Rent Agreement Registration India: Stamp + 194-IB
Register rent or leave-and-license for address proof: state stamp duty, sub-registrar steps, and tenant TDS Section 194-IB.
The 60-second version
A plain paper rent agreement fails when you need address proof for SIM KYC, school admission, or GST registration. Registration and stamp duty vary sharply by state.
Registration is address proof
Returning families need registered rent agreement or leave-and-license for school forms, SIM KYC, and resident bank address updates.
Stamp duty is state-specific: Maharashtra leave-and-license online e-registration differs from Karnataka stamp paper process.
Tenants paying rent above ₹50,000/month must deduct TDS under Section 194-IB at 5% — not the landlord's job.
Landlords returning from abroad: read rental income tax guide if letting owned property.
Rent vs leave-and-license (selected states)
| State | Common instrument | Stamp hint | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Leave & License | % of rent + deposit formula | e-Registration on IGR portal |
| Karnataka | Rental agreement | Stamp paper value tiers | Sub-registrar |
| Delhi | Lease / L&L | Stamp + registration fee | Sub-registrar appointment |
| Telangana | Leave & License | Online stamp | e-Challan flow |
| Tamil Nadu | Lease deed | Stamp schedule | Sub-registrar |
Tenant registration sequence
Negotiate tenure and deposit
11-month vs 36-month affects stamp math.
Buy stamp / pay online
State portal or licensed vendor.
Sign with witnesses
Both parties + IDs + photos.
Register at sub-registrar
Biometrics for both parties in many states.
File 194-IB TDS if applicable
Tenant deducts 5% monthly above threshold.
Rent paper to KYC
Move-in document kit
- Registered agreement PDF.
- Landlord PAN for TDS.
- Police verification if society requires.
- Society NOC move-in.
- Utility transfer applications.
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194-IB is tenant liability
If you rent above ₹50k/month, you must deduct and deposit TDS — landlords cannot do it for you.
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Is 11-month agreement enough?
Common but may still need stamp and registration for address proof — state rules vary.
Can OCI foreign passport sign?
Yes with valid ID; landlord may want OCI + passport copies.
Does rent agreement prove RNOR address?
Helps show India stay; residency tests use day count, not lease alone.
Section 80GG vs HRA?
Salaried with HRA use 10(13A); self-employed see Section 80GG article.
Commercial rent different?
Higher stamp, GST may apply on commercial lease.
Can parents sign lease for me?
Yes if they are party; ensure registration names match KYC applicant.
The plan is only as good as the sequence.
Tax, banking, schools, shipping — they all have dependencies. A wrong order costs months and lakhs. Get it right.