Renting in Mumbai
How to rent a flat in Mumbai
From the first shortlist to the keys: how renting actually works in Mumbai, what it costs on day one, and how long each step takes.
The Mumbai way of renting, in 8 steps
- Set your brief. Budget, area (commute time matters more than distance), BHK, furnishing and move-in date. Most flats are offered 15 to 45 days before they are free.
- Shortlist by building, not by listing. The same flat is often advertised many times. Pick 4 to 6 homes across 2 or 3 buildings you like. On Rentu, tap WhatsApp on any home to check it is still available before you travel.
- Visit. Go at the hour you will actually commute. Check water pressure and timings, mobile signal, natural light, lift, parking, and the society's rules on pets, bachelors and food.
- Agree the terms. Rent, deposit, lock-in, notice period, yearly increase, who pays maintenance and society charges, and what furniture and appliances stay.
- Pay a token. A small amount (often ₹10,000 to one month's rent) by bank transfer, against a written receipt that names the flat, rent, deposit and start date.
- Sign and register the agreement. In Maharashtra a leave and licence agreement must be in writing and registered. It is usually done online (e-registration) with Aadhaar-based signing, in about an hour. See rent agreement and the law.
- Police verification and society NOC. The owner submits tenant details to the local police; most societies also want an application or NOC and your ID.
- Move in. Pay the deposit and first month's rent by bank transfer, note the electricity meter reading, make a photo inventory of the flat and its contents, and collect the keys.
What renting costs on day one
| Item | Typical in Mumbai |
|---|---|
| Security deposit (refundable) | 3 to 6 months' rent; higher for furnished or premium homes |
| First month's rent | Paid in advance |
| Stamp duty + registration | Small: about 0.25% of the rent for the term, plus ₹1,000 registration. Calculate yours |
| Service fee, if you rent through Rentu | One month's rent. Rentu handles leases of 12 months or more only, no short stays |
| Society move-in charges | Some societies charge a one-time fee; ask before you sign |
Rule of thumb: keep about 5 to 8 months' rent ready on day one.
What a 2 BHK rents for right now
Live asking rents for 2 BHK homes on Rentu (middle half of the market, so the cheapest and most expensive quarter are left out). Final rents are often a little lower.
| Area | 2 BHK asking rent / month |
|---|---|
| Colaba to Peddar Road | ₹1.9 Lac – ₹2.5 Lac |
| Worli to Mahim | ₹1.3 Lac – ₹2.4 Lac |
| Byculla to Sion | ₹1.2 Lac – ₹1.6 Lac |
| Bandra to Andheri | ₹90,000 – ₹1.6 Lac |
| Jogeshwari to Dahisar | ₹60,000 – ₹75,000 |
| Mulund to Kurla | ₹75,000 – ₹1.4 Lac |
| Thane | ₹52,000 – ₹60,000 |
How to shortlist well
Commute firstMumbai distances lie. Check the trip at peak hour on a map before you visit.
Society rulesAsk about pets, bachelors, food and guests before you fall for a flat.
Building over flatA good building with a plain flat beats a fancy flat in a tired building: lifts, water, security and parking decide daily life.
Monsoon checkLook for seepage marks on walls and ceilings, and ask whether the lane floods.
Hidden costsWho pays maintenance, property tax, society charges and repairs? Write it in the agreement.
Furnished means what?List every appliance and piece of furniture in an annexure with photos.
What Rentu does for you
ShortlistTell us the brief; we send homes that match and check availability before you travel.
VisitsWe plan the visits in one trip and go with you.
NegotiationRent, deposit, lock-in and what stays in the flat.
PaperworkHelp with the registered agreement, police verification and society formalities.
Corporate and expat movesLeases on company terms and relocation help. Expat guide
Rentu.in, Mumbai rentals since 1995. General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change; confirm current figures before you sign or pay. Last reviewed October 2026.
