Registered vs Notary Agreement in Maharashtra 

A Quick Legal Guide for NRI Property Owners 

If you are an NRI renting out your property in Maharashtra, using the right rental agreement is critical. Many owners still rely on notary agreements, unaware that they offer little to no legal protection. 

 Registered vs Notary: What’s the Difference? 

Registered Leave & License Agreement 

  • Registered with the Government of Maharashtra 
     
  • Legally enforceable in courts 
     
  • Accepted for police verification, banks, and housing societies 
     
  • Strong protection for owners and tenants 
     

Notary Agreement 

  • Only attested by a notary 
     
  • Considered a private document 
     
  • Weak or invalid legal standing 
     
    Under the Registration Act, 1908 and Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999, all Leave & License agreements must be registered, even for 11 months. 

Strict enforcement has been in place since 2013–2014, making notarized agreements non-compliant. 

 Why This Matters More for NRIs 

NRIs face higher exposure due to: 

  • Physical absence from India 
     
  • Delays in handling disputes 
     
  • Difficulty in eviction without strong documentation 
     

A registered agreement ensures: 

  • Clear proof of license (not tenancy) 
     
  • Faster legal remedies 
     
  • Protection against misuse or overstaying 
     

 

Key Risks of Using a Notary Agreement 

  • Weak court enforceability 
     
  • Eviction challenges 
     
  • Rejection during police verification 
     
  • Increased risk of unauthorized occupation 
     

Ghar Befikar’s Compliance Standard 

At Ghar Befikar, every single client agreement has been registered since the company’s inception. 
We have never executed notarized Leave & License agreements, as legal compliance and owner protection are non-negotiable for us. 

This ensures: 

  • Zero legal shortcuts 
     
  • Consistent compliance 
     
  • Strong protection for our clients—especially NRIs 
     

 Best Practice for NRI Owners 

✔ Always insist on a registered Leave & License agreement 
✘ Avoid notarized agreements 
✔ Work with professionals who ensure legal compliance 

 Need Help Managing Your Property from Abroad? 

Ghar Befikar provides end-to-end, legally compliant property management for NRIs, ensuring your property in India remains secure, compliant, and stress-free. 

Your property. Professionally managed. Personally protected.