In Hyderabad, the number of people living in rented homes is greater than those living in their own houses. Many, ranging from small employees and common individuals to lower and upper middle-class families, primarily reside in rented accommodations. Based on their status, income sources, and family needs, Hyderabad residents pay rent accordingly.
However, while landlords have rights, many people are unaware that those living in rented homes also have certain rights. Legal experts state that, in addition to the terms mentioned in the rental agreement, additional conditions may also apply.
To protect the interests of tenants, the law has provided certain provisions. The law grants tenants some rights that are roughly equal to those of landlords. The primary right among these is the right to reside peacefully.
Once a house is rented out, it becomes the residence of the tenants. Therefore, the landlord has no right to interfere with the privacy of the tenants. The landlord does not have the authority to impose restrictions on the daily activities of those living in the rented space.
The landlord cannot enter the house at will without permission. According to the provisions of the Rent Control Act of 1948, the landlord must obtain the tenant’s consent before entering the property.
There are no provisions that allow landlords to evict tenants at will. A tenant must be given at least 15 days’ notice to vacate the property. Additionally, if a tenant fails to pay rent for more than two months, the landlord has the right to evict them, as stated by the regulations.
Landlords do not have the arbitrary right to increase rent. Rent should be determined based on market prices. Before raising the rent, landlords must inform the tenant at least three months in advance. The Rent Control Act of 1948 clearly outlines these points, which require a written agreement to be signed before renting.
The landlord is entirely responsible for the costs of repairs, maintenance, and property taxes. Furthermore, the security deposit given before renting must be refunded at the time the tenant vacates the property, as stipulated by the Rent Control Act.
