PG Rent Agreement: 12 Things to Check Before You Sign

A PG rent agreement protects both you and the owner, but only if it says the right things. Many disputes, especially over deposits, start because nothing was written down. This checklist covers the twelve points to look for before you sign, and what to keep on record afterwards.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules on stamp duty and registration differ by state, so check your state's rules if you are unsure.

Why a PG rent agreement matters

A written agreement turns spoken promises into something both sides can point to later. If the owner says food is included, or that your deposit comes back in seven days, you want that in writing. It also helps with police verification and with proving your address.

Most agreements in India run for 11 months. Leases of a year or longer generally have to be registered, which costs more, so an 11-month agreement renewed each year is common.

12 things to check in a PG rent agreement

Money

1. The monthly rent, and the date it is due each month.
2. The security deposit, how much it is, and that it is refundable.
3. When the deposit comes back. A clear number of days after you leave.
4. What can be deducted from the deposit, such as unpaid rent or real damage, and that normal wear and tear is not.
5. What the rent includes: meals, electricity, Wi-Fi, laundry, cleaning. If electricity is billed by meter, the rate per unit.
6. Rent increases. How much and how often the rent can go up.

Stay

1. The notice period for both sides, usually 15 days to a month.
2. Any lock-in period, and what happens if you leave during it.
3. The start date and the length of the agreement.

Rules and records

1. House rules that matter to you: entry timings, guests, cooking, and quiet hours.
2. An inventory list of furniture and fittings in your room, with their condition.
3. Names, addresses and ID details of both you and the owner, signed by both.

Red flags in a PG rent agreement

Think twice, or ask for changes, if you see any of these:

• No deposit refund date, or wording like "refund at the owner's discretion".
• "Non-refundable" deposit or a large "maintenance charge" taken from every deposit.
• A notice period only for you, with none for the owner.
• Rent increases with no limit or at any time the owner chooses.
• Blank spaces to be "filled in later".
• A request for cash only, with no receipts.

A fair owner will usually agree to clear wording. If they refuse to put basic terms in writing, that tells you how a dispute would go.

Before and after you sign

• Read the whole thing. Do not sign blank pages or a document you have not read.
• Pay by bank transfer or UPI where possible, and keep receipts for every payment, including the deposit.
• Photograph the room on the day you move in and share the photos with the owner.
• Keep a copy of the signed agreement on your phone and on paper.
• Complete police verification if your city requires it; Delhi does.

When you move out

Give notice in writing, by message or email, so there is a date on record. Ask for the room to be checked with you present, and agree on any deductions there and then. Share the move-in photos if there is a disagreement about damage.

Find PGs that are clear about their terms

On LSC Smart Living you can call or WhatsApp an owner straight from the listing, without signing up, and ask about the deposit, notice period and what the rent includes before you visit. Start with PGs in Delhi, PGs in Noida or all PGs, and compare the total monthly cost, not just the rent. If you are deciding between a PG and a flat, read PG vs flat in Delhi NCR.