📄 Indian Stamp Act 1899 · Registration Act 1908 · Digital Stamping Mandatory from July 2025

Rent Agreement
Stamp Duty Calculator
India 2025-26 · All States

Calculate exact stamp duty for your rent / leave & license agreement across all Indian states. Enter monthly rent, security deposit, and agreement period — get stamp duty, registration charges, e-stamping requirement, and whether registration is mandatory. Covers 15 major states including Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, UP, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and more.

Maharashtra

0.25%

Delhi (11-mo)

₹100 flat

Karnataka

1% / ₹200

Tamil Nadu

₹100–500

E-Stamp Penalty

₹5,000

15 States · Formula-Based Calculation

Residential & Commercial Agreements

Security Deposit Impact Shown

Registration Mandatory Alert

E-Stamp July 2025 Rule Included

11-Month vs Long-Term Comparison

Stamp Duty Calculator — Rent Agreement 2025-26

Rent Agreement Stamp Duty Calculator — Select State & Enter Details

Select your state and enter your rent details. Stamp duty is calculated on the total rent for the agreement period plus security deposit (where applicable per state rules). Formula varies by state — Maharashtra includes 10% notional interest on refundable deposit; Karnataka charges on annual rent; UP has flat fees.

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New Rule from July 1, 2025: Physical stamp paper for rental agreements is being phased out. Digital e-stamping is now mandatory for all new rent agreements across India. Failure to use digitally stamped agreements attracts a ₹5,000 penalty. Use e-stamping through SHCIL portal, authorized banks, or online platforms like NeSL. Maharashtra's IGR portal offers end-to-end online Leave & License e-registration.

📄 Rent Agreement Stamp Duty Calculator — India 2025-26

Residential & commercial · 11-month to 5+ year agreements · State-wise formula-based calculation

📍 Maharashtra📊 Formula: 0.25% × (Total Rent + Non-Refundable Deposit + 10% p.a. on Refundable Deposit)📋 Min: ₹100🏛️ Registration: Mandatory (all agreements in MH)

Monthly Rent (₹) *

Enter the monthly rent amount. This is the base for all state calculations.

Agreement Duration

11 months avoids mandatory registration in most states. >11 months = registration mandatory nationally.

Property Type

Some states (TN, KA) have same rate for both. Others have higher rates for commercial.

Refundable Security Deposit (₹)

Maharashtra adds 10% p.a. notional interest on this. Other states may use full deposit or ignore it.

Non-Refundable Deposit / Advance (₹)

Maharashtra includes full non-refundable amount. UP and many states ignore deposits in their formula.

Stamp Duty

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Registration Fee

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E-Stamp Required

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Stamp Paper Value

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Total Cost

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Component	Formula	Amount (₹)	Notes

📌 TAXAJ drafts legally valid rent agreements with correct e-stamp for all states. Delivered in 24 hours. Advocate-verified. Covers 11-month, long-term, commercial, and Leave & License agreements.

⚠️ Calculations are based on standard state formulas and may vary for specific agreement types, locations, or government updates. Always verify with your Sub-Registrar or an advocate before finalizing stamp duty payment.

All States — Stamp Duty Reference

Rent Agreement Stamp Duty — All States India 2025-26

Complete state-wise stamp duty rates for residential rent agreements. Commercial rates may differ. Registration mandatory for all agreements exceeding 11 months (Registration Act 1908, Section 17). E-stamping mandatory from July 1, 2025.

