Renting in Mumbai: questions answered

Yes. Under section 55 of the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999, every leave and licence agreement must be in writing and registered, whatever its length. The duty to register is on the owner.

It is custom, not law. Owners like to reset terms every year. The agreement can run up to 60 months, and longer terms with a lock-in suit families and companies.

0.25% of the total rent for the period plus 10% a year notional interest on the refundable deposit, rounded up to the next ₹100, plus a ₹1,000 registration fee in municipal corporation areas. Use the stamp duty calculator for your figure.

Usually 3 to 6 months' rent, interest-free and refundable at handover. Furnished and premium homes and company leases can be higher.

The owner, as the society member, unless the agreement says otherwise. Electricity, gas and internet are paid by the occupant. Non-occupancy charges are the owner's and are capped at 10% of service charges in Maharashtra.

A short meeting some housing societies hold with a new occupant to check ID, family size, work, vehicles and pets, and explain the rules. Carry the agreement, ID, photos and the police verification acknowledgement.

A society resolution is not law, and a society should not refuse a lawful occupant without a valid reason. In practice some societies resist, so ask the owner to confirm the society's position in writing before you pay a token.

Yes. Mumbai Police require owners to submit the occupant's details before move-in, online through the Maharashtra Police citizen portal or at the local police station.

Usually the owner pays for structural repairs, leakage and failure of appliances they supplied; the occupant pays for day-to-day upkeep, minor fixes and any damage they cause. Write a repair limit in the agreement.

An individual paying more than ₹50,000 a month deducts 2% TDS under section 194-IB and pays it with Form 26QC, then gives the owner Form 16C. Companies deduct 10% under section 194-I. Rent paid to an NRI owner needs TDS of about 31.2% under section 195, whatever the amount.

No, when a home is rented to someone to live in. If a GST-registered business, such as a company, rents a home for an employee, it pays 18% GST under reverse charge. Offices and shops attract 18% GST.

No. Only unpaid rent or bills and the actual cost of real damage can be deducted, with bills. A signed move-in record with photos is the best protection for both sides.

A period, often 6 to 11 months, during which neither side can end the agreement except for breach. Leaving early usually means paying rent for the rest of the lock-in.

The owner can apply to the Competent Authority under the Rent Control Act for eviction of a licensee who overstays, and agreements usually charge double the licence fee per day of overstay.

Mumbai homes earn about 2–3% a year in rent while loans cost 8–9%, so renting and investing the difference often wins on money alone for stays under about 10 years. Use the rent vs buy calculator for your case.

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