Most people use the words “rent” and “lease” interchangeably. Legally they are quite different — and picking the wrong one can cost you in stamp duty, taxes, and tenant-rights protection.
The short answer
| Feature | Rent Agreement | Lease Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Typical duration | 11 months or less | More than 12 months |
| Registration required | No (just notarisation) | Yes (sub-registrar) |
| Stamp duty | ~2% of yearly rent | Higher, varies by state |
| Tenant protection | Limited | Strong (Rent Control Act) |
| Renewal | Easy — new agreement | Formal extension required |
Why 11 months?
This is the most common question we get. Under the Registration Act, any document creating an interest in property for 12 months or more must be compulsorily registered with the sub-registrar. By keeping the agreement to 11 months, landlords avoid:
- Mandatory registration (saves time + 1% registration fee)
- Long-term Rent Control Act protections for the tenant
- Higher stamp duty
This is why 99% of residential agreements in India are 11 months with an automatic renewal clause.
When you actually need a lease
- Commercial property for 3, 5 or 9 years — banks and tenants need legal certainty
- PG/hostel operations where the operator is leasing the entire building
- Manufacturing units where the tenant is investing in fixtures
What we draft and provide
For a standard 11-month rent agreement, we deliver:
- A printed and stamped agreement on the correct stamp paper value
- Notarisation by an empanelled notary
- Two signed copies — one for landlord, one for tenant
- Optional: police verification submission for tenants (mandatory in UP, especially Ghaziabad and Noida)
Need one? Walk in to our Crossing Republik or Greater Noida branch — most agreements are ready the same day.