Tenant & Housing
Understand your rights as a tenant — rent control, eviction protection, deposits, and maintenance obligations.
Know Your Rights
In Simple Words
Your landlord cannot throw you out of your rented home by force, lock you out, or cut off utilities to make you leave. Eviction can only happen through a proper court order. If you are a protected tenant under the Rent Control Act, the landlord needs specific legal grounds (like non-payment of rent, subletting, or personal need) to evict you.
Relevant Law
Model Tenancy Act, 2021 / State Rent Control Acts - Section 21 of the Model Tenancy Act, 2021
In Simple Words
When your rental agreement ends and you vacate the property, the landlord must return your security deposit. Under the Model Tenancy Act, the maximum deposit a landlord can take is 2 months' rent (for residential) and 6 months' rent (for commercial). Deductions can only be made for unpaid rent, unpaid bills, or genuine damage to the property (not normal wear and tear).
Relevant Law
Model Tenancy Act, 2021 - Section 8
In Simple Words
Your landlord cannot suddenly hike your rent in the middle of a lease. Rent can only be increased at the time of renewal and after giving proper written notice (usually 3 months). Many state Rent Control Acts limit the annual increase to a reasonable percentage. Under the Model Tenancy Act, rent can be revised only once in a year and the revision must follow the agreement terms.
Relevant Law
Model Tenancy Act, 2021 / State Rent Control Acts - Section 9 of the Model Tenancy Act, 2021
In Simple Words
Your landlord must ensure the rented property is safe and livable. Major structural repairs (roof, walls, plumbing, electrical wiring) are the landlord's responsibility. You are only responsible for minor day-to-day maintenance. If the landlord refuses to make essential repairs, you can get them done and deduct the cost from rent (with proper notice).
Relevant Law
Model Tenancy Act, 2021 - Section 12 and Section 14
In Simple Words
Once you rent a place, it becomes your home. Your landlord cannot enter the property without giving you at least 24 hours' advance notice and without a valid reason (like inspections or repairs). Surprise visits, entering without permission, or keeping duplicate keys to enter without consent are violations of your privacy.
Relevant Law
Model Tenancy Act, 2021 / Indian Constitution Article 21 - Section 18 of the Model Tenancy Act, 2021
In Simple Words
Your landlord cannot disconnect your water supply, electricity, gas, or other essential services as a tactic to force you to leave the property. This is illegal and amounts to harassment. Even if there is a rent dispute, the landlord must approach the Rent Authority or court — not resort to self-help measures.
Relevant Law
Model Tenancy Act, 2021 / State Rent Control Acts - Section 22 of the Model Tenancy Act, 2021
In Simple Words
You usually need your landlord's written permission to sublet (rent out part of or the entire property to someone else). If your rental agreement prohibits subletting and you still do it, the landlord can use this as a ground for eviction. However, if your agreement permits subletting or the landlord has given written consent, you can legally sublet.
Relevant Law
Transfer of Property Act, 1882 / State Rent Control Acts - Section 108(j) of the Transfer of Property Act, 1882
In Simple Words
Neither you nor your landlord can end the tenancy abruptly. Your rent agreement usually specifies a notice period (commonly 1-3 months). If there is no written agreement, the law generally requires one month's notice for month-to-month tenancies. The notice must be in writing and clearly state the date of termination.
Relevant Law
Transfer of Property Act, 1882 / Model Tenancy Act, 2021 - Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act, 1882
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