Rental Agreement Format — Download Free Sample (India 2026)

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About this Rental Agreement

A rental agreement — most commonly executed in India as a Leave and License Agreement — is a written contract between a property owner (Licensor) and the occupant (Licensee) that defines the licence period, monthly rent, security deposit, permitted use, and the responsibilities of each party. Under the Registration Act, 1908 and the Indian Contract Act, 1872, any residential or commercial licence longer than 11 months typically requires registration, and stamp duty applies as per State law. A well-drafted rental agreement protects both landlord and tenant against disputes over deposit refunds, maintenance charges, structural alterations, and premature termination. This sample follows the standard 11-month renewable format used across Indian cities, and includes the essential clauses recognised by Indian courts.

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LEAVE AND LICENSE AGREEMENT

This Leave and License Agreement ("Agreement") is executed on this [DATE] at [CITY], by and between:

[LICENSOR NAME], son/daughter of [FATHER'S NAME], aged about [AGE] years, resident of [LICENSOR ADDRESS] (hereinafter referred to as the "LICENSOR"),

AND

[LICENSEE NAME], son/daughter of [FATHER'S NAME], aged about [AGE] years, resident of [LICENSEE ADDRESS] (hereinafter referred to as the "LICENSEE").

WHEREAS the Licensor is the lawful owner of the residential premises situated at [PROPERTY ADDRESS], [CITY], [STATE] ("Licensed Premises"), and has agreed to grant a leave and license to the Licensee on the terms set out below.

NOW THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH AS FOLLOWS:

1. LICENSE PERIOD

The license is granted for a period of eleven (11) months commencing from [START DATE] and ending on [END DATE], renewable by mutual written consent.

2. LICENSE FEE

The Licensee shall pay a monthly license fee of ₹[AMOUNT] (Rupees [AMOUNT IN WORDS] only) on or before the 5th day of every English calendar month, by bank transfer to the Licensor's account.

3. SECURITY DEPOSIT

The Licensee has paid a refundable, interest-free security deposit of ₹[AMOUNT] to the Licensor. The deposit shall be returned within 30 days of vacating the premises, after adjusting any outstanding dues or damages beyond normal wear and tear.

4. USE OF PREMISES

The Licensed Premises shall be used strictly for residential purposes and shall not be used for any commercial, unlawful or immoral activity.

5. MAINTENANCE AND UTILITIES

The Licensee shall bear all electricity, water, internet and society maintenance charges during the license period. The Licensor shall bear property tax and structural repairs.

6. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

The Licensee shall not:

(a) Sublet, assign or part with possession of the premises;

(b) Make any structural alterations without the Licensor's written consent;

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Key clauses under Indian law

1. License PeriodExpand
Typically eleven months, renewable on mutual consent to avoid mandatory registration under State-specific tenancy laws.
2. Rent and Payment TermsExpand
Fixed monthly amount, due date, mode of payment, and consequences of late payment or dishonoured cheques.
3. Security DepositExpand
Refundable, interest-free deposit and the timeline (usually 30 days) for refund on vacating the premises.
4. Maintenance and UtilitiesExpand
Clear allocation of electricity, water, society maintenance and property tax between Licensor and Licensee.
5. Termination and NoticeExpand
Minimum notice period (usually one month) and grounds for early termination by either party.
6. Stamp Duty and RegistrationExpand
State-specific stamp duty rates and registration requirement under the Registration Act, 1908.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this rental agreement format valid in all Indian states?

Yes. The template follows the Registration Act, 1908 and the Indian Contract Act, 1872, both of which apply across India. Stamp duty rates and any State-specific rent control provisions vary — Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi each have their own scales, which are noted in the executed document.

Do I need to register a rental agreement in India?

Any lease exceeding 11 months must be registered under the Registration Act, 1908. That is why the standard rental agreement is drafted for 11 months and renewed on mutual consent.

What stamp duty applies to a rental agreement?

Stamp duty is a State subject. For a residential 11-month licence, most States charge 0.1–0.25% of the average annual rent plus security deposit. The exact rate should be verified with the local Sub-Registrar office.

Can the security deposit be more than the rent?

There is no all-India cap. Common practice is 2–10 months of rent depending on the city, with Bangalore historically at the higher end and Mumbai typically at 2–3 months.

Can I use this sample as-is?

The sample is a reference. For an executed document, generate a custom version with your party names, address, rent, deposit and city-specific clauses at contractwala.in for ₹149.

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Disclaimer: ContractWala provides AI-generated document drafts for informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Please consult a qualified advocate for high-stakes agreements.