Chandigarh: The Chandigarh administration has unveiled draft Chandigarh Tenancy Rules, 2026, proposing a fully digital framework for tenancy registration, rent regulation and dispute resolution. Issued for public objections and suggestions, the rules seek to operationalise the Assam Tenancy Act, 2021, which was extended to Chandigarh earlier this year.A key feature of the draft is mandatory online intimation of every tenancy agreement to the Rent Authority within two months of its execution. Landlords and tenants will be able to submit tenancy details through a dedicated online portal, either jointly or separately. The Rent Authority will then issue a Unique Identification Number (UIN) and an electronic receipt within seven days.The proposed rules envisage a digital repository of tenancy records, replacing the largely informal system currently prevalent in the city. While tenancy details will be uploaded online, access will be restricted to the landlord, tenant and authorised officials concerned. The framework includes OTP-based verification and data privacy safeguards.To regulate rent-related disputes, either party may approach the Rent Authority for fixation or revision of rent and other charges. The authority may take into account prevailing rents in the locality while deciding such cases. If required, a govt-recognised valuer may be appointed, with the valuation cost to be borne by the applicant seeking the assessment.
Renting a house in Chandigarh likely to soon go fully digital
The draft also provides relief to tenants whose landlords refuse to accept rent or issue receipts. In such cases, tenants may deposit rent with the Rent Authority after demonstrating attempts to make payment through recognised banking channels for two consecutive months.Detailed procedures have been prescribed for proceedings before the Rent Authority, Rent Court and Rent Tribunal, including standardised forms, filing timelines and appeal mechanisms. Appeals before the Rent Tribunal are proposed to be decided within 120 days, with routine adjournments restricted to one.The rules further provide that interest on delayed rent payments or refund of security deposits will, unless otherwise agreed, be linked to the State Bank of India’s highest Marginal Cost of Lending Rate (MCLR) plus two percentage points.Officials said the rules are intended to create a transparent, technology-driven rental framework and ensure quicker resolution of disputes once the law becomes operational.The move comes even as implementation of the Assam Tenancy Act, 2021, in Chandigarh remains under a stay granted by the Punjab and Haryana high court in May. However, the court allowed the Administration to frame rules and create the necessary infrastructure so that the law can be enforced without delay if the stay is lifted.
