Uttar Pradesh to charge flat Rs 1,000 stamp duty on rent contracts above Rs 2 lakh

At a press briefing, Ravindra Jaiswal disclosed that Uttar Pradesh will impose a uniform Rs 1,000 stamp duty on tenancy deeds where the yearly rent reaches Rs 2 lakh. One outlet system calculates duty as about 4% of the property's circle rate, prompting many to avoid registration or rely on verbal agreements. Malav Virani of MDP Legal said the reform is designed to remove the financial hurdle that discourages formal leases and to support the Uttar Pradesh Urban Premises Tenancy Regulation Act, 2021.

By lowering costs, tenants can obtain documented proof of rent and tenure, strengthening their defense against illegal eviction or rent disputes. Landlords also benefit from having enforceable, registered contracts that protect against non-payment or refusal to vacate. The overall goal is to cut the number of landlord-tenant cases that reach the courts due to informal paperwork.