The Indian government introduced a series of rental reforms this month — paving the way for a massive overhaul of the so far dis-regulated landscape. Both landlords and tenants must now register their agreement online within 60 days and follow cost-related rules and solve disputes within a set timeline. The changes also include several clarifications pertaining to eviction rights.
According to the Home Rent Rules 2025, landlords will be required to obtain an order from a Rent Tribunal or court before evicting tenants. They are also prohibited from making personal demands, taking any forceful actions or sharing an abrupt request for the premises to be vacated.
Mandatory registration of agreement
The newly announced rules will also safeguard tenants from unfair evictions by mandating registration of rental agreements within the first 60 days. The document must be digitally stamped and filed online soon after signing. Some states had previously accepted handwritten contracts or physical stamp paper agreements without registration in lieu of a formal agreement. The change will ensure that the rental process is official and prevent fraud or illegal evictions. Unregistered agreements can also face penalties starting at Rs 5000.
What do the new rules say about eviction?
Landlords are required to provide at least three months written notice for eviction or rent hikes under the new guidelines. Tenants will also get 24-hour prior written notice for property inspections to protect their privacy. All disputes (including eviction) will be solved by a tribunal or court within 60 days. Eviction is also no longer permitted by personal demand from the landlord — only being greenlit on orders from the Rent Tribunal. Such cases must also show legally specified grounds for eviction. The guidelines have also accounted for retaliation in the form of service (water or electricity) disconnections — making such actions punishable with penalties and prosecution.
The Model Tenancy Act of 2021(which form the building blocks of the new rules) also reiterates that landlords cannot evict residents while a contract is in place — unless both parties agree in writing.