Most rent disputes in Pakistan come from things the rent agreement (kiraya nama) did not say clearly. Who pays for repairs? When is the security deposit returned? How much notice is needed to leave? Whether you are the landlord or the tenant, check these 10 clauses before you sign.

The 10-clause checklist

1. Full details of both parties

Full names, father's or husband's names, CNIC numbers and current addresses of the landlord and tenant. If someone signs on the owner's behalf, attach their authority, such as a power of attorney.

2. Exact description of the property

House or flat number, street, sector or block, city, and which floor or portion is being rented. List anything included, such as parking, roof access, furniture or appliances.

3. Term of the tenancy

The start date and the end date. Many residential agreements in Pakistan run for 11 months. One reason is that under the Registration Act, 1908 and the Transfer of Property Act, 1882, a lease for more than one year (or reserving a yearly rent) must be made by a registered instrument.

4. Rent, due date and annual increase

The monthly rent, the date it is due, how it is paid (bank transfer is easiest to prove) and any late-payment terms. State the annual increase as a clear percentage, for example "10% on renewal", so it is not argued about later.

5. Security deposit and refund

The deposit amount, what can be deducted (unpaid rent, unpaid bills, damage beyond normal wear and tear), and how many days after handover it will be refunded. This is the most common cause of disputes.

6. Utility bills and other charges

Who pays electricity, gas, water, internet, maintenance or society charges, and property tax. Record the meter readings on the handover date.

7. Repairs and maintenance

Separate minor repairs (usually the tenant) from major or structural repairs (usually the landlord). Say whether the tenant can make changes, such as painting or fixtures, and whether they must be undone at the end.

8. Use of the property and subletting

Residential or commercial use, the maximum number of occupants, and whether subletting is allowed. For shops and offices, use a commercial lease instead.

9. Notice period and termination

How much notice each side must give to end the tenancy early, and how notice is given (in writing, by WhatsApp, by post). If the agreement says nothing, the Transfer of Property Act's default for a monthly lease is 15 days' written notice expiring at the end of a month of the tenancy. In most cities, provincial rent laws also apply.

10. Signatures, witnesses and handover inventory

Both parties sign every page, with two witnesses and their CNIC numbers. Attach a short inventory of the property's condition on handover, ideally with dated photos.

Paperwork beyond the agreement

• Stamp paper: rent agreements are usually executed on stamp paper. The required stamp duty depends on your province and the rent amount.
• Provincial rent laws: each province has its own rent law. In Punjab, the Punjab Rented Premises Act, 2009 requires tenancy agreements to be in writing, and the landlord must give a copy to the Rent Registrar. Islamabad and Sindh have their own laws.
• Police tenant registration: landlords in Punjab must give tenant details to the local police under the Punjab Information of Temporary Residents Act, 2015, and similar requirements apply in other provinces and Islamabad. Many police departments let you do this online.
• Leases over one year: these must be registered with the Sub-Registrar.

Create your rent agreement in minutes

Lawzo's free rent agreement template covers these clauses. Fill in your details in English or Urdu and download it, ready to print on stamp paper. Have a draft from your landlord or tenant? Upload it to Lawzo's document review to see its risks, obligations and missing clauses explained in plain words.

Frequently asked questions

Is a rent agreement on plain paper valid?

A written agreement can still be evidence of the tenancy, but agreements are expected to be on properly stamped paper, and unstamped documents can face problems as evidence. Use the correct stamp paper for your province.

Can the landlord keep the whole security deposit?

Only for the deductions the agreement allows, such as unpaid rent, unpaid bills or damage. This is why clause 5 and the handover inventory matter.

Can a landlord evict a tenant without notice?

No. Eviction must follow the agreement and the provincial rent law, and contested evictions go to the Rent Controller or Rent Tribunal. A tenancy lawyer can advise on your options.

This article is general information about Pakistani law, not legal advice. Rent laws, stamp duty and registration rules differ by province. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation.