Stamp duty on a rent agreement in India: how it works
Money · 2 min read · Updated
Stamp duty on a rent agreement is a state tax, so the amount depends on where the property is. There is no single national rate.
What decides the amount
States usually calculate duty from one or more of these: the monthly rent, the length of the term, and the security deposit. Some states charge a flat amount for short residential agreements. Others charge a percentage of the rent over the term or of an annual figure.
Why you should not trust one number
Rates change and rules differ by state, sometimes by property type. Online calculators, including ours, give an indicative amount. Before you pay, confirm the figure on your state's official e-stamp or registration portal.
How to pay
Most states let you pay through an online e-stamp or registration portal and print the stamped paper, or buy physical stamp paper from a licensed vendor. Keep the payment receipt with the agreement.
Who pays?
The law does not fix this for private tenancies, so the agreement decides. Our drafts split the cost equally unless you agree otherwise, and you can change that before signing.
Try the calculator
Our stamp duty calculator covers the states we support and shows the rule it used, so you can compare it with your state's portal.
Common questions
- What if I do not stamp the agreement?
- An unstamped or under-stamped agreement may not be admissible as evidence until the duty and any penalty are paid. Stamp it before you sign.
- Is stamp duty the same as registration fee?
- No. Stamp duty is a tax on the document. Registration is a separate step with its own fee, required for longer leases and in some states for shorter ones.
General information, not legal advice. Laws and procedures vary by state and change over time. Check official sources or a local lawyer before you act.