State	Stamp Duty Formula	11-Month Stamp Duty	Registration Fee	11-Month Registration	Key Notes
🌊 Maharashtra	0.25% × (Total Rent + Non-Refundable Deposit + 10% p.a. × Refundable Deposit)	0.25% of consideration · Min ₹100	₹1,000 (urban) · ₹500 (rural)	Mandatory (all periods)	Section 55 MRC Act 1999 mandates registration for all L&L agreements regardless of duration. 0.50% for 5–10 yr, 1% for 10+ yr. IGR portal for online registration.
🏙️ Delhi	11-month: ₹100 flat. >11 months: 2% of average annual rent × years	₹100 flat (e-stamp paper)	₹1,100/year of agreement	Optional (recommended)	Most Delhi agreements are 11-month with notarization only. Registered agreements carry much stronger weight in court. Security deposit not included in formula.
🌿 Karnataka	Short term (≤11 mo): ₹200 flat. >11 months: 1% of average annual rent	₹200 flat	₹500	Optional (recommended)	Digital e-stamp rules notified 2025 — all stamping via Kaveri portal. Registration mandatory only for >12 months. Karnataka Digital e-Stamp Rules 2025 in effect.
🌾 Uttar Pradesh	≤5 years: ₹500 flat (residential). >5 years: percentage-based	₹100–₹200 (varies by rent)	₹150	Optional	UP adopted Model Tenancy Act in 2021. IGRSUP portal for online payment. Low stamp duty is a key advantage for renters in UP.
🏙️ Haryana	2% of average annual rent	2% × (monthly rent × 12)	₹1,000–₹2,000	Optional (recommended)	Moderate stamp duty. Gurgaon agreements increasingly registered for legal protection. Check jamabandi.nic.in for exact rates.
🌴 Tamil Nadu	1% of (average annual rent + deposit) for all durations	1% × (rent × 12 + deposit)	₹500 · Max ₹20,000	Optional (recommended)	High stamp duty relative to other states. No tiered rates — 1% applies regardless of duration. TNREGINET portal for registration.
💎 Gujarat	1.7% of average annual rent + 1% of deposit	1.7% × (rent × 12)	₹1,000	Optional	GARVI portal. Gujarat Stamp Amendment Bill 2025 clarifies e-payment methods. Bombay Stamp Act applies.
🌊 West Bengal	0.1% of total rent + deposit · Min ₹100	0.1% of consideration	₹500–₹1,000	Optional	One of lowest stamp duty states. wbregistration.gov.in for online registration.
🌾 Punjab	1% of average annual rent	1% × (rent × 12) · Min ₹100	₹1,000	Optional	Similar to Haryana. lgpunjab.gov.in for verification.
🌿 Madhya Pradesh	≤5 yr: 0.1% of (annual rent + deposit). 5–10 yr: 0.5%. >10 yr: 1%+	0.1% of consideration · Min ₹50	₹500	Optional	Tiered rate system similar to Maharashtra but lower rates. mpigr.gov.in.
🌴 Telangana	0.1% of total rent or ₹100 whichever higher	₹100 minimum	₹500	Optional	Low stamp duty. registration.telangana.gov.in for online services.
🌴 Andhra Pradesh	0.1% of total rent + deposit	0.1% of consideration	₹500	Optional	registration.ap.gov.in. Similar to Telangana rates.
🌊 Kerala	0.25% of total rent + deposit	0.25% of consideration	₹1,000	Optional	keralaregistration.gov.in. One of higher registration fees.
🏜️ Rajasthan	Stamp duty mandatory for all L&L agreements · Rate varies by duration and rent	0.5% of annual rent (approx)	₹200–₹500	Mandatory (all periods)	Rajasthan mandates stamp duty unlike most other states. epanjiyan.raj.nic.in.
🏗️ Bihar	2% of (annual rent + deposit) for residential	2% of consideration	₹500	Optional	biharbhumi.bihar.gov.in. Relatively higher stamp duty rate.

11-Month vs Long-Term — The Most Important Choice

11-Month Rent Agreement vs Registered Lease — Complete Comparison

The most common question in Indian rentals: should you do an 11-month agreement or register it? The answer depends on your state, tenure, and risk appetite. Here's the definitive guide.

✅ 11-Month Agreement — Advantages

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Low or no stamp duty: Delhi = ₹100 flat. Karnataka = ₹200. UP = ₹100–200. Maharashtra still requires registration but stamp duty is minimal.
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Registration not mandatory (except Maharashtra & Rajasthan): Most states exempt sub-12-month agreements from compulsory registration under Section 17 Registration Act.
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Quick & cheap: Completed on e-stamp paper in 1–2 days. No Sub-Registrar visit required. Notarization adds legal weight at minimal cost.
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Easy renewal: Renewed at end of 11 months with fresh e-stamp. Landlord can adjust rent at renewal, maintaining flexibility.
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Standard practice: Universally accepted as residence proof for Aadhaar, bank accounts, school admissions, gas connections.

