There is a lot of discussion on social media about “Rent Rules 2026,” with many people claiming that the government has introduced new rules for tenants.
However, this is not completely true. These rules are actually part of the Model Tenancy Act, 2021.
The central government has only provided this as a guideline or model. It is up to each state government to decide whether to implement these rules or not.
Security Deposit: What Is the New Limit?
In cities like Bengaluru, landlords often demand a security deposit equal to 6 to 10 months of rent. According to the new framework:
For residential properties, the maximum deposit is 2 months’ rent
For commercial properties, it is up to 6 months’ rent
But this rule will apply only if your state officially adopts it.
Rules for Rent Increase
Landlords will not be able to increase rent whenever they want. The rental agreement must clearly mention:
The rent amount
The timing and conditions for any increase
If a landlord wants to raise the rent, they must give at least 3 months’ notice. Also, a tenancy without a written agreement will not be considered valid.
Tenant Privacy and Entry Rules
To protect tenants’ privacy, landlords cannot enter the rented house without permission. They must give at least 24 hours’ notice before visiting.
If a tenant does not vacate the property after the agreement ends, the landlord can charge a penalty, which may be double or even four times the rent.
How Will Disputes Be Resolved?
Earlier, rent disputes could take years to settle in court. Under this framework, there is a proposal to set up:
A Rent Authority
A Rent Court
These will help resolve disputes faster. Some states like Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have started taking steps to implement these rules, while states like Delhi and Maharashtra may still follow older systems.
