How to Register a Rent Agreement in India?

India’s rental housing framework is undergoing major reform. While the Registration Act, 1908 continues to govern the compulsory registration of the rental documents, the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (new evidence law) now governs the evidentiary value of rent agreements. Along with this, the New Rent Rules 2025 have introduced stricter norms such as digital stamping, mandatory online registration and capped security deposits.

In a market where disputes frequently arise over tenancy terms, deposits and rent escalation, registering a rent agreement is no longer optional, it is legally mandatory, technology-driven and strictly regulated under the updated system.

This guide will explain and explore the complete 2025 process and compliance requirements for registering a rent agreement in India.

Legal Basis for Rent Agreement Registration

Two core laws determine the validity and enforceability of rent agreements: -

a. Registration Act, 1908

Section 17(1)(d) makes registration compulsory for leases exceeding 11 months.

b. Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (New Evidence Law)

Under the new evidence law: -

• Only a registered rent agreement is treated as primary documentary evidence.
• Unregistered tenancy documents have very limited evidentiary value.
• Courts rely heavily on the digitally executed and registered agreements due to their reliability, credibility and authentication.

Updated 2025 Requirement: Mandatory Online Registration

Under New Rent Rules 2025, all rent agreements, even 11-month agreements must be: -

• Digitally stamped
• Registered online
• Completed within 60 days of signing

Handwritten or unregistered agreements are invalid for official and legal purposes.

Purpose and Legal Effect of a Registered Rent Agreement

A registered rent agreement: -

• It establishes legally valid tenancy
• It also helps to prevent fraud or tampering
• It clearly defines rights and obligations of landlord and tenant
• Acts as court-admissible evidence under Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam
• Is required for the purpose of: -
1. Police verification
2. Passport documentation
3. Address proof
4. Bank procedures
5. It also supports digital tenancy records introduced under 2025 reforms

The 2025 rules ensure stronger oversight and compliance across states.

3. Key Parties Involved

• Lessor / Landlord – Property owner
• Lessee / Tenant – Occupant
• Two Witnesses – With valid ID proof
• State Rent Registration Portal / Sub-Registrar
• Biometric Officer / e-KYC Agent (where its applicable)

Many states now support the process of Aadhaar-based biometric verification for convenience.

4. Essential Clauses in a Legally Valid Rent Agreement

A compliant agreement must include: -

• Property description
• Purpose of use (residential/commercial)
• Rent amount and payment mode
• Security deposit details
• Tenure and renewal
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Landlord inspection rights
• Termination rules
• 90-day notice period
• Rent revision terms
• Dispute resolution clause

New Requirements Under the 2025 Rules

Security Deposit Caps: -

• Residential: Maximum 2 months’ rent
• Commercial: Maximum 6 months’ rent

Rent Increase Regulation: -

• Increase only once in 12 months
• Prior 90-day written notice required

Digital Payment Requirement

Rent above prescribed limits must be paid digitally (UPI, bank transfer, IMPS, etc.).

Documents Required for Registration

1. Identity Proofs (Landlord & Tenant)

• Aadhaar
• PAN
• Voter ID / Passport

2. Property Documents

• Title deed / Sale deed
• Latest property tax receipt
• Utility bill

3. Other Documents

• Two passport-size photos
• Witness ID proofs
• Draft rent agreement
• Digital stamp certificate (mandatory from 2025)

All documents must be self-attested and clear.

Stamp Duty and Registration Fees (Updated for 2025)

Mandatory Digital Stamping

Stamp duty must be paid through: -

• E-stamp
• Digital stamping portals
• Authorized online vendors

Physical stamp paper is discontinued in many states after 2025.

Stamp Duty Calculation Depends On: -

• Annual rent (rent × 12)
• Security deposit
• Tenancy period
• Property type

Registration Fees

Usually ranges between ₹1,000 – ₹2,000, depending on the state.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

If the agreement is not digitally stamped or registered within 60 days: -

• Penalties up to ₹5,000
• Non-acceptance for official/legal purposes
• Possible rejection during the police verification.

Procedure for Registering a Rent Agreement 

Step 1: Drafting

Prepare a draft according to rent control laws and 2025 reforms.

Step 2: Digital Stamping

Obtain an e-stamp/digital stamp certificate online.

Step 3: Mandatory Online Registration

Upload: -

• Draft agreement
• ID proofs
• Property documents
• Digital stamp certificate

Complete OTP verification.

Step 4: Biometric Authentication

Through: - 

• Aadhaar e-KYC
• Agent visit
• Sub-Registrar biometric system

Step 5: Pay Registration Fees

Payment is fully digital.

Step 6: Receive Registered Rent Agreement

You receive: - 

• A digitally signed registered copy
• A unique digital registration number
• Permanent entry in state tenancy records

This is treated as conclusive and fully admissible in the eyes of the law as per the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

Offline Registration (Where Still Allowed)

Some states still allow physical registration at Sub-Registrar offices.

In such cases: -

• Carry digital stamp proof
• Bring original ID documents
• Complete biometrics on-site

However, online registration remains the mandatory standard under the 2025 system.

Consequences of Not Registering (As per 2025 Rules)

An unregistered agreement may lead to: -

• Inadmissibility of tenancy terms in court
• Difficulty in the eviction or claiming unpaid rent
• Rejection during police verification
• Penalties for non-registration
• Lack of recognition in digital tenancy systems

Under 2025 rules, unregistered agreements are treated as legally defective and unreliable.

Conclusion

Rent agreement registration in India has evolved into a digital, regulated and legally structured process under the New Rent Rules 2025.

With the mandatory online registration, digital stamping, regulated deposits and strict compliance norms, landlords and tenants must follow the updated procedures to ensure a valid and enforceable tenancy. A properly registered agreement now carries increased the evidentiary value under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, ensuring stronger legal protection and reduced disputes. Following the updated 2025 process is essential for safe, lawful and transparent renting. If you want online rent agreement, contact to CRSPL Business Consultants, our experts will help you.

Note: There are certain procedures, stamp duty rates, registration fees and online systems may vary from state to state. Users should verify specific requirements on their respective State Registration Department or Rent Authority portals.