What is Kiraya Adhikar?

A bilingual tool for tenants and landlords in India. Pick one of 8 rent problems (deposit not returned, locked out, electricity / water cut, sudden rent hike or 'vacate now' threat, no written agreement, landlord entering without notice or not repairing, tenant not paying, tenant not vacating) to see the first 3 steps, your rights in short, proof to keep, what not to do, where to go, a ready letter and a WhatsApp Status card. Educational facilitation only — not legal advice.

Can a landlord throw a tenant out by locking the house?

Generally no. Even after the lease ends, a tenant can be removed only through due process of law — an order of the Rent Controller, Rent Authority or civil court as per State law. Locking out, removing goods or cutting electricity / water can lead to police and court action against the landlord. In danger, call 112.

Which rent law applies in my State?

Rent is a State subject. Your State's Rent Control Act (or its version of the Model Tenancy Act, 2021 if adopted), the Transfer of Property Act, 1882 and your written agreement apply. Stamp duty and registration rules are also State-specific, so always check your State's current law.

Is the letter sent or stored anywhere?

No. The letter is built in your browser. You copy it, open WhatsApp or your email app and send it yourself. Adhiwakta does not see, store or send it.

Does Adhiwakta file my rent case?

No. Adhiwakta is a citizen legal-help facilitation platform, not a law firm. It does not file cases, appear before any authority or court, or guarantee any outcome. You can ask a general question on WhatsApp, and government legal aid (15100) is available to eligible people.

Free · works in your browser · nothing is uploaded

Kiraya Adhikar — deposit stuck, locked out, rent not paid? Know your rent rights (India)

Pick your rent problem — deposit not returned, locked out, electricity or water cut, sudden rent hike, no written agreement, landlord entering without notice, or (for landlords) tenant not paying or not vacating — and see the first 3 steps, your rights in short, proof to keep, what not to do, where to go, a ready letter you can edit and send yourself, and a WhatsApp Status card. Works for tenants and landlords. Runs in your browser. Educational facilitation only — not legal advice.

🚦 6 golden rules of renting

Always have a written rent agreement
Pay / take rent by UPI or bank — keep receipts
Photo-video the house on move-in and move-out
No lock-out, no power cut — eviction only through law
Do tenant police verification where your State requires it
Talk in writing — WhatsApp / letter, not only phone

What's the rent problem?

For tenants

For landlords

All situations at a glance

Rent laws differ by State and change — verify your State's law.

Security deposit not returned

Written demand: amount, date, UPI
Agreement, deposit proof, move-out photos
Legal notice → Lok Adalat / Rent Authority / civil court

🚫 Don't stop the last months' rent 'to adjust the deposit' unless the agreement allows it in writing

☎ 15100

Landlord locked me out / threw out my things

Stay calm, record video, 112 if danger
Written police complaint, get received copy
Urgent injunction / restoration — act fast

🚫 Don't break the lock or use force back

☎ 112 · 181 · 15100

Landlord cut electricity or water

Photo of meter, written request to restore
Rent Controller + electricity / water office
Threats? Written police complaint / 112

🚫 Don't tamper with the meter or take an illegal connection

☎ 112 · 15100

Sudden rent hike / 'vacate now' threat

Check lock-in, notice, increase clause
Polite written reply, keep paying agreed rent
Notice / court papers — respond by the deadline

🚫 Don't stop paying the agreed rent

☎ 15100

No written agreement / no rent receipts

Write rent, deposit, notice, repairs
Over 11 months? Register it
UPI with note, receipts, police verification

🚫 Don't pay large sums in cash without a receipt

☎ 15100

Landlord enters without notice / won't do repairs

Ask for advance notice; log each entry
Photos + repair request with a date
Notice / Rent Authority; harassment → police / 181

🚫 Don't withhold rent on your own because of repairs unless your State law clearly allows it

☎ 181 · 112 · 15100

Tenant not paying rent (for landlords)

Written demand: months, amount, deadline
Legal notice for arrears / termination
Rent Controller / court: arrears + eviction

🚫 Don't lock the house, remove goods or cut electricity / water — it can make you liable

☎ 15100

Tenant not vacating (for landlords)

Proper written termination notice
Rent Controller / court + mesne profits
Possession via court execution

🚫 Don't lock out, remove goods or cut supplies — it can lead to criminal and civil action against you

☎ 15100 · 112

Forward this tool

Know someone living on rent, or renting out a house? Forward this on WhatsApp — most rent fights start with no proof.

📤 Forward this tool on WhatsApp

https://www.adhiwakta.com/tools/kiraya-adhikar

FAQs

What is Kiraya Adhikar?: A bilingual tool for tenants and landlords in India. Pick one of 8 rent problems (deposit not returned, locked out, electricity / water cut, sudden rent hike or 'vacate now' threat, no written agreement, landlord entering without notice or not repairing, tenant not paying, tenant not vacating) to see the first 3 steps, your rights in short, proof to keep, what not to do, where to go, a ready letter and a WhatsApp Status card. Educational facilitation only — not legal advice.
Can a landlord throw a tenant out by locking the house?: Generally no. Even after the lease ends, a tenant can be removed only through due process of law — an order of the Rent Controller, Rent Authority or civil court as per State law. Locking out, removing goods or cutting electricity / water can lead to police and court action against the landlord. In danger, call 112.
Which rent law applies in my State?: Rent is a State subject. Your State's Rent Control Act (or its version of the Model Tenancy Act, 2021 if adopted), the Transfer of Property Act, 1882 and your written agreement apply. Stamp duty and registration rules are also State-specific, so always check your State's current law.
Is the letter sent or stored anywhere?: No. The letter is built in your browser. You copy it, open WhatsApp or your email app and send it yourself. Adhiwakta does not see, store or send it.
Does Adhiwakta file my rent case?: No. Adhiwakta is a citizen legal-help facilitation platform, not a law firm. It does not file cases, appear before any authority or court, or guarantee any outcome. You can ask a general question on WhatsApp, and government legal aid (15100) is available to eligible people.

🚦 6 golden rules of renting

What's the rent problem?

All situations at a glance

FAQs

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