Renting A Home In Pune? These 7 Rules Every Tenant Must Know Before Signing An Agreement

From rent agreements and police verification to security deposits and digital registration, tenants must understand the latest rental rules before moving into a new home.

By Vidhi Lalla 

Pune: India’s rental housing market continues to evolve, with more people choosing rented accommodation for work, education and lifestyle reasons. However, before signing a lease in 2026, tenants should be aware of a few important rules that can help avoid future disputes and legal complications.

One of the most important requirements is having a written rent agreement. Property experts advise tenants to avoid relying on verbal promises and ensure that all terms, including rent amount, security deposit, lock-in period, maintenance responsibilities, notice period and renewal conditions, are clearly mentioned in writing.

In Maharashtra, rent agreements are legally required to be registered. According to Section 55 of the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, every leave-and-license agreement must be in writing and registered. Experts say unregistered agreements can become difficult to enforce in court if disputes arise later.

Another major change in recent years is the growing adoption of digital registration. Maharashtra remains one of the few states that allows complete online registration of rent agreements through Aadhaar-based verification and biometric authentication, reducing paperwork and visits to government offices.

Security deposits remain another important issue for tenants. While the Model Tenancy Act recommends limiting residential security deposits to two months’ rent, local practices and market conditions may vary. Tenants are advised to clearly understand deposit terms and refund conditions before finalising any rental arrangement.

Rent escalation clauses should also be discussed upfront. Experts recommend ensuring that any future rent increase formula is clearly written into the agreement to prevent misunderstandings later.

Maintenance responsibilities often become a source of conflict between landlords and tenants. The agreement should clearly specify who will bear the cost of routine repairs, appliance maintenance and structural repairs.

Tenants should also know that landlords cannot evict them arbitrarily. Any eviction must follow due legal process and notice requirements as prescribed under applicable laws. At the same time, tenants are expected to comply with the terms of the agreement and vacate the property when required.

Another important requirement is police verification and KYC documentation. In cities such as Pune and Mumbai, police verification is often mandatory. Landlords and tenants may need to submit identity documents, rent agreement copies and verification forms to local authorities.

Failure to comply with registration and verification requirements can lead to penalties, legal difficulties and complications during disputes. Financial institutions, embassies and government agencies may also reject unregistered agreements when proof of residence is required.

Quick Tenant Checklist Before Renting A Home

 Insist on a written and registered rent agreement.

 Verify rent amount, security deposit, lock-in period and notice period before signing.

 Complete police verification wherever required.

 Keep copies of Aadhaar, PAN, rent receipts and the registered agreement safely.

 Clarify maintenance responsibilities in writing.

 Ensure rent escalation terms are mentioned in the agreement.

 Inspect the property and document existing damages before moving in.

 Take possession only after receiving keys and a signed agreement.

Disclaimer: Rental laws, registration requirements and police verification rules may vary across states and cities. Readers should verify the latest local regulations or seek professional legal advice before entering into a rental agreement.