Stamp Paper for Lease Agreement in Karnataka: How Much, How to Get It (2026)
Learn how much stamp paper you need for a lease or rental agreement in Karnataka stamp duty slabs, e-stamp process on Kaveri portal, registration rules, and FAQs for tenants and landlords.
Quick Summary: (TL; DR)
In Karnataka, all rental and lease agreements must be executed on e-stamp paper physical stamp papers were replaced in 2008. For an 11-month rental agreement, stamp duty is ₹200 and registration is not mandatory. For agreements of 12 months or more, registration becomes compulsory and stamp duty is calculated as a percentage of total rent. Get your e-stamp paper through the Kaveri portal, authorised SHCIL partner banks, or licensed vendors. From July 1, 2025, new rental agreements must use digital stamping or face penalties. Every e-stamp certificate carries a Unique Identification Number (UIN), verify it at shcilestamp.com before signing anything.
What Is a Lease Agreement in Karnataka?
A lease agreement, which is also known as a rental agreement or rent deed, is a written contract between a property owner or landlord and a person renting the property like tenant. It sets out the rent amount, security deposit, duration, notice period, and all conditions of use in the agreement.
In Karnataka, lease and rental agreements are governed by:
Law | What It Covers |
Karnataka Rent Control Act, 2001 | Rights and duties of the landlord and tenant. |
Indian Stamp Act, 1899 (Section 3) | Makes stamp duty compulsory on all lease agreements. |
Registration Act, 1908 | Makes registration compulsory for leases that is above 11 months. |
Karnataka Stamp Act, 1957 | Sets the exact stamp duty rates that is applicable in Karnataka. |
A rental agreement without proper stamp duty is not admissible as evidence in court. A lease above 11 months without registration gives neither party full legal protection.
Also Read: What is Lease agreement, Format, How to draft, etc...
What Is the Stamp Duty for a Lease Agreement in Karnataka?
Stamp duty depends on two things: how long the lease is and how much the total rent is.
Short-Term Lease (Up to 11 Months)
This is the most common type in Bengaluru and across Karnataka.
Situation | Stamp Duty | Registration |
Residential lease up to 11 months | ₹200 (flat, fixed) | Not mandatory |
Commercial lease up to 11 months | ₹200 (flat, fixed) | Not mandatory |
Most landlords and tenants in Bengaluru use the 11-month format specifically to avoid registration costs and the SRO visit. A ₹200 e-stamp is all needed.
Long-Term Lease (12 Months and Above)
For leases of 12 months or more, stamp duty is calculated as a percentage of the total rent for the lease period.
Lease Duration | Stamp Duty Rate |
1 year to 10 years | 1% of the total rent for the period |
Above 10 years | 2% of the total rent for the period |
Registration charges for leases above 11 months:
Registration fee: 1% of total annual rent or ₹1,000, whichever is higher
Scanning fee: ₹35 per page
*check government website for latest charges.
Important: Stamp duty in Karnataka is calculated on monthly rent multiplied by duration, from this the security deposit is typically excluded. Before proceeding, always confirm the current rates on the IGR Karnataka portal as these are subject to revision.
Who Pays the Stamp Duty, Landowner or Tenant?
The tenant pays stamp duty on a rental agreement by default under the Karnataka Stamp Act. However, landlords and tenants can mutually agree to split the cost by just putting it in writing in the agreement itself.
What Stamp Paper Value to Use for a Rental Agreement in Karnataka?
Agreement Type | Stamp Paper Value (E-stamp) |
11-month residential or commercial | ₹200 e-stamp, minimum safe value. |
Some landlords use ₹100 | Technically valid, but ₹200 is safer for compliance. |
12-month and above | Calculate the actual stamp duty and get an e-stamp of that exact value for the agreement . |
A ₹100 e-stamp is not wrong for very short, low-rent agreements, but ₹200 is the widely accepted safe standard for all 11-month leases across Karnataka as of 2025.
How to Get an E-Stamp Paper for a Lease Agreement in Karnataka?
Physical stamp papers are no longer issued in Karnataka. For every lease agreement that must be executed on an e-stamp certificate issued by an authorised source.
Method 1: Kaveri Online Services Portal (Official)
Step 1: Go to kaveri2.karnataka.gov.in
Step 2: Register or log in with your mobile number
Step 3: Select "Stamp Duty Payment" from the services list
Step 4: Choose the lease/rental agreement document type
Step 5: Enter the First Party (landlord) and the Second Party (tenant) names and addresses
Step 6: Enter the rent amount, security deposit, and lease duration and the stamp duty auto-calculates
Step 7: Make payment via UPI, net banking, or debit card
Step 8: Download the e-stamp certificate with UIN immediately
Method 2: SHCIL Authorised Collection Centres (Offline)
Visit any of these authorised locations:
Channel | Where Available |
Axis Bank branches | Select locations across Karnataka |
Canara Bank branches | Select locations across Karnataka |
SBI branches | Select locations across Karnataka |
Licensed stamp vendors | Near Sub-Registrar Offices and courts |
Fill the application form, provide both party details, pay the stamp duty, and collect the printed e-stamp certificate with UIN.
How to Verify an E-Stamp Certificate for Lease Agreement
Before signing the rental agreement on the e-stamp paper, always verify it:
Step 1: Go to shcilestamp.com.
Step 2: Click "Verify e-Stamp Certificate".
Step 3: Select the State.
Step 4: Enter the UIN printed on the certificate.
Step 5: Click "Verify" the portal confirms the certificate is genuine, the stamp duty amount paid, and the issue date.
A fake e-stamp looks exactly like a real one. The UIN check takes 30 seconds and can prevent major legal problems.
What Must Your Lease Agreement Include?
A good rental agreement in Karnataka must clearly cover:
Clause | What to Include |
Rent and due date | The monthly rent amount and the date by which it must be paid by the due date. |
Security deposit | The amount, and its conditions for return. |
Lease duration | The start date and end date for the lease. |
Lock-in period | The minimum period before either party can exit form the agreement. |
Notice period | How much notice time is needed to vacate or terminate |
Maintenance charges | Who pays for like, water, electricity, common area |
Late payment penalty | Extra charges for delayed rent payment |
Food or lifestyle restrictions | If any are imposed by the landlord |
Dispute resolution | Mediation or arbitration clause |
Overstay penalty | Charges if the tenant does not vacate after the lease ends |
Common Mistakes Tenants and Landlords Make
Mistake | What Goes Wrong |
Using a ₹20 or ₹50 e-stamp | Underpayment can attract a penalty up to 10x the deficit |
Skipping registration for 12+ month leases | Agreement is not enforceable as primary evidence |
Not verifying the UIN on the e-stamp | Risk of a fraudulent certificate |
Not mentioning the security deposit refund conditions | Leads to disputes at the end of tenancy |
Not getting e-stamp paper before signing | An unsigned agreement on unstamped paper is not valid |
Conclusion
Getting the stamp paper right for your lease agreement in Karnataka is simple, once you know the rules. For 11-month leases, it is a flat ₹200 e-stamp and no registration is needed. For anything longer, calculate 1% of your total rent, get the correct value for e-stamp from the Kaveri portal or an authorised bank, and register at the Sub-Registrar Office. If anybody skips the stamp duty and then they risk a penalty up to 10 times the unpaid amount. Both steps taken together takes under a day and they protect both landlord and tenant for the entire duration of the tenant.
Get your Rental or Lease agreement Legally Registered and Stamped with Vault.
