Deposit laws every Indian renter should know
1 min read
Deposit laws every Indian renter should know
Most renters lose a chunk of their deposit simply because they don't know the rules. Here are the ones that matter.
The Model Tenancy Act (2021)
The central framework caps security deposits at 2 months' rent for residential properties. Most states haven't adopted it fully yet, but it's your strongest reference point in any dispute.
State-level reality
- Karnataka: own Tenancy Act, caps at ~6 months in practice disputes
- Maharashtra: Rent Act historically favors tenants on deductions
- Delhi: no hard cap, but courts routinely reject "wear and tear" deductions
What a landlord can legally deduct
- Unpaid rent or bills
- Actual damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Not repainting after multi-year tenancy (courts call this wear and tear)
Protect yourself
- Photograph everything on day 1 and day last
- Get the deposit amount and return deadline (usually 1-3 months) in the agreement
- Use our deposit calculator to check what's fair for your area
If they refuse to return it
Send a legal notice (₹500 via any lawyer). The threat of RERA court resolves 90% of cases.