Big relief for tenants! After knowing these 5 rights, landlords will not be able to act arbitrarily Tenant Rights
Tenant Rights – Today, millions of people in India live in rented houses. From small cities to big metros, many times the reason for tension in the relationship between the tenant and the landlord is – suddenly increasing the rent, pressuring to vacate the house without notice, interfering with privacy or not returning the security deposit. But do you know that Indian law gives complete protection to tenants in such cases?

If you live on rent or are thinking of renting a house soon, then definitely know these 5 legal rights, so that no landlord can take advantage of your lack of information.
1. No right to vacate the house without notice
Many times the landlord suddenly says – “Vacate the house next week”. But legally this is absolutely wrong.
What does the law say?
- It is necessary to give a written notice to the landlord at least 30 days in advance.
- If the rent agreement is for 11 months, then its terms will be valid.
- If you are paying the rent on time and are not causing any damage, then you cannot be forcibly evicted from the house.
What is the benefit of this?
You get the right to live peacefully without fear and the landlord cannot harass you without your permission.
2. Right to a written rent agreement
Living on a verbal agreement can prove to be costly later. That is why you should have a solid written rent agreement with the landlord.
What should be in it?
- What is the monthly rent?
- How much security deposit has been given?
- What is the rent period?
- Who is responsible for the electricity and water bills?
- Signatures of both parties
What is the benefit?
If there is ever a dispute, then this agreement becomes the strongest evidence in your favor in the court.
3. Right to privacy – Privacy first
Many landlords enter the house without informing or keep peeping all the time. But this is a violation of your right to privacy.
What can’t the landlord do?
- Cannot enter the house without your permission.
- Cannot touch or check your personal things.
- Cannot bring a third person into the house without permission.
- The law gives you the right to live in your house with respect and freedom.
4. Rent cannot be increased arbitrarily
Often after a year, the landlord suddenly says – “From now on, you will have to pay 2 thousand rupees more”. But legally this is also wrong.
When can the rent be increased?
- When it is already decided in the agreement that after how much time and by how much percentage the rent will increase.
- Generally, an increase of 5% to 10% per annum is considered legitimate.
- It is necessary to give written notice before the increase.
- What is the benefit of this?
- You are saved from unnecessary financial burden and your pocket is safe from arbitrary rent.
5. Full right to return of security deposit
It is your legal right to get back the security deposit that you paid while buying the house, when you vacate the house.
Points to note:
- If the house is not damaged, then the entire deposit should be returned.
- The landlord can only make legitimate deductions (such as pending bills), not without reason.
- You can also take legal action if the deposit is not returned.
What is the benefit?
- Your financial security remains intact and the landlord cannot usurp your hard-earned money.
- Some important tips for every tenant
- Always get a written agreement made and keep a copy of it with you.
- Keep a record of every month's rent - receipt or online payment screenshot.
- Make sure to take photos or videos of the house at the time of entry and exit.
- If the landlord exerts pressure, contact the Rent Control Authority.
What is the Rent Control Act?
- The Rent Control Act is a state-level law that maintains a balance between the landlord and the tenant. Its purpose is:
- To set a reasonable limit on rent
- To protect the tenant from unnecessary eviction
- To give fair rights to both parties
- Its rules may vary according to the state, but the purpose is the same – protection of the tenant.
In today's time, if you live on rent, then you should be fully aware of not only the house but also your rights. It is not your compulsion to agree to everything the landlord says. The law is with you – you just need to understand and know how to use your rights.
So the next time a landlord acts arbitrarily, remember these 5 rights and stand up fearlessly.