The NRI landlord's tenant checklist

Before you say yes

• ID, PAN and an employer letter or 3 recent payslips
• A reference from their previous landlord
• Police verification of the tenant (required in Mumbai; can be done online through the city police portal)
• A deposit of at least 3 months' rent, to cover unpaid rent or damage

The agreement

• Registered leave-and-licence agreement (registration is compulsory in Maharashtra and can be done online)
• Rent due date, a late-payment charge, and the lock-in and notice periods
• Clause saying the tenant deducts TDS on rent paid to an NRI
• Who pays what: society maintenance, minor repairs, utilities
• Owner's right to inspect with 48 hours' notice; no subletting

Move-in day

• Inventory of fittings and furniture, with dated photos of every room, signed by the tenant
• Meter readings and number of keys, written down
• Society informed of the new tenant, with a copy of the agreement

Every month and quarter

• Rent by bank transfer only, checked by day 3
• Quarterly TDS certificate from the tenant
• Quarterly inspection with photos
• Renewal or exit decision 60 days before the agreement ends

Move-out day

• Joint inspection against the signed move-in photos
• Final meter readings; utility and society dues cleared
• Deductions listed in writing, with repair quotes attached
• Deposit balance refunded within the agreed number of days; all keys returned