Rental Agreement Template Kerala

RESIDENTIAL RENTAL AGREEMENT (KERALA)

Document Control

• Effective Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
• Version: 1.0 (Kerala State Compliance)
• Jurisdiction: State of Kerala, India (Governed by the Kerala Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1965 & Indian Registration Act, 1908).

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This template is provided for informational purposes as a baseline drafting instrument. It does not constitute formal legal advice. Compliance with the Kerala Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act and the Registration Act requires specific attention to stamp duty and registration mandates. It is strongly recommended that this document be reviewed by local legal counsel prior to execution.

1. THE PARTIES

LESSOR (Landlord): [Full Legal Name], S/o/D/o [Father's Name], residing at [Full Address], hereinafter referred to as the "Lessor".

LESSEE (Tenant): [Full Legal Name], S/o/D/o [Father's Name], residing at [Full Address], hereinafter referred to as the "Lessee".

2. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

The Lessor hereby agrees to let, and the Lessee hereby agrees to take on rent, the property situated at: [Full Postal Address including Door No./Building Name], comprising of [Number] bedrooms, [Number] bathrooms, and [Specific Amenities/Parking].

3. TERM & TERMINATION

• Term: The lease period shall be [Number] months, commencing on [Start Date] and terminating on [End Date].
• Renewal: Renewal is subject to mutual written agreement at least 30 days prior to expiration.
• Termination: Either party may terminate this agreement by providing [Number, e.g., 60] days' prior written notice.

4. RENT & SECURITY DEPOSIT

• Monthly Rent: INR [Amount in Figures] ([Amount in Words] Rupees only), payable on or before the [Day] of every calendar month.
• Security Deposit: An interest-free refundable deposit of INR [Amount] shall be paid by the Lessee upon execution.
• Mode of Payment: Remittance via [NEFT/IMPS/Cheque] to [Bank Name/Account Number].

5. OPERATIVE CLAUSES

1. Usage: The premises shall be used for residential purposes only. Commercial activity or sub-letting is strictly prohibited.
2. Maintenance: The Lessee is responsible for routine internal maintenance. Structural repairs remain the obligation of the Lessor.
3. Utilities: Lessee shall bear the cost of electricity, water, and internet usage based on actual consumption/meter readings.
4. Inspection: The Lessor reserves the right to enter the premises for inspection with 24 hours' prior notice.
5. Compliance: The Lessee shall comply with all local municipal bylaws and the rules of the Residents' Association (if applicable).

6. SIGNATURES & ACKNOWLEDGMENT

In witness whereof, the parties have executed this agreement on the date first written above.

LESSOR: Signature: __________________________ Name: [Printed Name]

LESSEE: Signature: __________________________ Name: [Printed Name]

WITNESS 1: ______________________ (Name/Address) WITNESS 2: ______________________ (Name/Address)

EXECUTION GUIDE: MANDATORY STEPS

1. Stamp Duty: Under the Kerala Stamp Act, this agreement must be printed on Non-Judicial Stamp Paper of the value prescribed by the Kerala Government (typically INR 200 or as applicable to the rent value). Verify current rates at the nearest Sub-Registrar Office.
2. Notarization: While not strictly mandatory for short-term leases (under 11 months), notarizing the document provides an added layer of evidentiary authentication in legal disputes.
3. Registration: If the lease term exceeds 11 months, the document must be registered at the jurisdictional Sub-Registrar Office under the Indian Registration Act to be enforceable in a court of law.
4. Witnessing: Ensure at least two independent witnesses sign the document, providing their full names and current residential addresses to authenticate the execution process.