Rent Agreement in Karnataka — Complete Guide 2026
Stamp duty, registration rules, key laws, and how to eSign your Karnataka rent agreement online for ₹15.
Quick Facts
1% of average annual rent
₹500 (agreements up to 10 years)
Optional for leases under 12 months, mandatory for 12 months and above
Available
15 days for monthly tenancies
Rent Agreement Rules in Karnataka
Rent agreements in Karnataka are governed by the Karnataka Rent Act, 1999 (updated 2001). The central Model Tenancy Act, 2021 has not yet been adopted in Karnataka.
Key Rules:
- Rental agreements under 12 months do not require mandatory registration
- Security deposit is typically 10 months' rent in Bengaluru (one of the highest in India)
- Notarisation is common but not a legal substitute for registration
- Both parties should retain original copies
- Police verification of tenant is recommended in Bengaluru
Stamp Duty for Rent Agreement in Karnataka
Karnataka charges stamp duty based on the duration of the rental agreement. For agreements up to 10 years, the rate is 1% of the average annual rent. For 10-20 years, it is higher.
Worked Example
For an 11-month agreement with rent ₹20,000/month: Annual rent = ₹20,000 × 12 = ₹2,40,000. Stamp duty = 1% × ₹2,40,000 = ₹2,400.
Source: Karnataka Registration Portal — Last verified: April 2026.
How to Register a Rent Agreement in Karnataka
In Karnataka, registration is Optional for leases under 12 months, mandatory for 12 months and above. However, registered agreements carry stronger legal weight.
Registration fee: ₹500 (agreements up to 10 years).
Online registration is available via the Karnataka IGRS Portal .
Documents Typically Required:
- Aadhaar card / ID proof of landlord and tenant
- PAN card of both parties
- Property ownership proof (tax receipt, sale deed)
- Passport-size photographs
- Two witnesses with ID proof
- E-stamp paper of appropriate value
Rent Agreement Format for Karnataka
A rent agreement in Karnataka should include these essential clauses:
How to eSign Your Karnataka Rent Agreement
Rent agreements in Karnataka can be legally signed using Aadhaar eSign under Section 3A of the IT Act, 2000. eSigned rent agreements have the same legal validity as physically signed ones. Read our complete guide to Aadhaar eSign for details.
Steps to eSign with SignSetu:
- Upload your rent agreement PDF on SignSetu
- Add both landlord and tenant as signers
- Each party verifies identity via Aadhaar OTP
- Download the signed PDF with cryptographic audit trail
Cost: ₹15 × 2 signers = ₹30 total. No subscription required.
Sign Your Karnataka Rent AgreementFrequently Asked Questions — Karnataka
What is the stamp duty for rent agreement in Karnataka?
The stamp duty for rent agreements in Karnataka is 1% of average annual rent for agreements up to 10 years.
Is registration mandatory for rent agreements in Karnataka?
Registration is Optional for leases under 12 months, mandatory for 12 months and above in Karnataka. The fee is ₹500 (agreements up to 10 years).
Can I eSign a rent agreement in Karnataka?
Yes. Rent agreements in Karnataka can be signed using Aadhaar eSign, which is legally valid under Section 3A of the IT Act, 2000. SignSetu charges ₹15 per signature.
What is the typical security deposit in Bengaluru?
For a rental of ₹20,000/month in Bengaluru, the typical security deposit is ₹2,00,000.
What is the notice period in Karnataka?
The standard notice period for tenancies in Karnataka is 15 days for monthly tenancies, unless a different period is specified in the agreement.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Stamp duty rates and regulations change periodically. Please verify current rates with the Karnataka Registration Department or consult a legal professional. SignSetu is not responsible for decisions made based on this information. Last updated: April 2026.