Whether you're the tenant or the landlord, a few steps at the start of a tenancy save a lot of trouble later.
Put it in writing
A written tenancy agreement protects both sides. It should state:
- The monthly rent, when it's due and how it's paid (bank transfer is best — it leaves a record).
- The advance and security deposit, and when the deposit is returned.
- The length of the tenancy, the notice period, and how much the rent rises each year.
- Who pays which bills and maintenance, and which parts of the house are included (whole house, upper portion, lower portion).
In Punjab, the Punjab Rented Premises Act 2009 requires tenancy agreements to be written and registered with the Rent Registrar — ask a lawyer or property dealer to do this with you.
Register the tenant with the police
In Punjab and Islamabad, landlords must give the tenant's details to the local police when a new tenancy starts; in Punjab this is under the Punjab Information of Temporary Residents Act 2015. Islamabad Police and Punjab Police offer tenant registration at police stations and through their service centres and online systems. Other provinces have similar rules — ask at your local police station.
Keep a copy of the registration. Landlords who skip it can face penalties.
Before you move in
- Check the meters and note the readings, and photograph the house's condition.
- Ask for the latest paid bills so you don't inherit someone else's dues.
- Agree in writing on any repairs the landlord will make.
Looking for a place? On Matti you can search homes for rent by city, area, size and budget, and contact owners and dealers directly.
