Stamp Duty and Registration for Rental Agreement in Maharashtra – 2025 Guide
- Vishal Chande
- Jul 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 7
If you're a landlord or tenant entering into a rental agreement in Maharashtra, understanding the stamp duty and registration process is critical. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it also helps protect both parties in case of disputes. With the latest updates for 2025, here's everything you need to know about stamp duty, registration charges, and how to complete the process online.
Understanding Leave and License Agreements
Most rental transactions in Maharashtra are governed by what's called a leave and license agreement. This legal arrangement allows the licensee (tenant) to occupy the premises for a specific period, without transferring any interest in the property. Under the Bombay Stamp Act, 1958, such agreements must be stamped and registered to be considered valid under the law.
Updated Stamp Duty Rates for 2025
In 2025, the stamp duty on leave and license agreements in Maharashtra continues to follow a tiered structure based on the duration of the agreement:
Duration of Agreement | Stamp Duty Rate |
Up to 5 years | 0.25% of total rent + deposit value |
5 to 10 years | 0.50% of the same |
More than 10 years | 1.00% |
The stamp duty is calculated on the total rent payable during the agreement period, non-refundable deposits, and a notional interest of 10% per year on refundable deposits.
Example Calculation: If monthly rent is ₹25,000 for 24 months with a refundable deposit of ₹2,00,000:
Total rent: ₹25,000 × 24 = ₹6,00,000
Notional interest on deposit: 10% × ₹2,00,000 × 2 = ₹40,000
Total consideration = ₹6,40,000
Stamp Duty = 0.25% of ₹6,40,000 = ₹1,600
This fee must be paid before the agreement can be registered.
Registration Charges in Maharashtra
Apart from stamp duty, registration of rental agreements is mandatory for agreements exceeding 11 months. The charges are as follows:
₹1,000 for properties in municipal corporation areas (e.g., Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur)
₹500 for properties in rural regions
This payment is separate from stamp duty and must be made during the registration process.
Mandatory Digital Stamping from July 2025
Starting July 1, 2025, the Maharashtra government has made digital stamping compulsory for all rental agreements. Traditional physical stamps or franking methods will no longer be valid. Agreements executed without digital stamping may attract a penalty of up to ₹5,000.
Tenants and landlords must use the official portals to generate digital stamp certificates, making the process paperless and tamper-proof. This change is designed to enhance transparency and expedite property transactions throughout the state.
How to Pay Stamp Duty and Register a Rental Agreement Online
You can complete the entire process online using the government’s digital portals:
Step 1: Pay Stamp Duty Online. Visit the GRAS Maharashtra portal or IGR Maharashtra eFiling portal
Fill in rental details: rent, term, deposits
Make payment via net banking, UPI, or card
Download the e-stamp certificate
Step 2: Register the Agreement
Log in to the Leave and License Registration portal
Upload the agreement draft
Enter both parties' Aadhaar details and schedule biometric verification
Complete OTP verification and submit
Receive the digitally signed copy by email
Agreements can now be registered from any Sub-Registrar office within the same district under the "One District, One Registration Office" model.
Legal Consequences of Not Registering
Failing to pay stamp duty or register the agreement can result in serious legal implications:
Unregistered agreements are inadmissible in court as evidence
Landlords can be penalized under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act
Penalty of up to 10 times the payable stamp duty may apply
To protect your rights and avoid fines, it is always advisable to formalize your rental agreement with proper documentation and registration.
Useful Government Links
Final Thoughts
Stamp duty and rental agreement registration aren’t just legal formalities — they offer clarity, security, and protection for both landlords and tenants. With digital stamping becoming mandatory in 2025, it's important to stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Need help registering your rental agreement or calculating your stamp duty? Fill out our Contact Form and we’ll guide you through every step.
Comments