Why is it important to get rent receipts from the landlord?

It is always a good practice to get rent receipts especially if you are paying rent in cash. Taking rent receipts can have advantages such as claiming tax exemption while filing your return (if you are eligible), using it as evidence if a dispute arises from the rent agreement, etc.

What will happen if I do not give my landlord notice before leaving the rented house?

The notice period is given in your agreement. If you do not provide the required amount of notice before leaving the house, the landlord/licensor can deduct an amount from the security deposit, which will be equivalent to the notice period. For example, if your notice period was one month and you informed the landlord that you would be leaving in one week, he can deduct three weeks worth of rent from your security deposit.

What is the purpose of having receipts and copies of all the renting documents?

After you have signed your rent agreement, try to ask for the following receipts:

  • Rent Receipts
  • Security Deposit
  • Brokerage

These receipts will be helpful to show the record of money exchanged between you and the landlord/broker and for tax filing and House Rent Allowance (HRA) reimbursement purposes.

It is important to have copies of the following:

  • Rent/Lease/Leave and License agreement.
  • Police Verification form
  • Bill for utilities such as electricity, water etc.

Having copies allows you to use them as proof if you had to go to court, or as residence proof, proof of payment of expenses with the landlord etc.

Can the landlord increase my rent?

Your landlord can increase your rent at the end of your lease, but not in between. However, if it is a month-by-month lease, the landlord can give you a notice at any point and increase the rent from the following month.