⚠️ 11-Month Agreement — Disadvantages & Risks

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Weaker in court: Unregistered agreements have limited evidentiary value in civil courts. Registered documents are conclusive evidence.
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No tenancy protection: Tenants in unregistered agreements have fewer protections under state Rent Control Acts — easier for landlords to demand eviction.
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Deposit risk: Recovering large security deposits is harder without a registered agreement if the landlord disputes terms.
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Visa / loan complications: Embassies, banks, and many institutions require registered lease agreements for loans or visa applications.
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Renewal friction: Each renewal requires fresh e-stamp and signatures. If landlord wants to change terms, tenant has limited recourse.

💡 TAXAJ Recommendation: For stays under 12 months or where cost is a priority — 11-month e-stamped agreement with notarization is sufficient. For stays 12 months+, large deposits (above ₹2 lakh), commercial premises, foreign nationals, or where you need the agreement for loans/visas — register the agreement. The extra ₹1,000–₹3,000 in registration fee is well worth the legal protection.

Types of Rental Agreements

Leave & License vs Rental Agreement vs Lease Deed — Differences

📝 Leave & License Agreement

Common in: Maharashtra, increasingly other states.
What it creates: A mere "license" to occupy — no tenancy rights are created. Landlord retains full ownership and possession rights.
Advantage: Much easier eviction — landlord can revoke license after notice period without lengthy court proceedings.
Tenant risk: No protection under Rent Control Act. Landlord can terminate more easily.
Stamp duty: Maharashtra 0.25%. Registration mandatory in Maharashtra for all durations (Section 55 MRC Act 1999).

📋 Rental Agreement

Common in: Delhi, UP, Haryana, Punjab, most North India.
What it creates: Landlord-tenant relationship with rights under the Rent Control Act (in applicable properties). Tenant has more legal protection.
Duration: Usually 11 months to avoid registration. Can be renewed multiple times.
Eviction: If property falls under Rent Control Act, eviction requires court order on specific grounds.
Stamp duty: Low in most states for 11-month duration (₹100–₹500 flat). E-stamp mandatory from July 2025.

📜 Lease Deed

Common in: Long-term residential or commercial properties.
Duration: Typically 1 year or more, up to 99 years.
Legal status: Transfers an interest in property to lessee. Compulsorily registrable if 1 year or more (Section 107 Transfer of Property Act + Section 17 Registration Act).
Stamp duty: Higher — typically 1–5% of total lease consideration.
Registration: Mandatory for all leases of 1 year or more. Unregistered leases have no legal effect.

🏢 Commercial Lease

Used for: Office spaces, shops, warehouses, factories.
Stamp duty: Typically same or higher than residential — Maharashtra 0.25%, Karnataka 1%, Delhi 2% of annual rent × years.
Tenant protections: Most state Rent Control Acts don't apply to commercial properties. Terms are purely contractual.
Registration: Strongly recommended for all commercial leases regardless of duration. Required if 1+ year.

🏠 PG / Co-Living Agreement

Used for: Paying Guest accommodations, hostels, serviced apartments.
Legal nature: Usually a Leave & License for specific room/bed, not entire property.
Stamp duty: Same as standard L&L for that state — Maharashtra 0.25%, Delhi ₹100 for 11-month.
Important: PG agreements must clearly specify: included services (meals, laundry, utilities), notice period, deposit refund terms. TAXAJ drafts PG-specific agreements.

🔄 Sublease Agreement

When: Primary tenant sub-lets part or all of property to another person.
Permission required: Only permitted if original lease allows subletting — typically requires landlord's written consent.
Stamp duty: Applies as per state for the sub-lease period and amount.
Risk: Primary tenant remains liable to original landlord. Unauthorized subletting can result in termination of original lease. Get original landlord's written consent first.

How to Pay Stamp Duty — Step by Step

How to Create a Legally Valid Rent Agreement with E-Stamp

From July 1, 2025, digital e-stamping is mandatory for all new rental agreements. Physical stamp papers are being phased out. Here's the correct process.

Calculate Stamp Duty

Use this calculator to find exact stamp duty for your state, rent amount, and duration.

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Buy E-Stamp Certificate

Purchase e-stamp from SHCIL portal (shcilestamp.com), authorized bank branches, or state IGRS portal. Enter stamp duty amount payable.

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Draft Agreement

Print agreement on plain paper (not on the e-stamp). Attach the e-stamp certificate. Both parties and witnesses sign all pages. Or get TAXAJ to draft it.

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Notarize (Optional)

For 11-month agreements, notarization adds legal weight. A notary stamps, signs, and adds their seal. Cost: ₹100–₹500 typically.

