Renting a property in Maharashtra—whether in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, or any other city—requires a legally valid Rent Agreement (Leave and License Agreement). One of the most common questions tenants and landlords ask is: What is the total cost of making a rent agreement in Maharashtra?

The cost of a rent agreement is not just about printing the document; it includes stamp duty, registration charges, e-registration charges (if online), convenience charges, and sometimes professional drafting fees. Understanding these charges in advance helps you plan better and avoid last-minute surprises.

What is a Rent Agreement?

A rent agreement is a legally binding document executed between the landlord and tenant, defining rights, responsibilities, rent amount, duration, and other conditions. In Maharashtra, most residential agreements are created for 11 months under Leave & License format to avoid tenancy complications.

It is mandatory in Maharashtra that rent agreements of 12 months or more be registered. However, most 11-month agreements are also registered to ensure legality and authenticity.

What Decides the Cost of a Rent Agreement?

The total cost of a rent agreement in Maharashtra mainly depends on:

  • Rent amount (monthly)
  • Security deposit amount
  • Duration of agreement
  • City/Location
  • Whether agreement is Online Registered or Physically Registered
  • Who is drafting/processing it (self, agent, or online service)

Stamp Duty Charges for Rent Agreement in Maharashtra

The Government of Maharashtra has fixed the stamp duty for Leave & License Agreements. Generally, stamp duty is 0.25% of the total payable rent for the agreement period plus the refundable security deposit (if applicable).

For example:
If Monthly Rent = ₹20,000
Security Deposit = ₹1,00,000
Duration = 11 Months

Total rent for 11 months = ₹20,000 × 11 = ₹2,20,000
Add Deposit = ₹1,00,000
Total Amount Considered = ₹3,20,000

Stamp Duty = 0.25% of ₹3,20,000 = ₹800

Stamp duty may vary slightly depending on government updates, locality jurisdiction, or any special concession, but 0.25% is the widely applicable rule for Leave & License Agreements.

Registration Charges for Rent Agreement

Along with stamp duty, registration is compulsory for legally valid rent agreements in Maharashtra. Registration provides authenticity and is admissible as evidence in court.

Registration fee generally includes:

  • Government Registration Fee – Around ₹1,000 (may vary slightly)
  • E-registration fee (if done online) – Approximately ₹300 to ₹500
  • Biometric or Aadhaar authentication charge – Applicable in some cases

Online Rent Agreement Cost in Maharashtra

Maharashtra is one of the leading states offering Online Rent Agreement (E-Registration) facility. This avoids visiting the Sub-Registrar Office and makes the process faster.

Typical cost breakup for Online Rent Agreement:

  • Stamp Duty – As per calculation (0.25%)
  • Government E-Registration Fee – Around ₹300
  • Service Provider / Drafting Fees – Depends on platform or agent
  • Optional biometric or doorstep service charges

Online agreements are legally valid and widely accepted for residential and commercial purposes.

Offline (Registered at Sub-Registrar Office) Rent Agreement Cost

If you choose to register physically:

  • Stamp Duty – As calculated
  • Registration Fee – Around ₹1,000
  • Professional/Agent Handling Charges – Depends on service provider
  • Additional cost for travel, time, and documentation

This method is less preferred today as online registration is quicker and more convenient.

Who Pays for Rent Agreement Cost?

There is no fixed legal rule about who must bear the cost. Generally, the cost is:

The terms should be clarified beforehand to avoid disputes.

Other Costs You Should Know

Apart from stamp duty and registration charges, there may be:

  • Drafting & Documentation charges
  • Courier / Printing charges (if offline)
  • Biometric verification fees
  • Convenience or doorstep service fees (in online mode)

If you use professional online services like edrafter.in, the package usually includes drafting + stamp duty procurement + e-registration assistance, making the process smooth and hassle-free.

Why is Registering Rent Agreement Important?

Many people try to avoid registration to save money, but an unregistered rent agreement:

  • Is not legally strong
  • Cannot be used in court disputes
  • May cause problems during police verification
  • Is often rejected by government and corporate institutions

A registered agreement protects both tenant and landlord legally.

Cost Summary in Simple Words

To summarize, the cost of a rent agreement in Maharashtra generally includes:

  • Stamp Duty: 0.25% of (Total Rent for Duration + Deposit)
  • Registration Fee: ₹300 – ₹1,000 (depending on online/offline)
  • Service Charges / Drafting Fee: Depends on platform/agent

So, the approximate total cost usually ranges between ₹1,000 to ₹4,000 or more, depending on rent value and service provider.

Conclusion

Understanding the cost of a rent agreement in Maharashtra helps you budget properly and ensures a hassle-free renting experience. Always prefer a properly stamped and registered rent agreement to stay legally protected.