Delhi NCR · Updated October 2026 · By Aditya Bansal
Rent agreement in Gurgaon and Delhi: stamp duty, registration and format
What a rent agreement should include, why most run for 11 months, and roughly how much stamp duty to pay in Haryana and Delhi.
Rates change. The figures below are the commonly used rates as of October 2026. Confirm the exact amount when you buy e-stamp paper or at the sub-registrar's office.
Estimate the stamp duty
11 months or longer?
- 11 months or less: registration isn't compulsory. You still need stamp paper (usually e-stamp) for the correct duty, and both sides plus two witnesses sign.
- More than 12 months: the agreement must be registered at the sub-registrar's office, with both parties present. A registration fee is charged on top of stamp duty.
How stamp duty is worked out
Duty is a percentage of the rent. For an agreement of a year or less, it is based on the total rent for the term. For longer terms it is based on the average annual rent. In Delhi, a refundable deposit is generally not counted. In Haryana, check whether the deposit is added when you buy the stamp paper.
Stamp duty is paid by buying e-stamp paper: through authorised stamp vendors and SHCIL in Delhi, and through the state's e-stamping system or authorised vendors in Haryana.
What to include in the agreement
- Names, addresses and ID details of the landlord and every tenant.
- Property address and what is included: furniture, appliances, parking.
- Monthly rent, due date, maintenance, how electricity and water are billed, and any yearly increase.
- Security deposit amount, and when and how it is refunded, including allowed deductions.
- Lock-in period and notice period for both sides.
- Who pays for repairs, and rules on guests, pets and subletting.
- An inventory list of items and their condition at move-in, with photos.
Start with our free rental agreement format and have it checked before signing. After moving in, complete tenant police verification and keep rent receipts for HRA.
Frequently asked questions
Why are most rent agreements made for 11 months?
Under the Registration Act, 1908, a lease for more than one year must be registered at the sub-registrar's office. An 11-month agreement avoids compulsory registration, but it should still be on stamp paper with the correct stamp duty.
What is the stamp duty on a rent agreement in Delhi?
For agreements up to five years, Delhi stamp duty is commonly calculated as 2% of the average annual rent. A refundable security deposit is generally not added. Confirm the current rate when you buy the e-stamp paper.
What is the stamp duty on a rent agreement in Gurgaon (Haryana)?
Haryana's rate for short leases is commonly quoted as 1.5% of the average annual rent, but sources differ. Check the amount on the Haryana e-stamping system or with a stamp vendor before you buy.
Who pays the stamp duty, the landlord or the tenant?
The law doesn't fix who pays. It is agreed between the two, and in practice the tenant often pays it or it is split. Write it down in the agreement.
Is a notarised rent agreement enough?
Notarisation proves who signed and when, but it doesn't replace stamp duty. An agreement on under-stamped paper may not be accepted as evidence until the duty and any penalty are paid.