Ziraat Times Team Report
Srinagar, March 18: India’s updated rental framework under the Model Tenancy Act is bringing clearer rules for both tenants and landlords, aiming to reduce disputes and formalise the rental housing market.
The new tenancy framework attempts to strike a balance – protecting tenants from exploitation while giving landlords legal confidence to rent out properties.
Here’s a point-by-point look at what has changed and what is new:
Key Changes for Tenants
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Mandatory Written Agreements
All rentals must now have a written agreement. Verbal arrangements are no longer legally sufficient. -
Cap on Security Deposit
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Residential: Maximum 2 months’ rent
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Commercial: Maximum 6 months’ rent
→ Ends the practice of demanding excessively high deposits.
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Regulated Rent Hikes
Landlords must give advance notice (typically 3 months) before increasing rent. -
Protection from Arbitrary Eviction
Tenants cannot be evicted without valid legal grounds and due process. -
Right to Privacy
Landlords must give prior notice (usually 24 hours) before entering the property.
Key Changes for Landlords
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Stronger Legal Protection
Landlords now have clearer legal backing in case of disputes or non-payment. -
Faster Eviction Process
Easier eviction in cases such as:-
Non-payment of rent
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Property misuse
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Expiry of tenancy
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No Overstay by Tenants
Tenants staying beyond lease without consent can face penalties or eviction.
What is New in the System
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Dedicated Dispute Resolution Mechanism
Creation of:-
Rent Authority
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Rent Courts
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Rent Tribunals
→ Cases expected to be resolved in a time-bound manner (around 60 days)
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Clear Division of Responsibilities
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Landlord: Structural repairs, major maintenance
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Tenant: Minor repairs, daily upkeep
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Mandatory Rent Receipts & Transparency
Payments and terms must be documented, reducing informal dealings.
Bigger Impact
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Moves India away from old rent control systems toward a balanced, market-driven model
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Encourages landlords to rent out vacant properties
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Provides tenants with greater security and predictability
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Implementation depends on individual states, as housing is a state subject.
