New Delhi, Dec 1: The Centre has notified the New Rent Rules 2025, introducing a nationwide framework aimed at making home rentals simpler, more transparent and better regulated.

The rules mandate that both landlords and tenants must register their rent agreement online within 60 days of signing.

The new policy standardises security deposits, sets clear guidelines for rent revisions, outlines eviction procedures and defines responsibilities related to repairs, inspections and tenant protection. States have also been directed to upgrade their digital systems to enable faster online registration and verification.

Major Changes Under the New Rules
The most significant change is the requirement that all rent agreements be digitally stamped and registered online within 60 days. Earlier, many states accepted handwritten contracts or physical stamp-paper agreements without mandatory registration. The new process is intended to make rental contracts legally enforceable and curb fraud and unlawful evictions. Failure to register can attract a penalty starting at Rs 5,000, depending on the state.

Security deposits are now capped: landlords may charge no more than two months’ rent for residential properties and up to six months’ rent for commercial spaces. The change aims to ease the burden of high upfront payments, especially in major cities.

Rent can be increased only after 12 months, and landlords must issue a 90-day written notice before implementing a hike. This measure is designed to prevent sudden or excessive increases.

Stronger Safeguards for Tenants
The New Rent Rules strengthen tenant rights by prohibiting eviction without an official order from the Rent Tribunal. Landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering or inspecting a rented property.

Police verification of tenants has been made mandatory to ensure proper records and prevent misuse of rented premises. Forceful eviction, intimidation, lockouts or disconnecting essential services such as electricity and water are punishable under the law.

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If essential repairs are not completed within 30 days of a tenant’s complaint, the tenant may undertake the repair work and deduct the cost from the rent, provided valid proof of expenditure is submitted.