New tenancy rules: 6 months jail, Rs 10,000 fine if homeowners fail to keep tenant’s records in this state

As reported by TOI, the Goa government has given the green light to the Goa (Verification of Tenants) Rules, 2026, aimed at enforcing tenant verification across the state. These rules mandate that property owners verify their tenants’ identities by collecting and verifying necessary documents and maintaining proper records. Failure to comply may lead to penalties, including imprisonment for up to six months and fines up to Rs 10,000.

In addition, the Goa police will be responsible for maintaining records of inspections carried out as part of the tenant verification process.

Goa (Verification of Tenants) Act, 2024

This Act came into effect in December 2024, and it aims to organize and regulate the stay of individuals in residential houses and lodging facilities that are rented out but not registered under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982. It requires property owners to keep records of tenants staying in such premises. The law also mandates tenant verification to strengthen public safety, prevent disturbances, and help maintain law and order in the state.

A senior government official stated that it was important to set up to clear processes for property owners to verify tenants, keep tenant records, and maintain an inspection register by police officers.

What are the rules and regulations?

Under the rules, a property owner must take photocopies of the tenant’s verified documents and attach them to the prescribed form. This form must then be submitted to the police station that has jurisdiction over the location of the property within five days, either in person or through a digital method, as specified by the authority responsible for collecting and verifying the information.

If the owner chooses the digital submission option, it must be completed after paying the fee notified by the government. The police station will issue an acknowledgement confirming receipt of the application.
The rules also mandate that the property owner has to keep a record of every tenant residing on the premises in a register or record book.

As per the rules, a police officer not below the rank of head constable who has jurisdiction over the area, or any other officer designated by the government through an official gazette notification, is authorized to inspect the records maintained.

Police officers are also required to maintain an inspection register. If a property owner fails to maintain or submit the required information, if a tenant refuses to provide the necessary details, if false information is submitted by the tenant, or if the police receive information that the tenant is involved in a criminal case, the officer must prepare a report.

When information about a criminal case is received through the ICJS or CCTNS portal, the officer must prepare the report and submit it to the sub-divisional police officer within seven days for action under the law.
The sub-divisional police officer then has to forward the report to the sub-divisional magistrate within three days.

According to the rules, once the report is received, the sub-divisional magistrate must issue a notice to the property owner requiring them to appear with the tenant’s details. If it is found that an offence has been committed, the magistrate may impose a fine according to law.