Tenant and Landlord Rights: A Practical Guide

Put the tenancy in writing

Provincial rent legislation requires a written tenancy agreement. In Punjab, the Punjab Rented Premises Act 2009 requires the agreement to be in writing and registered with the Rent Registrar. A written agreement protects both sides and settles most disputes before they start.

Grounds for eviction

A landlord cannot evict at will. Eviction requires one of the statutory grounds – default in payment of rent, sub-letting without consent, personal bona fide requirement, material alteration to the premises, or expiry of the tenancy period. The Rent Tribunal decides, not the landlord.

If the landlord refuses rent

A landlord who refuses to accept rent in order to build a default case can be met by depositing the rent in the Rent Tribunal. Deposit protects the tenant against an ejectment petition on the ground of default.

Security deposit and increases

Record the amount of the security deposit and the conditions of its return in the agreement. Rent increases should follow the agreed schedule; an increase imposed mid-term without an agreed clause can be contested.

Utilities and repairs

State clearly who pays for utilities and who is responsible for structural repairs as against routine maintenance. Photograph the condition of the premises at handover and at exit – it prevents most deposit disputes.