How to Rent Out Your Flat in Kolkata: A Landlord’s Playbook

A rented flat can be steady income or a steady headache, and the difference usually comes down to the first few decisions. Here is how to let out a property in Kolkata the right way, from setting the rent to protecting yourself on paper.

Price it with your head, not your hope

The fastest way to leave a flat empty is to overprice it. Look at what comparable flats in your building and locality are actually being rented for, not the number you wish you could get. A realistic rent that fills the flat this month beats an ambitious one that sits empty for three.

Choose the tenant, not just the cheque

A good tenant who pays a little less is worth more than a risky one who offers a little more. Verify identity and employment, speak to a previous landlord if you can, and trust your read of how someone will treat your home.

Always put it in writing

A registered rent agreement protects both sides. In Kolkata most agreements run for eleven months and should clearly spell out rent, deposit, notice period, maintenance responsibilities and permitted use.

• Register the agreement rather than relying on a plain unregistered one, especially for longer tenancies.
• Complete police verification of your tenant. It is expected and it protects you.
• Document the flat's condition and inventory at handover, with photos, to avoid deposit disputes later.

Deposits, maintenance and tax

Security deposits in Kolkata are typically a couple of months' rent, though this varies. Be clear in writing about who handles society maintenance and repairs. And remember that rental income is taxable, with TDS applying in certain cases, so keep clean records from month one.

Let someone else do the chasing

If you would rather not field calls and screen strangers, that is exactly what an agent is for. Our Rentals service handles verified tenants, registered agreements and the running around, so your flat earns without eating your weekends. Thinking of selling instead? See Sell Your Property.