Model Tenancy Act: What It Means for Renters and Landlords in India

When you sign a rent agreement in India, you’re not just paying monthly rent—you’re entering a legal relationship. The Model Tenancy Act, a standardized law introduced by the Indian government to bring clarity and fairness to rental housing. Also known as the Tenancy Act 2021, it’s designed to protect both renters and property owners from unfair practices, delays, and unclear terms. Before this law, most rental agreements were informal, handwritten, and full of loopholes. Now, every lease must be in writing, registered, and follow clear rules on deposits, repairs, and eviction.

This law doesn’t just apply to big cities. Whether you’re renting a flat in Prayagraj, a room in Pune, or a house in Lucknow, the Model Tenancy Act sets the baseline. It defines what counts as a security deposit—capped at two months’ rent for residential units—and says landlords can’t hold it longer than 60 days after you move out. It also forces landlords to fix structural issues within 15 days of notice, and tenants must pay for damages they cause. No more vague threats like ‘you’ll lose your deposit’ without proof.

The Act also brings transparency to rent increases. Landlords can’t raise rent mid-lease. Any hike must be agreed upon in writing before the lease starts, and only allowed once every year after the first year. If a tenant refuses to leave after the lease ends, the landlord can take the case to a Tenancy Authority—a new body set up in each state to handle disputes fast, without going to court. This cuts years of legal battles down to months.

For renters, this means fewer surprises. For landlords, it means fewer bad tenants slipping through the cracks. And for cities like Prayagraj, where housing demand is rising and informal rentals are common, this law is a step toward orderly urban growth. The posts below cover real cases, how to draft a compliant agreement, what to do if your deposit is withheld, and how this law connects to broader housing policies in India. You’ll find practical guides, legal checklists, and step-by-step advice—no jargon, no fluff. Just what you need to know before you sign on the dotted line.