Delhi tenant rights, decoded.
Plain-English explainers on what your rent agreement actually says, what the law actually allows, and what your landlord cannot get away with. Written and reviewed by a Delhi High Court advocate.
Why 'last 2 months rent against deposit' is illegal — and what to write into your agreement to stop it
Your landlord cannot unilaterally adjust the last two months' rent against your deposit — the obligations are independent. Under Tikka Brijinder Singh Bedi (Del HC 2010) and Bafna Motors (Bom HC 2022), no-set-off applies. Here's the exact clause your agreement needs.
What every Delhi tenant should video on the day they move in (and again on move-out)
A timestamped move-in video is the single most powerful piece of evidence a tenant can hold. Here's the exact 12-shot checklist, the §65B certificate that makes it admissible, and what to demand from your landlord.
Can my landlord deduct painting charges from my security deposit? (Delhi, 2026)
Short answer: only in narrow, contract-specific cases — and almost never the full cost. Under §74 Indian Contract Act and Kailash Nath (SC 2015), a landlord can recover only the genuine pre-estimate of damage you caused, not the cost of cosmetic refresh for the next tenant.