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Register (if >11 months)

For agreements exceeding 11 months: visit Sub-Registrar office with both parties, 2 witnesses, Aadhaar, property documents. Pay registration fee.

📱 Maharashtra Online Option: Maharashtra's IGR portal offers complete end-to-end online Leave & License registration with e-stamp — no Sub-Registrar visit needed. Both parties verify with Aadhaar OTP. Registered agreement delivered digitally. Visit igr.maharashtra.gov.in for the online registration service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rent Agreement Stamp Duty — Common Questions Answered

Under Section 17(1)(d) of the Registration Act 1908, any lease of immovable property for a term of 12 months or more must be compulsorily registered. Registration involves visiting the Sub-Registrar office, paying registration fees (₹500–₹2,000+), and producing multiple documents. An 11-month agreement falls below this threshold and is exempt from mandatory registration in most states — making it cheaper, faster, and simpler. Additionally, in states where the Rent Control Act applies (Delhi, UP, Maharashtra), a long registered lease may give tenants stronger eviction protection, which some landlords prefer to avoid. Maharashtra is an exception — all rental agreements must be registered regardless of duration under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act 1999, Section 55.

Maharashtra stamp duty for Leave & License agreements is calculated as 0.25% of the total consideration. The consideration = (Monthly Rent × Duration in months) + Non-refundable deposit + (10% per annum × Refundable security deposit × years). For agreements up to 5 years: 0.25%. For 5–10 years: 0.50%. For more than 10 years: 1.00%. Minimum stamp duty is ₹100. Registration fee is ₹1,000 (urban/municipal area) or ₹500 (rural). In Maharashtra, registration is mandatory for ALL rental agreements regardless of duration under Section 55 of Maharashtra Rent Control Act 1999 — even 11-month agreements must be registered, unlike other states.

From July 1, 2025, the government mandated that all new rental agreements must use digital e-stamping — physical stamp papers are no longer valid for new agreements. Failure to use a digitally stamped agreement attracts a ₹5,000 penalty, primarily borne by the landlord. E-stamps can be obtained from: SHCIL (stockholding.in/estamping), authorized bank branches, state IGRS portals, or verified online legal platforms. The e-stamp certificate has a unique identification number (UIN) that can be verified online — making it tamper-proof and fraud-resistant. Existing agreements executed before July 1, 2025 on physical stamp paper are still valid for their duration. The rule applies to both residential and commercial agreements.

A Leave & License Agreement grants the licensee (tenant) a personal, non-transferable privilege to occupy the property for a fixed period without creating any interest or tenancy rights in the property. The licensor (landlord) retains full ownership and possession. It's governed by the Easements Act 1882. Eviction is faster since the licensee has no tenancy protection under Rent Control Acts in most states. A Rental Agreement / Lease creates a landlord-tenant relationship with the tenant having certain rights under state Rent Control Acts (where applicable). This means eviction may require a court order. For properties where Rent Control Acts apply (in Delhi this is for rent below ₹3,500/month), tenants have stronger protections. Most landlords in Maharashtra prefer L&L agreements for easier recovery of possession.

The law does not strictly specify who must pay — it's a matter of agreement between the parties. In practice: In Maharashtra, the cost is typically shared equally between landlord and tenant (50-50 split of stamp duty and registration fee). In Delhi and most other states, the tenant usually pays the stamp duty as they are the one needing the document for address proof and other purposes. In commercial agreements, it's often negotiated — sometimes split, sometimes borne by the tenant entirely. Whatever arrangement is decided, it's advisable to clearly mention in the agreement itself who is bearing the stamp duty and registration charges to avoid post-agreement disputes.

A rent agreement without proper stamp duty payment is not void — it can still exist as a contract — but it has serious legal limitations: (1) It cannot be admitted as evidence in any court of law until stamp duty and penalty are paid (Section 35, Indian Stamp Act 1899). The penalty for improperly stamped instruments is 10 times the deficient stamp duty in most states. (2) It may be seized by revenue authorities. (3) It has very limited value for official purposes (Aadhaar address proof, bank KYC, gas connection, school admission). (4) From July 1, 2025, non-digitally-stamped agreements attract a ₹5,000 fine. Always pay the correct stamp duty — the amounts involved are small (₹100–₹1,000 for most 11-month agreements) compared to the legal risk.

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