( KARNATAKA RENT ACT 2026 )

The Karnataka Rent Act, as amended in 2026

Karnataka Act 07 of 2026, in force from 8 January 2026. What it changed for tenants and owners, and what we have not been able to settle.

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LAST CHECKED 6 October 2026

Against the Act as published on India Code. A rule notified after this date is not on this page.

DRAFT · THE TEXT IS WRITTEN FROM THE ACT AS PUBLISHED. NOTHING HERE IS FINAL

What changed

The Karnataka Rent (Amendment) Act, 2025 was published as Karnataka Act 07 of 2026 and took effect on 8 January 2026.

Its main change is to penalties. Breaches of the 1999 Act that were offences, some carrying imprisonment, become contraventions settled with fines, and the Rent Controller decides them.

SLOT · TO BE WRITTEN FROM THE ACT Each changed section, its old wording and its new.
INDIA CODE, THE ACT AS AMENDED · KHAITAN & CO, 17 APR 2026

Who it applies to

SLOT · TO BE WRITTEN FROM THE ACT Which premises the 1999 Act covers, and whether a flat let on an 11-month agreement in a gated society falls inside it.

What it means for tenants

SLOT · TO BE WRITTEN FROM THE ACT The fines a tenant now faces, starting with subletting without the owner's consent.

What it means for owners

SLOT · TO BE WRITTEN FROM THE ACT The fines an owner now faces, and what an owner must file or keep.

Deposits

We have not found a limit on deposits in the amendment. A law firm's reading says it does not change deposit limits. Several listing sites say it caps a residential deposit at two months' rent. Both cannot be right; see below.

SLOT · TO BE WRITTEN FROM THE ACT The section on deposits, quoted, once the gazette text is read.
KHAITAN & CO, 17 APR 2026

Notice

SLOT · TO BE WRITTEN FROM THE ACT Any notice period the Act sets for a rent increase or for leaving, with its section.

Disputes

A contravention goes to the Rent Controller and ends in a fine.

SLOT · TO BE WRITTEN FROM THE ACT Where to file, what it costs, and how long it takes.
KHAITAN & CO, 17 APR 2026

What is still unclear

Whether any deposit cap exists. Listing sites state one as settled; the law firm note we read says the amendment leaves deposit limits alone. Until we have read the gazette ourselves, ask for whatever deposit is written into your agreement and keep the receipt.

Whether a 90-day notice before a rent increase is in the Act or only in the central Model Tenancy Act, 2021, which several sites quote as though Karnataka had adopted it.

SOURCES · LAST CHECKED 6 OCT 2026 The rental agreement in Karnataka →

This is what the documents say as we read them. It is not legal advice.