Maharashtra Rent Agreement 2025: Stamp Duty, Online Registration & Charges Explained

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Starting April 21, 2025, Maharashtra will roll out its revamped Online Rent Agreement Registration System 2.0,

making it easier, faster, and more secure for landlords and tenants to register rental agreements digitally.

Whether you're a property owner or tenant, registering a leave and licence agreement is essential. It ensures the agreement is legally valid and can be enforced in a court of law. To do so, you must pay stamp duty and registration charges as mandated under the Bombay Stamp Act, 1958 and the Indian Registration Act.

This guide simplifies the entire process, stamp duty calculation, legal provisions, and the new 2.0 registration platform in Maharashtra.

What is Stamp Duty in Maharashtra?

Stamp duty is a legal tax paid to the Maharashtra government for validating property-related agreements, including sale deeds, gift deeds, mortgage deeds, and rental agreements. It ensures your contract has legal standing.

What is a Leave and Licence Agreement?

A leave and license agreement allows a tenant (licensee) to occupy a property for a fixed period by paying rent to the landlord (licensor). It doesn’t create ownership rights but grants legal possession. These agreements must be stamped and registered under Article 36A of the Bombay Stamp Act.

Stamp Duty on Leave and Licence Agreement in Maharashtra

Flat rate: 0.25% of total rent for the period of agreement
Refundable deposit: Imputed interest @10% annually added to the stampable value
Non-refundable deposit: Stamp duty @0.25% on full amount
Applies to both residential and commercial properties
Agreement term should not exceed 60 months

Why Stamp Duty Matters in 2025

For Tenants

Offers legal protection from unfair eviction
Landlord cannot raise rent arbitrarily
Disputes can be contested in court

For Landlords

Secures rental income and avoids encroachment issues
Prevents false claims by tenants

Quick Facts: Stamp Duty on Rent Agreement

Factor	Details
Stamp Duty	0.25% on total rent, deposits
Notional Interest	10% per year on refundable deposits
Validity	Up to 60 months
Registration Fee	Rs. 1,000 (Urban), Rs. 500 (Rural)

What Affects Stamp Duty on Rent?

Monthly rent amount
Duration of lease
Amount of refundable or non-refundable deposit
Location of the property (urban vs rural)

How to Calculate Stamp Duty in 2025

Formula:

A = Monthly Rent x No. of Months
B = Non-refundable Deposit
C = 10% x Refundable Deposit x No. of Years
D = A + B + C (Total Stampable Value)
Stamp Duty = 0.25% of D

Example:

Rent: ₹25,000/month for 24 months = ₹6,00,000
Refundable Deposit: ₹5,00,000 → 10% for 2 years = ₹1,00,000
Total: ₹7,00,000
Stamp Duty: ₹1,750

Updated Stamp Duty Slabs

Duration	Stamp Duty Rate	Example (Rent ₹20,000/month)
Up to 5 years	0.25%	₹600
5 to 10 years	0.50%	₹1,200
Above 10 years	1%	₹2,400

Step-by-Step: Register Online Rent Agreement in Maharashtra (2025 Update)

Step 1: Visit Official Website
Step 2: Create Profile by selecting district and filling personal details
Step 3: Enter Property Details including address, type, taluka, village
Step 4: Enter Party Details (licensor, licensee, witnesses)
Step 5: Add Rent & Terms
Step 6: Pay Stamp Duty Online and generate receipt
Step 7: Book Appointment and visit SRO with documents

Leave & License Agreement Format

Standard agreement formats are available on the e-filing portal. Ensure accurate details and digital signatures of both parties.

How to Pay Stamp Duty in Maharashtra

E-stamping: Fully online and fastest
Non-judicial stamp paper: Traditional method
Franking: Through authorized banks

Note: Not paying stamp duty can attract a penalty and make your agreement legally invalid.

E-Stamp Certificates

The Maharashtra government will issue e-stamp certificates starting 2025. You can access this service for ₹500 without hidden costs. Traditional stamp paper is also an option.

Registration Rules in Maharashtra

Mandatory for agreements exceeding 11 months
Governed by Section 55 of Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999

Penalty for Not Registering Rent Agreement

Fine: ₹5,000
Imprisonment: Up to 3 months
In disputes, tenant’s version is considered true unless proven otherwise

Documents Required

Passport-size photo
PAN card/ID proof of both parties
Electricity bill/Index II or Tax receipt of the rented property

Conclusion

The Online Rent Agreement Registration 2.0 system in Maharashtra makes it easier for citizens to legally protect their rental relationships. Registering your leave and license agreement is not just legally mandatory, but also helps prevent future disputes. With simplified digital processes and reduced paperwork, renting property is now more efficient than ever.

FAQs

1. Is rent agreement registration mandatory in Maharashtra?
Yes, it is compulsory regardless of duration as per the Maharashtra Rent Control Act.

2. What happens if the agreement is not registered?
You may face penalties and the tenant’s claims will be considered true in case of disputes.

3. Can I do rent agreement registration fully online?
Yes, via the Maharashtra e-filing portal and the upcoming 2.0 system.

4. Who pays the stamp duty—tenant or landlord?
Usually the tenant, unless agreed otherwise.

5. Is e-stamping better than using stamp paper?
Yes, it’s faster, more secure, and easier to verify.

6. What is the maximum duration allowed for a leave and licence agreement?
Up to 60 months.

7. Is the stamp duty rate the same across Maharashtra?
Yes, the rate is uniform across all cities and towns.

8. Can commercial properties also use leave and licence agreements?
Yes, the same stamp duty rules apply to commercial rentals.