Rights of a Tenant
Most people leave the comfort of their homes and migrate to a different location for some purpose. To search and settle into a new dwelling is quite a daunting task for most people.
Many people land into issues at a later point of time due to some disagreement with the landlord. Therefore, it's important that there needs to be transparency and trust between a tenant and a landlord. It's for this reason that the landlord and tenant must discuss every point and enter into a legal rental agreement.
Over a period of time, cities and towns have changed in terms of infrastructure and growth. This has an indirect impact on all types of residents. It’s quite possible that there could be a conflict of interest between a tenant and landlord and the emphasis on the right to access becomes the bone of contention.
Every prospective tenant must take personal responsibility to stay aware of his rights to live in harmony and transact without a hassle. Ignorance cannot be an excuse, and it's better to be safe than sorry. Therefore, there is no real hurry to sign the rental agreement before considering all contentious points.
Safeguards which a tenant should ensure are recorded in the rent agreement
Rental agreement must be in writing. Say ‘NO’ to oral agreements or any form of mutual understanding.
Ensure the landlord agrees to providing written receipt of monthly rent payment.
The landlord must agree to return the deposit amount to the tenant after the expiry of the rental tenure. In case the tenant wishes to prematurely exit the agreement, the landlord must settle the dues to the tenant in a fair and prompt manner after expiry of mutally agreed notice period.
The tenant should have the right to stay peacefully on the let out portion of the property. The landlord and his/her family members cannot walk/barge into the house of the tenant without prior intimation to the tenant.
The tenant should have the right to invite guests or family members to his portion of the rented residence.
The landlord should agree to bear costs in relation to ordinary wear and tear of the property such as repair of holes, cracks, crevices, plaster getting peeled off, dull and smoky walls, leaky roof, etc.
Additional Safeguards
The tenant as well as the landlord should keep in mind that any rental agreement having a validity of twelve months or more needs to be compulsorily registered.
The tenant should ensure that the rental agreement is executed on stamp paper and a copy is furnished to him.
Conclusion
Since the last twenty years, every city and town in India has seen exponential growth as a result of job and business opportunities. The urban Indian landscape has evolved convenient modes of living for a huge influx of young employed Indians.
The concept of paying guest accommodation for the young urban workforce is a convenient mode of living. The terms of opting for paying guest accommodation are easy on the budget and most preferred by youngsters. However one should ensure that a written rental agreement is entered into between the landlord and the tenant and the said agreement should have enough safeguards for the tenant.
Comments