A renter's guide to India

Set your rent budget

A common rule of thumb is to keep rent around 30–40% of income, net of your other fixed obligations. Landlords, in turn, often want tenants earning about 3× the rent. The rent-affordability calculator shows both sides.

The rent agreement

Most residential rentals use an 11-month leave-and-license agreement — historically to stay outside stricter rent-control provisions and to avoid mandatory registration, which applies to leases of 12 months or more. Stamp duty on the agreement is set per state.

• Read the lock-in period, notice period, and who pays for what (maintenance, repairs, society charges).
• Note the rent-escalation clause (often ~5–10% on renewal).
• Get a registered agreement where required — an unregistered long lease is weak evidence.

Deposits — know the cap

The Model Tenancy Act, 2021 caps the security deposit at 2 months' rent for residential premises (6 months for commercial). It is a model law that each state must adopt, so local practice varies — but it is your reference point when a landlord asks for more.

Get every payment — deposit, rent, token — by bank transfer with a receipt. Photograph the flat's condition at move-in so the deposit refund isn't disputed later.

Verification & documents

• Police verification of the tenant is required in many cities — cooperate; it protects both sides.
• You may need a society NOC to move in.
• Keep a copy of the signed, stamped agreement and the landlord's ID/ownership proof.

Moving out

Give notice as per the agreement, clear dues, hand back the property in agreed condition, and collect your deposit refund against a final settlement. Do a joint inspection to avoid deductions disputes.