Why an 11-month rent agreement?

Under §17 of Registration Act 1908, lease deeds for more than 11 months MUST be registered (expensive — 1% of average annual rent + stamp duty). An 11-month agreement avoids mandatory registration. It can be renewed mutually.

Is e-stamping legally valid?

Yes. Stock Holding Corporation of India (SHCIL) is the official e-stamp authority for most states. e-Stamp certificates are legally equivalent to traditional stamp paper and verifiable online.

Wooden house model with plain brass keys on a warm desk — symbolic of rent agreement

Document Generator

11-Month Rent Agreement — landlord-tenant draft

The 11-month tenancy is the most common rental term in India because it sits below the 12-month Registration Act threshold — no mandatory registration, only state stamp duty. Fill the form once and get a print-ready bilingual agreement plus the e-stamp link for your state.

Why 11 months and not 12?

Section 17(1)(d) of the Registration Act 1908 makes any lease of immovable property for one year or more compulsorily registrable at the sub-registrar's office. An 11-month term avoids that requirement, which saves around 1% of annual rent in registration fees and a sub-registrar visit. The agreement can be renewed by mutual consent.

Step 1 — Fill in the parties and property details

Step 2 — State-wise stamp duty estimate

Stamp duty on a residential lease is a small percentage of average annual rent plus deposit. The actual rate varies by state — below is a quick reference. KanoonPilot does not collect stamp duty; you pay it directly on the Stock Holding Corporation of India (SHCIL) e-stamp portal for your state.

Fill the form above to see your estimate.

Delhi: 2% of avg annual rent

Maharashtra: 0.25% (rent + deposit)

Karnataka: 0.5% of avg annual rent

Tamil Nadu: 1% (rent + deposit)

UP: 4% of avg annual rent

Telangana: 0.5% of avg annual rent

Open SHCIL e-stamp portal

Key clauses every renter and owner should understand

Security deposit — what is reasonable?

The Model Tenancy Act 2021 (which states are adopting in stages) caps residential security deposit at two months' rent and commercial at six months. Many cities still charge 6–10 months — this is legal between consenting parties but you can negotiate using the MTA cap as reference. Always insist on receipt of the deposit by bank transfer.

Maintenance and repairs

Structural repairs (leaks, plumbing, electrical mains) are the landlord's responsibility. Day-to-day repairs and minor wear (light bulbs, fixtures, paint scuffs) are the tenant's. Apartment association maintenance is the landlord's burden unless the agreement explicitly transfers it.

Notice period for eviction

A standard 11-month agreement uses one or two months' notice from either side. Landlords cannot evict before the term ends except for non-payment of rent for two consecutive months, sub-letting without permission, or material breach. Self-help eviction (changing locks, cutting power) is illegal — even for a defaulting tenant.

Dispute resolution and registration

An 11-month agreement is not compulsorily registrable but registering it (≈1% of annual rent) gives stronger legal admissibility in court. Most state Rent Acts now require disputes to first be heard by a Rent Authority or Rent Tribunal. Civil court is the last resort.

Disclaimer: This generator produces a starting draft based on common 11-month residential tenancy norms. Each state has its own Rent Control / Tenancy Act, and properties under cooperative housing societies, RERA-regulated builders, or commercial use may need additional clauses. Review with a local advocate before signing, especially for deposits above two months' rent or any property dispute history.

11-Month Rent Agreement — landlord-tenant draft

Why 11 months and not 12?

Step 1 — Fill in the parties and property details

Landlord (Owner)

Tenant (Renter)

Property and rent terms