Tenant Rights Checklist
What a landlord can't legally do, and what to keep on hand.
Tenant Rights Checklist
Adhikar · knowyourights.in
Your Landlord Cannot
- Evict you without a court order, even if rent is overdue — self-help eviction (changing locks, cutting utilities) is illegal.
- Deduct your security deposit for normal wear and tear.
- Enter your rented home without reasonable notice, except in a genuine emergency.
Keep These Documents
- A written rental agreement, ideally registered.
- Rent payment receipts (bank transfer records count too).
- Move-in and move-out photos/videos, timestamped.
- Any written correspondence about repairs or disputes.
If a Dispute Happens
- Send a written request/notice first — this builds your paper trail.
- Escalate to your Rent Authority (where established) or Consumer/Civil Court.
- Deposit-return timelines are typically 1–2 months after vacating, per most state Rent Acts.
Not a substitute for legal advice. See the full guide: /rights/tenant-landlord-rights/
Adhikar is an independent citizen-awareness platform, not a Government of India website. This is a quick-reference summary, not legal advice — laws and helpline numbers can change.