I have received queries on various occasions from various landlords asking whether rental laws have changed. I hope provide a general clarification based on available information.
Something called 'The Model Tenancy Act' was introduced by the Government of India in 2021 as a model law.
Do note - a model law is more of a template and does not automatically become binding across the country. Rent regulation falls under the jurisdiction of individual states. The central government drafted the Act as a framework that states may adopt or modify.
The provisions commonly associated with 'rent rules 2025' such as mandatory written tenancy agreements, caps on security deposits (two months’ rent for residential properties and six months’ rent for commercial properties), compulsory registration of agreements, the establishment of Rent Authorities, regulated rent increases are features of the Model Tenancy Act framework.
Like i mentioned above, these provisions apply only in states that have enacted their own tenancy laws based on the Model Tenancy Act.
The Act proposes a three-tier mechanism to reduce reliance on traditional slow civil court procedures:
Rent Authority : Responsible for registration of tenancy agreements and initial dispute resolution.
Rent Court : Handles disputes such as eviction matters and non-payment of rent.
Rent Tribunal : Hears appeals against decisions of the Rent Court.
Inshort - The idea behind the Model Tenancy Act is straightforward.
Landlords and tenants should put their agreement in writing. The terms should be clear. Security deposits should not be excessive. The terms should be transparent.
In return, landlords are given a proper legal system to protect their rights. If there is non-payment of rent, refusal to vacate, or breach of agreement, there is a structured fast process to resolve it through Rent Authorities, Rent Courts, and Rent Tribunals instead of long civil court delays.
Regarding implementation, while the Model Tenancy Act was introduced in 2021, individual states are in different stages of adoption. Some states - including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh etc have initiated processes toward implementation.
In Kerala, as of early 2026, the state has not yet replaced the existing rent law with a Model Tenancy Act based law. The state continues to operate under the Kerala Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1965 for rental matters, and the Model Tenancy Act framework has not been formally enacted or adopted by the Kerala Legislature.
