Sale Agreement
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Documentation
Rent Agreement Drafting Online
Get your rent agreement online – a clear agreement that protects landlord and tenant alike, covering rent, deposit, maintenance, lock-in and notice, with e-stamping guidance for your state.
- 1–2 working days
- Drafted by lawyers
- E-stamping guidance
- Two revision rounds
What is a rent agreement?
A rent agreement is the written contract between a landlord and a tenant that sets out the rent, deposit, duration and the rules both sides follow while the tenant lives in the property. A clear rent agreement prevents most landlord–tenant disputes, serves as the tenant's address proof for bank accounts, Aadhaar, passports and gas connections, and is the evidence either side relies on if something goes wrong.
Why most rent agreements are for 11 months
Under the Registration Act, a lease of immovable property for more than a year – or from year to year – must be registered with the sub-registrar. That is why most residential rent agreements are made for 11 months and then renewed: they still need the correct stamp duty, but they can usually be signed on e-stamp paper and notarised instead of being registered. Longer leases should be registered, and some states have their own rules – in Maharashtra, for example, every leave and licence agreement must be registered whatever its length.
What a good rent agreement covers
| Clause | What to agree |
|---|---|
| Parties and property | Full names, addresses and ID details; the property address and what is included – parking, furniture and appliances |
| Rent and payment | Monthly rent, due date, mode of payment and late-payment terms |
| Security deposit | Amount, what it can be adjusted against, and when it will be refunded after the tenant leaves |
| Term, renewal and increase | Start date, duration, how the agreement is renewed and the rent increase on renewal |
| Lock-in and notice | Any lock-in period, and the notice either side must give to end the agreement |
| Maintenance and bills | Who pays society maintenance, electricity, water, gas and internet; who handles minor and major repairs |
| Use of the property | Residential use only, sub-letting, guests, pets and alterations |
| Inventory | A list of fittings and furniture with their condition at move-in |
| Exit | Handover condition, deductions for damage, and what happens if the tenant stays on |
Security deposit
Deposits vary widely by city – from one or two months' rent in many places to much more in some metros. The Model Tenancy Act, 2021 caps residential deposits at two months' rent in states that adopt it. Whatever you agree, the rent agreement should state when the deposit will be returned and what can be deducted from it.
Stamp duty, e-stamping and registration
Stamp duty is set by each state and usually depends on the rent, the deposit and the term. Most states offer e-stamp paper, and the agreement is signed by both parties and two witnesses. If it is registered, the landlord and tenant (or their power of attorney holders) appear before the sub-registrar. We tell you the stamp duty for your state and guide you through e-stamping and, where needed, registration.
Renewing or ending a rent agreement
An 11-month agreement does not renew by itself. Before it expires, sign a fresh agreement with the revised rent – most agreements allow an increase on renewal – and pay fresh stamp duty. To end it, the side leaving gives the notice set out in the agreement; the landlord inspects the property, settles any dues and refunds the deposit as agreed. Record the handover with meter readings and photographs, so there is no argument about deductions later.
Rent agreements, HRA and tax
- Salaried tenants claiming HRA usually need rent receipts and the rent agreement; if the annual rent is more than ₹1 lakh, the landlord's PAN is also needed.
- Individual tenants paying rent of more than ₹50,000 a month must deduct TDS on the rent.
- Landlords must declare rental income in their tax return – see our income tax return filing service.
Tenant verification
Many city police departments ask landlords to submit tenant verification details. Keep copies of the tenant's ID proof and photographs with the agreement – the documents you share with us cover both.
Shops, offices and disputes
For shops, offices and warehouses, use a commercial lease agreement, which deals with lock-in, fit-outs, GST on rent and longer terms. If the landlord lives elsewhere, a power of attorney lets a family member sign for them. If a tenant stops paying or will not leave, or a landlord does not return the deposit, a legal notice is usually the first step.
Documents required for Rent Agreement
After you purchase, log in to My Account → My Services and upload each document below. Scanned copies or clear phone photos (PDF, JPG or PNG) are fine. Your files are stored privately and seen only by your assigned expert.
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ID proof of landlord Aadhaar or PAN Required
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ID proof of tenant(s) Aadhaar or PAN of each tenant Required
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Ownership proof of the property Latest electricity bill, property tax receipt or title deed Required
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Permanent address proof of tenant If different from the ID proof If applicable
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Passport-size photographs Of landlord and tenant(s), where registration is planned If applicable
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Agreed terms Rent, deposit, start date, duration, notice period and any special terms Required
Rent Agreement process with Nevo Legal
Submit Basic Information
Share property details, tenant and landlord info, rent terms, and any special clauses.
Document Review
We verify ownership and identity documents.
Draft Preparation
A lawyer drafts your customized Rent Agreement.
Review & Finalize
You review the draft and request changes if needed.
Stamping/Registration (Optional)
We assist with e-stamping or guide you for registration based on your state’s law.
What you get
- Personalized Rent Agreement drafted by legal experts
- Clauses covering rent, deposit, maintenance, termination, etc.
- Option for e-Stamping or physical stamping (state-wise)
- Guidance on registration (if applicable)
- Editable soft copy and printable PDF version
- Two free rounds of revisions
Rent Agreement – frequently asked questions
Is registration of Rent Agreement mandatory?
If the rental period is more than 11 months, registration is required in most states. For 11-month agreements, notarization is usually sufficient.
What is the typical duration of a Rent Agreement?
Standard residential rent agreements are usually for 11 months, renewable as needed. Commercial leases may be longer.
Who pays for the stamp duty and registration charges?
This depends on mutual agreement. Usually, it’s either shared or paid by the tenant.
Can I use an online Rent Agreement?
Yes. Legally valid Rent Agreements can be made online with digital signatures and e-stamping in many states.
Can the landlord increase the rent arbitrarily?
Only if there’s a clause in the agreement allowing revision after a specified period or upon renewal.
How long does it take to prepare a Rent Agreement?
Typically, 1–2 working days after receiving all the necessary details and documents.
Is a notarised rent agreement valid?
Yes, for an 11-month agreement on the correct stamp paper. Notarisation is proof of signing; it does not replace registration where registration is required.
How much security deposit can a landlord ask for?
There is no national limit – it is as agreed. In states that have adopted the Model Tenancy Act, 2021, the deposit for a home is capped at two months’ rent.
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Not sure which service you need?
Speak to a Nevo Legal expert. We will understand your requirement and recommend the right legal route – no obligation.