If you are renting a flat or shop in Navi Mumbai, you will sign a Leave and Licence agreement. This is the standard rent agreement in Maharashtra. Here is what owners and tenants need to know before signing.
What a Leave and Licence agreement is
It is a written agreement where the owner (the licensor) allows the tenant (the licensee) to use the property for a fixed period, in return for rent and a refundable deposit. It records the rent, deposit, period, notice period, who pays maintenance and bills, and the condition of the property.
Most agreements are made for 11 months and renewed, but an agreement can run for up to 60 months.
Why registration matters
Under Section 55 of the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999, a Leave and Licence agreement must be in writing and registered. A registered agreement protects both sides: the owner can prove the tenant's right is only temporary, and the tenant has proof of the agreed rent, deposit and period. Banks, employers, passport offices and schools often ask for a registered agreement as address proof.
Documents you need
From the owner
- Proof of ownership, such as the Index II, sale agreement, share certificate or a recent society maintenance bill
- PAN card and Aadhaar card
- Passport-size photograph
- If the owner cannot be present, a registered Power of Attorney for the person signing
From the tenant
- PAN card and Aadhaar card
- Passport-size photograph
- For companies renting for an employee or office: company authorisation letter and company PAN
Witnesses
Two witnesses, each with an identity proof such as Aadhaar.
How registration works
You can register at the Sub-Registrar office, but most agreements in Navi Mumbai are now registered online through the Maharashtra Department of Registration and Stamps (IGR Maharashtra). Identity is verified with Aadhaar and biometrics, so owners and tenants can often complete it without visiting the Sub-Registrar office. Authorised service providers can visit your home or office to take the biometrics.
- Agree the terms: rent, deposit, period, notice period, lock-in and who pays which charges.
- Prepare the draft with all details and property information.
- Pay the stamp duty and registration fee online.
- Complete Aadhaar-based verification and biometrics for owner, tenant and witnesses.
- Download the registered agreement once it is approved.
Costs
- Stamp duty: 0.25% of the total rent for the whole period plus an amount linked to the refundable deposit. The IGR Maharashtra website has a calculator that works out the exact figure.
- Registration fee: a fixed fee, which at the time of writing is ₹1,000 for properties in municipal areas such as Navi Mumbai.
- Service charges if you use an agent or service provider for drafting and biometrics.
Owners and tenants usually agree to share these costs, but it is a matter of negotiation. Write down who pays what.
Tenant police verification
Owners must give the local police details of their tenants. In Navi Mumbai this can usually be done online through the police citizen portal, or at the local police station. Keep a copy of the acknowledgement with your agreement.
Omkar Real Estate helps owners and tenants across Navi Mumbai with drafting, registration and verification as part of our rental service.