10 Essential Tips for Renting a Room in India

Always verify the listing and the landlord before visiting

Fake listings are a major problem in India. Before travelling to see a room, verify the listing is real by video-calling the landlord and asking them to show the room live. Check that the person you speak to matches the contact on the listing. On Roomcy, all listings go through a review process before going live, reducing fake listings significantly.

Never pay a broker fee for a direct landlord listing

Brokers typically charge one month's rent as a fee. However, if you find a landlord directly through an app or website, you do not owe a broker anything. Always confirm whether the person you are dealing with is the actual owner or a broker, and clarify upfront whether any brokerage will be charged.

Understand exactly what is included in the rent

Before signing anything or paying a deposit, clarify these in writing:

• Is electricity included, or billed separately?
• Is WiFi included?
• Is the room fully furnished, semi-furnished, or unfurnished?
• Are maintenance charges (society/building) part of the rent?
• Is cooking allowed in the room?

Inspect the room thoroughly before paying any deposit

Visit the room in person (or via a live video call if you are in another city) and check: water supply and pressure, electricity and meter, condition of furniture and appliances, mobile network signal strength, security of the building, proximity to public transport, and availability of parking if needed. Take photos and videos during the inspection for your records.

Always pay rent and deposit digitally for proof

Cash payments leave no traceable record. Always pay rent and deposit via UPI, NEFT, or bank transfer, and save the transaction reference (UTR). With Roomcy, UPI rent payments are automatically detected and matched to your account, generating a digital receipt instantly - no need to send screenshots or manually enter UTR numbers.

Get the deposit amount and refund terms in writing

Security deposits in India typically range from 1 to 3 months rent. Before paying, agree in writing on: the exact deposit amount, the conditions under which it will be deducted, and the timeline for refund after you vacate (typically 15 to 30 days). Landlords legally cannot deduct from the deposit for normal wear and tear.

Ask for a proper rent agreement or leave and licence

A registered rent agreement protects both you and the landlord. For stays longer than 11 months, registration is mandatory in most Indian states. Even for shorter stays, a simple leave and licence agreement (signed and stamped) is strongly recommended. It should mention: rent amount, deposit, maintenance charges, lock-in period, and notice period.

Check police verification requirements

In most Indian cities, landlords are required by law to submit a tenant verification form to the local police station. This is actually in your interest too: it creates a legal record of your tenancy. Some cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru) have online portals for this. If your landlord skips this, it can cause problems if there is a dispute later.

Know your rights as a tenant in India

As a tenant in India, you have important legal protections:

• The landlord cannot enter the property without prior notice (usually 24 hours).
• The landlord cannot cut off essential services (water, electricity) to force eviction.
• Eviction requires proper notice and, for long-term tenancies, a court order in most states.
• Rent can only be increased according to the terms of your agreement, not unilaterally.

Build a rental history to get better rooms faster

Landlords prefer renters with a proven track record of on-time payments and good behavior. On Roomcy, you can build a Renter Trust Profile that shows your rental history, on-time payment record, and reviews from previous landlords. Sharing this profile with a new landlord when sending a booking request significantly increases your chances of getting approved quickly, especially for premium rooms.