Rent Agreement Stamp Duty in Karnataka: 0.5% up to ₹500 (Bengaluru)
Checked against official government sources. General information, not legal or financial advice.
In Karnataka, a residential rent agreement for up to one year attracts stamp duty of 0.5% of the average annual rent plus the deposit and any advance, capped at ₹500. In practice, most 11-month agreements in Bengaluru pay ₹500 or less. Leases of more than one year and up to 10 years pay 1% on the same amount.
In this guide
Rent agreement stamp duty in Karnataka
Stamp duty on residential leases under Article 30 of the Karnataka Stamp Act:
| Term of the lease | Stamp duty | Worked on |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 year (residential) | 0.5%, maximum ₹500 | Average annual rent + deposit + advance + premium |
| Over 1 year, up to 10 years | 1% | Same amount |
Commercial leases and very long leases follow other entries in the schedule; check the current rate on Kaveri Online before paying.
Registration fee and when registration is compulsory
Agreements for one year or more must be registered at the sub-registrar’s office, and a registration fee is charged on them. An 11-month residential agreement does not need compulsory registration; most people print it on e-stamp paper and have it signed by both sides and two witnesses.
⌂Looking for a property?See homes, plots and shops listed by owners and agents.BrowseWorked example
Rent ₹10,000 a month with a ₹50,000 deposit for 11 months. The amount counted is ₹1,20,000 annual rent + ₹50,000 deposit = ₹1,70,000. 0.5% of that is ₹850, but the cap brings it down to ₹500. A two-year lease on the same terms would pay 1%, about ₹1,700.
Why most rent agreements are for 11 months
Under the Registration Act, a lease of one year or more must be registered at the sub-registrar’s office. An agreement for 11 months does not need compulsory registration, which is why most landlords and tenants use it and renew it each year. An unregistered agreement on proper stamp paper is still valid evidence, but a registered one is stronger if there is a dispute.
How to pay stamp duty and register in Karnataka
- Prepare the agreement and work out the duty on the rent plus deposit.
- Buy an e-stamp paper for the duty from an authorised vendor or SHCIL.
- Print the agreement on the e-stamp paper and sign it with two witnesses.
- For leases of one year or more, register at the sub-registrar’s office; see our Kaveri Online guide.
Documents needed
- The rent agreement, with rent, deposit, term, notice period and maintenance terms written in
- Proof of the owner’s ownership, such as the sale deed, property tax receipt or electricity bill
- Identity and address proof of the owner and the tenant (Aadhaar, PAN, passport or voter ID) and two witnesses
- Passport-size photographs, where the sub-registrar asks for them
- Receipt for the stamp duty (e-stamp certificate or online challan)
Before you sign
- Use a clear rent agreement format and check the clauses every rent agreement should have: rent increase, deposit refund, lock-in, notice period and repairs.
- Write the security deposit amount and refund timeline into the agreement, and pay it by bank transfer so there is a record.
- If the monthly rent is above ₹50,000, the tenant may need to deduct TDS on rent.
- Owners renting out for the first time can read our guide on how to rent out a property.
Related guides
Rent agreement in Karnataka: common questions
What is the stamp duty on a rent agreement in Bangalore?
For a residential agreement of up to one year, 0.5% of annual rent plus deposit, capped at ₹500.
Is the security deposit counted for stamp duty in Karnataka?
Yes. The deposit and any advance are added to the average annual rent.
What stamp paper value is needed for an 11-month rent agreement in Karnataka?
Work out 0.5% of annual rent plus deposit; if it is more than ₹500, ₹500 is enough.
What is the stamp duty for a 3-year lease in Karnataka?
1% of the average annual rent plus deposit and advance.
Is registration compulsory for an 11-month rent agreement in Karnataka?
No. Registration is compulsory for leases of one year or more.
Rates as notified by the Department of Stamps and Registration, Karnataka, checked in November 2026. Stamp duty rules change by notification, so confirm the amount on Kaveri Online or at the sub-registrar’s office before you pay. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.
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