Rent Agreement in Karnataka
Everything you need to know about rent agreements in Karnataka — stamp duty rates, registration process, mandatory clauses, and free online generator.
Generate Your Rent Agreement Now →Stamp Duty Rates in Karnataka
Stamp Duty for Rent Agreement
Karnataka has a unique stamp duty calculation. For rental agreements, stamp duty is 1% of the total rent for the entire lease period PLUS 1% of the refundable security deposit. For an 11-month agreement with ₹20,000/month rent and ₹1,00,000 deposit, stamp duty would be 1% of (₹2,20,000 + ₹1,00,000) = ₹3,200. Minimum stamp duty is ₹500.
Registration Process & Fees
Registration Fee
Karnataka has an excellent online system through Kaveri Online (kaverionline.karnataka.gov.in). You can generate rent agreements, pay stamp duty online, and book SRO appointments. Both parties must appear at the SRO with valid IDs, photographs, and two witnesses. Biometric verification is done at the office.
Mandatory Clauses Under Karnataka Rent Law
Applicable Law: Karnataka Rent Act, 1999 (replaced the Karnataka Rent Control Act, 1961)
Written agreement mandatory, rent receipt requirement, security deposit cap (10 months' rent), annual rent increase cap (5%), notice period (minimum 2 months), and dispute resolution through Rent Authority.
In addition to the state-specific requirements, every rent agreement in Karnataka should include:
- Complete details of landlord and tenant (name, address, ID proof)
- Full property address with flat/house number
- Monthly rent amount in figures and words
- Security deposit amount and refund terms
- Agreement start date, duration, and end date
- Notice period for termination
- Lock-in period (if applicable)
- Annual rent escalation percentage
- Maintenance and utility payment responsibilities
- Restrictions on subletting and structural changes
E-Stamping Availability
Widely available through SHCIL centres and the Kaveri Online portal. Karnataka was one of the first states to implement comprehensive e-registration for rental agreements.
E-stamps are the modern alternative to physical non-judicial stamp papers. They are generated electronically through SHCIL (Stock Holding Corporation of India) and are considered equally valid for legal purposes. Benefits include reduced fraud risk, easy verification online, and availability at authorized centres.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the stamp duty for rent agreement in Karnataka?
Karnataka has a unique stamp duty calculation. For rental agreements, stamp duty is 1% of the total rent for the entire lease period PLUS 1% of the refundable security deposit. For an 11-month agreement with ₹20,000/month rent and ₹1,00,000 deposit, stamp duty would be 1% of (₹2,20,000 + ₹1,00,000) = ₹3,200. Minimum stamp duty is ₹500.
Is rent agreement registration mandatory in Karnataka?
Under the Registration Act, 1908, registration is mandatory for rent agreements of 12 months or more in Karnataka. For agreements under 12 months (like the standard 11-month agreement), registration is optional but recommended for legal protection.
Is e-stamping available in Karnataka?
Widely available through SHCIL centres and the Kaveri Online portal. Karnataka was one of the first states to implement comprehensive e-registration for rental agreements.
What are the eviction grounds under Karnataka rent control?
Under the Karnataka Rent Act, 1999 (replaced the Karnataka Rent Control Act, 1961), a landlord can seek eviction on grounds including: non-payment of rent, subletting without consent, misuse of premises, causing damage to property, and bona fide personal need of the landlord.
How can I generate a rent agreement for Karnataka online?
You can use Rent Agreement Banao to generate a free rent agreement for Karnataka. Simply fill in landlord details, tenant details, property address, rent amount, and other terms. The tool generates a legally formatted agreement that you can download as PDF and print on stamp paper.