Renting a home in Pune? Whether you are a student moving to Viman Nagar, an IT professional in Hinjewadi, or a family settling in Kothrud, the most critical step before moving in is the Rental Agreement. In Pune (and across Maharashtra), a verbal agreement is legally worthless. To protect your rights as a tenant or a landlord, you must have a Registered Leave and License Agreement.
Many newcomers confuse "Notarized Agreements" with "Registered Agreements." Let's be clear: In Pune, a Notarized agreement is useless for address proof (like Passport/Aadhaar updates) or police verification. Only a registered agreement works. This guide covers the end-to-end process, the real costs involved, and the documents you need in 2026.
1. Overview of Pune Rental Agreement Rules
The rental market in Pune is governed by the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999. According to Section 55, every tenancy agreement must be in writing and registered. It is the responsibility of the Landlord to ensure registration. If not done, the landlord faces a fine of up to ₹5,000 and potential imprisonment. For tenants, an unregistered agreement means you have no legal proof of residence.
2. Types of Rental Agreements in Pune
You will hear about two types. Ignore the first one.
A. Notarized Agreement (Avoid This)
This is just a stamp paper signed by a notary. It costs less (₹300-₹500) but has zero legal value in court for rental disputes. It is NOT accepted by the Police, Passport Seva Kendra, or even for an internet connection in many cases.
B. Registered Leave and License Agreement (Mandatory)
This is a government-recorded document, scanned and stored in the IGR Maharashtra database. It is the only option that offers legal safety.
Note: In Maharashtra, we use "Leave and License" instead of "Lease" for residential properties. This legally ensures the tenant is a "licensee" and cannot claim ownership rights, making landlords more willing to rent out.
3. Online Rental Agreement Registration Process
You don't need to visit the SRO office anymore. The Government of Maharashtra has a robust E-Registration facility. You can register your agreement from your living room if both parties have an Aadhaar card.
The Steps:
- Drafting: Create the draft with clauses for rent, deposit, lock-in period, and maintenance.
- Data Entry: Upload details of the Landlord, Tenant, and two Witnesses on the IGR E-Filing website.
- Biometric Verification: Both parties and witnesses scan their fingerprints using a biometric device. This links to the Aadhaar database.
- Payment: Pay Stamp Duty and Registration fees online via GRAS.
- Approval: The Sub-Registrar officer verifies the data digitally. You get the PDF of the Registered Agreement via email within 2-3 days.
Don't have a biometric device? Most people don't. Just hire a "Doorstep Service" provider. They bring the laptop and scanner to your home for a fee (usually ₹500-₹1000 extra). It's worth the convenience.
4. Stamp Duty Charges for Rental Agreement
Unlike buying a flat, the stamp duty for rent is low and standard across Maharashtra.
- Stamp Duty Rate: 0.25% of the Total Rent + Refundable Deposit.
- Formula: Stamp Duty = 0.25% × [(Monthly Rent × Months) + Deposit + (10% of Non-Refundable Deposit)].
Example Calculation:
- Rent: ₹20,000/month for 11 months = ₹2,20,000
- Deposit: ₹50,000
- Total Value: ₹2,70,000
- Stamp Duty: 0.25% of ₹2,70,000 = ₹675
5. Registration Charges
This is the processing fee paid to the government.
| Location |
Registration Fee |
| Urban Areas (PMC/PCMC limits) |
₹1,000 |
| Rural Areas (Gram Panchayat) |
₹500 |
6. Documents Required
Keep these handy. Missing documents is the #1 reason for delays.
For Landlord (Owner)
- Aadhaar Card: Mandatory.
- PAN Card: Required for identification.
- Electricity Bill / Index II: To prove you actually own the property.
For Tenant
- Aadhaar Card: Mandatory.
- PAN Card: Good to have.
- Permanent Address Proof: If different from Aadhaar (e.g., hometown address).
For Witnesses (Two)
- Aadhaar Card: Mandatory.
- Witnesses can be anyone—friends, colleagues, or neighbors. They just need to verify you are who you say you are.
7. Tenant Police Verification (Mandatory)
Registering the agreement is Step 1. Police Verification is Step 2. In Pune, it is mandatory to inform the local police station about the new tenant.
The Process:
Reality Check: Many brokers skip this. Don't let them. Failure to do this can lead to a case under Section 188 of the IPC against the landlord.
8. The "Brokerage" Reality
If you are using a broker (which is likely in Pune), the standard brokerage fee is 1 month's rent from both parties. This is usually non-negotiable in hot markets like Baner or Kharadi.
Insider Tip: Ensure the broker handles the agreement registration coordination as part of their service. However, note that brokers usually outsource this to a specialist agent. Don't be surprised if a third person (not your broker) shows up with the biometric device.
9. Validity & Renewal
Most agreements in Pune are for 11 months. Why?
- Legal Safety: Avoiding long-term tenancy claims.
- Stamp Duty: Keeps the duty calculation low.
Renewal: You cannot simply "extend" an expired agreement. You must create a new agreement, pay stamp duty again, and register it again. An expired agreement offers ZERO legal protection.
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the Lock-in Period: If the agreement says "6 months lock-in," the tenant cannot leave (and owner cannot ask them to leave) without paying rent for that period. Be clear about this.
- Notice Period Confusion: Standard notice is 1 month. Ensure this is written clearly.
- Maintenance Charges: Who pays the society maintenance? Usually, the Landlord pays, but clarify this in the draft.
- Furniture List: If renting a furnished flat, attach a list of items (Annexure). It prevents disputes about a "missing chair" or "broken TV" when you move out.
- The "Painting Charge" Surprise: Many Pune landlords deduct 1 month's rent for "painting and cleaning" upon exit, regardless of the flat's condition. Clarify this before signing. Ask: "Is painting mandatory on exit?"
11. Cost Breakdown Example (Total Cost)
If you hire a service provider for doorstep registration in Pune, here is the realistic cost:
- Government Fees: ~₹1,700 (₹1000 Reg + ~₹700 Stamp Duty)
- Service Provider Fee: ₹800 - ₹1,500 (for biometric visit & drafting)
- Total: Approx ₹2,500 - ₹3,500.
This is a small price for legal peace of mind. Compare this to the risk of eviction or deposit forfeiture.
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a rental agreement as address proof for Passport?
Yes, but ONLY if it is a Registered Rent Agreement. Notarized agreements are rejected by the Passport Seva Kendra.
2. Who pays the Stamp Duty and Registration charges?
Legally, it can be shared. Market practice in Pune? The Tenant usually pays the agreement cost. Sometimes, it is split 50-50.
3. Is Police Verification required if I renew the agreement?
Yes. Every time a new agreement is made (even with the same tenant), a fresh police intimation is required.
4. Can I register the agreement without the owner being present?
Yes, if the owner gives a specific Power of Attorney (POA) to someone else. However, the owner's Aadhaar biometric is preferred for the online process.
5. What if the tenant refuses to vacate?
If you have a Registered Leave and License Agreement, you can approach the Competent Authority for fast-track eviction. This is why registration is non-negotiable.
Final Word
A Registered Rental Agreement is your legal shield in Pune's rental market. It protects the tenant's deposit and the landlord's property. Don't cut corners with a notarized paper. Use the online process, pay the nominal stamp duty, and ensure your stay is hassle-free. Whether you are renting near the upcoming Metro stations or in established suburbs, a clear paper trail is your best friend.
