What are the Rights of Tenants in India?
As a tenant in India, you must be aware of the rights you have under the law. Having proper know-how will ensure an enlightened and secure relationship with your landlord. These rights serve as a legal protection and entitlement of individuals occupying the rental properties. Tenant rights are important to safeguard their interests and give them the opportunity to efficiently solve any disputes that may arise. This blog will cover important rights that every tenant must know to protect any unlawful act by the landlord.
7 Must Know Rights of Tenants
Right to Secure and Liveable Premises
Tenants have the right to live in a safe environment with livable habitat This includes accessibility to clean water, adequate sanitation, working electric fittings, solid building structure and more. The landlord holds the responsibility to ensure that their property is safe and meets the minimum requirements, including fire safety, structural integrity and more.
Tenants Do Have Right to Privacy
The landlord cannot intervene with the tenant’s privacy by entering the rental property premises without the tenant’s permission. Tenants do have the right to enjoy their rental premises without external interference and live in peace. In case the landlord is looking to check the property, then they must notify the tenants before the visit. However, in case of situations where there could be a danger or threat to the building or other residents, a landlord is permitted to enter basis the threat.
Right Against Unfair Eviction
The landlord cannot evict the tenant unless he has a legally binding ground or reason for this action. The landlord can evict the tenant in the event of violation of the terms of rent agreement. The tenant has the right to get prior notice for eviction by the landlord.
Tenants can Refuse/Reject the Renewal of Rent Agreement
The rent charges for rental properties Rental usually increase every time the agreement gets renewed. This typically goes around 10% of the rent and is negotiable. However, the tenant is not under any obligation to renew the lease if the demanded rent does not suit them. In these situations, the tenants serve the notice period to the landlord and can leave the property.
Legal heirs are Entitled to Your Tenancy Rights
The tenant and the landlord conclusively signs the rent agreement. However, the tenant’s legal heirs and family enjoy similar tenancy rights. In a situation where a tenant dies while living in a rental house, the family may keep staying in the rental property and the tenancy rights get transferred to the successor of the tenant.
Security Deposit Reimbursement Right
Tenants can claim the security amount upon the closure of their tenancy if they’ve met their obligations like leaving the property in the appropriate condition and having paid outstanding debts if any. Landlords cannot hold the security deposit for any reason other than as damages to the property or non-payment of rent. If the deposit is rescinded in a non-justified way, the tenants can seek a legal action by consulting the top law firms in Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai against the landlord.
Tenant’s Right to Rent Receipts
Tenants have the right to get rent receipts issued for every rent payment made to the landlord. This document works as an evidence of payment and can be helpful in future references or legal matters
Wrap Up!
Knowing your rights as a tenant in India is essential for your smooth and stress-free tenancy. The rights of tenants are designed to prevent renters from being unlawfully expelled from a rental property or not getting a fair deal. Being a tenant, if you find any of your rights getting violated by the unlawful landlord’s action, you can seek consultation from the top law firms in Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. The best lawyers in the field can help you protect your rights and let you have a fair tenancy period.