Renting · checklist
Before renting a home
What to confirm before the deposit leaves your account.
The essentials
0 of 4- Meet the ownerAsk for an identity document and the tax receipt in the same name. Never pay a deposit to someone you have not met.
- Read the deposit clauseTen months in Bengaluru, two in Mumbai — but the refund terms matter more than the amount.
- Photograph everythingOn the day you move in, photograph every wall, fitting and meter reading, and email the set to the owner.
- Check the society rulesMove-in timings, visitor policy, pet policy and any deposit the society itself collects.
The agreement
0 of 5What should be in writing before you move in.
- Rent, due date and escalationFigures and a stated percentage at renewal, not 'as mutually agreed'.
- Deposit refund deadlineA number of days after handover, and a closed list of what may be deducted.
- Lock-in and noticeThe same for both sides unless there is a reason not to.
- Who pays maintenance and repairsSociety maintenance, minor repairs and structural repairs, each named.
- Stamped, and registered where requiredStamp duty is set by your state; in Maharashtra a leave and licence agreement must be registered whatever its term.
Moving in
0 of 3- Police tenant verificationMany cities require it; the owner usually submits it, and you provide the documents.
- Meter readingsElectricity, water and gas, photographed on the day you move in.
- Rent by bank or UPI, with receiptsA clean record for HRA and for the deposit refund.
Common questions
Does my rent agreement have to be registered?
A lease for more than one year must be registered under section 17 of the Registration Act, 1908, which is why eleven-month agreements are common. In Maharashtra, leave and licence agreements must be registered whatever the term.