Rent Agreement
Rent Agreement Format for Maharashtra — Stamp Duty & Registration
Maharashtra charges stamp duty at 0.25% of the total rent plus deposit over the agreement term, and — unlike most states — makes registration mandatory even for an 11-month leave and license agreement.
Maharashtra almost always uses a "leave and license" agreement rather than a straight lease, largely to stay outside the more tenant-protective Rent Control Act. Stamp duty is charged at 0.25% of a base figure that adds up the total rent payable over the full term plus any deposit — a refundable interest-free deposit is typically brought in at a notional 10% per annum, rather than counted at face value, so the exact figure is a calculation, not a flat look-up.
The distinctive rule for Maharashtra is that registration isn't optional the way it often is elsewhere for short-term agreements — Section 55 of the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999 requires every leave and license agreement, regardless of duration, to be registered. An unregistered agreement is difficult to enforce in court and can expose the owner to a fine.
In practice, most landlords and tenants in Maharashtra now complete both stamping and registration online through the state's e-registration facility, without needing to visit the sub-registrar's office in person for a standard residential leave and license agreement.
Guidance last checked 2026-09 — stamp duty schedules are revised periodically, so confirm the current rate with your local sub-registrar or state e-stamping portal before executing a high-value or long-term agreement.
Frequently asked questions
Why do Maharashtra agreements almost always run for exactly 11 months?
An 11-month leave and license agreement is treated as a licence rather than a tenancy, which keeps it outside the stricter Rent Control Act protections that apply to longer-term tenancies. It still needs to be registered under Section 55 regardless of the shorter term.
Can I skip registration if the agreement is only for 11 months?
No — Maharashtra is one of the few states where registration is mandatory even for an 11-month leave and license agreement. Skipping it doesn't void the agreement outright, but it weakens its enforceability and can attract a penalty.
Who typically pays the stamp duty and registration cost?
There's no legal default — it's usually negotiated between the parties, and in most residential arrangements the tenant bears it since they're the one who benefits from having an enforceable agreement. State this explicitly in the agreement rather than leaving it to assumption.