Property and inheritance · For citizens
Renting in Punjab? Register the agreement.
In short
Yes. Under the Punjab Rented Premises Act 2009 a landlord shall not let premises except by a tenancy agreement presented to the Rent Registrar (s.5). Without it, both sides pay a fine before the Rent Tribunal hears them (s.9).
By the FAI Legal editorial desk · 10 October 2026 · 11 slides · 2 min read
Myth or fact?
What landlords and tenants often say.
- Myth: A verbal deal is fine. Paper is for strangers.
- Fact: In Punjab a landlord shall not let premises except by a tenancy agreement, presented to the Rent Registrar (Punjab Rented Premises Act 2009, s.5).
The rule in the law.
Section 5, Punjab Rented Premises Act.
“(1) A landlord shall not let out a premises to a tenant except by a tenancy agreement. (2) A landlord shall present the tenancy agreement before the Rent Registrar. … (5) A tenancy agreement entered in the office of a Rent Registrar or a certified copy thereof shall be a proof of the relationship of landlord and tenant.”
Punjab Rented Premises Act, 2009 · Section 5(1), (2), (5), Agreement between landlord and tenant
What goes in it?
Section 6, as far as possible.
- Who and whereLandlord, tenant and a description of the premises.
- MoneyRent, increase rate, due date, mode, bank account.
- TermsPeriod of tenancy and purpose of letting.
- DepositsAdvance rent, security or pagri, if any.
Quick quiz. No paper?
Guess first, then swipe for the answer.
- A. No, never
- B. Yes, after paying a fine
- C. Only with police help
Answer: B. A fine first.
Section 9, and the Lahore High Court.
- s.9Landlord pays 10 percent of the annual rent, tenant 5 percent, before the Tribunal hears them.
- 2018 MLD 1231An oral tenancy does not bar an eviction petition; the fine is paid.
- 2024 MLD 334The same rule applies to a tenant's application.
The Rent Registrar.
Not a rubber stamp.
- Not mechanicalThe Registrar may ask for prima facie proof of ownership (2025 YLR 13).
- Still register itThe Registrar's entry does not replace registration under the registration law (s.5(4); PLD 2026 Lah. 172).
Myth or fact?
The "I am buying it" plea.
- Myth: I signed an agreement to buy the house, so I am no longer a tenant.
- Fact: A later agreement to sell does not end the tenancy unless it is revoked before the Rent Registrar (s.10; 2016 CLC 1832).
Rent on time.
Sections 7 and 15.
- No date agreedPay by the 10th of the following month (s.7(2)).
- No mode agreedMoney order or the landlord's bank account (s.7(3)).
- Late by 30 daysA ground for eviction (s.15(b)).
Renting out a place?
Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.
- My tenant has no written agreement. Can I still evict him in Lahore?
- Draft a tenancy agreement under the Punjab Rented Premises Act 2009.
Example questions
What this does not mean
- This rule comes from the Punjab Rented Premises Act 2009. It covers premises in Punjab, not the other provinces.
- An oral tenancy does not stop the Rent Tribunal from hearing the case. The fine under section 9 is paid first (2018 MLD 1231).
- Entry with the Rent Registrar does not replace registration under the registration law (s.5(4); PLD 2026 Lah. 172).
Questions people ask
Is a rent agreement compulsory in Punjab?
Yes. A landlord shall not let premises except by a tenancy agreement, and must present it before the Rent Registrar (Punjab Rented Premises Act 2009, s.5).
What happens if there is no written rent agreement in Punjab?
The case can still be heard, but before the Rent Tribunal hears them the landlord pays 10 percent of the annual rent and the tenant 5 percent (s.9).
Can I evict a tenant without a rent agreement in Lahore?
Yes. The Lahore High Court held that an oral tenancy does not bar an eviction petition, once the fine is paid (2018 MLD 1231).
What should a rent agreement include under Punjab law?
As far as possible, the landlord, tenant and premises, the rent, increase rate, due date, mode and bank account, the period and purpose of the tenancy, and any advance rent, security or pagri (s.6).
When is rent due if the agreement does not say?
By the 10th of the following month (s.7(2)). Being 30 days late is a ground for eviction (s.15(b)).
Sources
- Punjab Rented Premises Act, 2009 · Section 5(1), (2), (5)
Agreement between landlord and tenant Punjab Code
Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review. How we check.
