowed

Legal eviction is allowed only on valid grounds such as non-payment of rent, misuse of property, or breach of agreement.

Conclusion

A rent agreement in Maharashtra is more than just a formality — it is a legally binding contract that protects the rights of both landlord and tenant. Following the rules regarding registration, stamp duty, transparency of terms, and verification ensures smooth tenancy and avoids legal complications.

Whether registering offline or through Maharashtra’s online rent agreement system, make sure your document is detailed, verified, and compliant.

Virtual Legal