India Rental Rights: Essential Tips for Tenants and Landlords

If you’re renting a flat or a house in India, you’ve probably wondered who does what. Do you pay for a fresh coat of paint? Can you ever become the owner of the place you rent? The answers are simpler than you think, but they depend on the law and the agreement you sign. Let’s clear the fog and give you practical steps you can use right now.

Who Pays for Painting and Repairs?

Most rental agreements say the landlord keeps the property in good shape. That means structural repairs, broken taps, and anything that makes the place unsafe are the landlord’s job. Painting, however, sits in a gray zone. If the lease mentions “painting at tenant’s expense” for each renewal, then you, the tenant, foot the bill. Otherwise, the landlord usually covers it, especially if the paint is needed to keep the building looking decent.

Here’s a quick way to avoid disputes: before you sign, write down who will paint, how often, and what colour standards apply. If the contract is vague, ask for a written addendum. Having that paper trail saves you from a surprise demand later on.

Can Tenants Claim Ownership of a Rented Property?

The short answer: not under normal circumstances. Indian law doesn’t let a tenant automatically own the place they rent. There is a concept called “adverse possession” – you can claim ownership after possessing land openly for a certain period, usually 12 years for private land. But to succeed, you must prove you acted like the owner, paid property taxes, and faced no objection from the real owner.

Most rental situations fail that test because the tenant knows they’re paying rent, not buying. If a landlord leaves the property abandoned and you occupy it for 12 years without any notice, you might have a case, but it’s rare and requires legal proof.

What you can do instead is negotiate a “lease‑to‑buy” clause. Some owners agree to sell the property at a pre‑decided price after a set number of years. This turns the rental into a stepping stone toward ownership and removes the legal uncertainty.

Beyond ownership, tenants have solid rights to protect themselves. You can demand a written rent receipt, a proper rent agreement, and a copy of the landlord’s identity proof. If the landlord tries to evict you without following the proper notice period, you can approach the Rent Control Court for relief.

Landlords also have clear duties. They must not increase rent beyond the ceiling set by the state’s rent control rules, must provide basic amenities like water and electricity, and cannot harass you to vacate. If they break these rules, you can file a complaint with the local housing authority.

Bottom line: read every clause, ask for anything unclear in writing, and know that both parties have legal back‑stops. Whether it’s painting, repairs, or the far‑off dream of ownership, a solid agreement and a bit of awareness keep the rental relationship smooth.

Need more help? Our site offers free guides on specific topics like tenant property ownership, landlord‑tenant painting rules, and the 12‑year adverse possession rule. Check them out to stay ahead of any issue that might pop up.