A solid rental agreement protects both tenants and landlords in Bengaluru. Yet most people still sign a generic 11-month document without reading it. This guide breaks down exactly what should be in your Bengaluru rental agreement in 2026.
Why Rental Agreements Are Almost Always 11 Months
Under the Registration Act, any lease of 12 months or more must be compulsorily registered at the sub-registrar, which is costly. An 11-month agreement avoids mandatory registration — it only needs e-stamping.
Stamp Duty & E-Stamping in Karnataka
- Stamp duty: 0.5% of total rent for the lease term (capped).
- E-stamping is accepted statewide; physical stamp paper is optional.
- On HomePage, the e-rental agreement and stamp duty are handled inside the app.
Security Deposit Norms
Bengaluru historically had the infamous 10-month deposit. In 2026, 2–3 months is the norm for apartments, and 5–6 months for independent villas. Always insist that the deposit clause includes return timeline and deduction logic.
Must-Have Clauses
- Rent escalation: typically 5% annually.
- Notice period: 1–2 months from either side.
- Maintenance: who pays association dues.
- Painting / deep cleaning: at move-out.
- Lock-in period: usually 6 months.
- Force majeure: added post-2020.
Police Verification
Mandatory for all tenants in Karnataka. Submit the filled form with ID proof to the local police station (or use the Karnataka Police online portal). HomePage handles this end-to-end for owners.
Tenant Rights You Should Know
- Landlord cannot enter without prior notice.
- Security deposit must be returned within 30 days of vacating.
- Rent receipts must be issued on request (HRA compliance).
Whether you're a tenant or owner, use a vetted template — or better, let HomePage generate a compliant agreement with one tap.