If you are renting out a house, portion or flat in Lahore, two legal steps protect you: a written rent agreement and registering your tenant with the police. Both are required by Punjab law, and skipping either can cost you later. You could lose the right to have your case heard quickly by the Rent Tribunal, or face a fine for not registering your tenant.
This guide explains what a rent agreement in Lahore must include, what stamp paper it needs, how to register it, and how to register your tenant with Punjab Police.
Is a rent agreement required by law in Lahore?
Yes. Under Section 5 of the Punjab Rented Premises Act 2009, a landlord “shall not let out a premises to a tenant except by a tenancy agreement.” The landlord must also present the agreement to the Rent Registrar. The Rent Registrar records it, keeps a copy and returns the sealed original to the landlord.
There is a practical reason to do this. Under Section 9, if a tenancy does not follow the Act, the Rent Tribunal will not hear the landlord’s case until the landlord deposits a fine of 10% of the annual rent. For a tenant’s case, the fine is 5%. A registered agreement also counts as proof of the tenancy if there is ever a dispute.
What a rent agreement in Lahore must include
Section 6 of the Act lists what a tenancy agreement should contain, as far as possible:
| What to include | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Names, CNIC numbers and addresses of landlord and tenant | Identifies both parties |
| Description of the property | Avoids disputes over which rooms, floors or parking are included |
| Period of the tenancy | Sets when the agreement ends |
| Monthly rent and the rate of increase | The yearly increase must be agreed in writing |
| Due date and how rent is paid | For example, by the 5th of each month, by bank transfer |
| Landlord’s bank account details | Needed if rent is paid through the bank |
| Purpose of renting | Residential or commercial use |
| Advance rent and security deposit | The amounts paid at the start |
We also recommend adding these clauses, which prevent most of the disputes we see:
- Notice period: how much notice either side must give to end the tenancy early.
- Utilities: who pays electricity, gas and water bills, and whether there are separate meters.
- Repairs: what the landlord fixes and what the tenant looks after.
- Security refund: when the deposit is returned and what can be deducted.
- Subletting: under Section 11, a tenant cannot sublet without the landlord’s written consent.
- Police registration: who will register the tenant with the police.
- Signatures: both parties and two witnesses, with CNIC copies attached.
If the agreement does not say when rent is due, Section 7 says the tenant must pay it by the 10th of the following month. If it does not say how rent is paid, the tenant may pay by money order or deposit in the landlord’s bank account.
What stamp paper does a rent agreement need?
A rent agreement is written on stamp paper (e-stamp paper in Punjab). Under the Stamp (Second Amendment) Ordinance 2026, reported on October 23 and 28, 2026, the stamp duty on a residential agreement of up to one year is a fixed amount based on the yearly rent:
| Yearly rent | Stamp duty |
|---|---|
| Up to Rs300,000 | Rs3,000 |
| Rs300,001 to Rs500,000 | Rs5,000 |
| Rs500,001 to Rs1.2 million | Rs7,000 |
| Rs1.2 million to Rs2 million | Rs15,000 |
| Above Rs2 million | Rs25,000 |
Commercial agreements are charged 3.25% of the total rent for one year or less, or of the average yearly rent for longer leases under 20 years. Ordinances are temporary unless the Punjab Assembly passes them, so confirm the amount when you buy the stamp paper.
How to register your tenant with the police in Lahore
Under the Punjab Information of Temporary Residents Act 2015, the landlord, the tenant and any property dealer involved must give the tenant’s details to the police within 15 days of handing over the property. Agree in writing who will do it, and keep the certificate.
Where to register: any police station or Police Khidmat Markaz in Lahore. Punjab Police also lists an online tenant registration service, but registering in person gets you the certificate on the spot.
What to bring:
- Owner’s CNIC, original and copy
- Tenant’s CNIC, original and copy (a passport for a foreign tenant)
- The rent agreement, original and copy
- An affidavit
- A recent photograph of the tenant
Cost and time: registration is free and takes about 15 to 20 minutes, according to Lahore Police. The front desk issues a registration certificate. Keep it safe, because police may ask for it during checks.
Penalty: under Section 11 of the Act, anyone who knowingly fails to give this information can face up to six months in prison and a fine of Rs10,000 to Rs100,000. Police in Punjab regularly run checks and register cases against landlords who have not registered their tenants.
Checklist before you hand over the keys
- Check the tenant’s original CNIC and keep a copy.
- Sign the rent agreement on the correct stamp paper, with two witnesses.
- Present the agreement to the Rent Registrar.
- Register the tenant with the police within 15 days.
- Record meter readings and the condition of the property, with photos.
- Give receipts for the advance and security, and ask for rent through the bank.
How Lodhi Real Estate helps
Lodhi Real Estate has helped landlords and tenants in Lahore since 2019, from our office in Zamzam Mall, Johar Town. As a property dealer, the tenant registration law applies to us too. When we arrange a tenancy, we help both sides prepare the rent agreement and complete the police registration on time.
Looking to rent out your property, or to find a house or portion for rent in Johar Town? Call or WhatsApp us at +92 333 557 4103, or browse our current properties.
Frequently asked questions
Is a rent agreement compulsory in Lahore?
Yes. The Punjab Rented Premises Act 2009 says a landlord cannot rent out a property except through a tenancy agreement, and must present it to the Rent Registrar. Without one, the Rent Tribunal will not hear the landlord’s case until a fine of 10% of the annual rent is deposited.
What should a rent agreement in Lahore include?
It should include the names and addresses of both parties, a description of the property, the tenancy period, and the rent with its yearly increase, due date and payment method. Add the landlord’s bank details, the purpose of renting, and any advance rent or security. Notice period, utilities and repair clauses are also strongly recommended.
How much stamp paper is needed for a rent agreement in Punjab?
For a residential agreement of up to one year, stamp duty is fixed by yearly rent under the October 2026 ordinance. It is Rs3,000 for yearly rent up to Rs300,000, rising to Rs25,000 above Rs2 million. Commercial agreements are charged 3.25% of the rent. Confirm the current amount when you buy e-stamp paper.
How do I register my tenant with the police in Lahore?
Visit any police station or Police Khidmat Markaz in Lahore with both CNICs, the rent agreement, an affidavit and the tenant’s photograph. Registration is free, takes about 15 to 20 minutes and gives you a certificate on the spot. It must be done within 15 days of handing over the property.
What is the penalty for not registering a tenant in Punjab?
Under Section 11 of the Punjab Information of Temporary Residents Act 2015, anyone who knowingly fails to register a tenant can face up to six months in prison and a fine of Rs10,000 to Rs100,000. The duty applies to the landlord, the tenant and any property dealer involved.
