Disputes between landlords and tenants are common and governed primarily by the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999. The law balances the rights and duties of both parties and provides legal remedies for eviction, rent recovery, and protection from harassment or illegal eviction.
Common Causes of Landlord-Tenant Disputes:
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Non-payment or delayed payment of rent
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Unauthorized subletting
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Damage to property or illegal use
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Refusal to vacate after lease/license period
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Eviction without due process
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Non-receipt of rent receipts or harassment
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Dispute over maintenance charges or utilities
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Illegal construction or alteration of premises
Legal Remedies Available:
For Landlords:
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File eviction suit under Section 16 of Maharashtra Rent Control Act
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Grounds include non-payment, personal use, unlawful activity, damage, etc.
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Claim for arrears of rent with interest and legal cost
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Approach Small Causes Court (in cities) or Civil Court (in other areas)
For Tenants:
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Protection against eviction without due legal procedure
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File complaint against landlord for harassment or illegal disconnection of utilities
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File suit for injunction or damages in appropriate court
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Approach Rent Authority or local police if needed
Documents Useful in Disputes:
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Registered Rent Agreement or Leave & License Agreement
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Rent receipts
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Electricity/water bills
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Communication records (emails, notices, messages)
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Police complaints (if any)
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Photographs (if damage or illegal activities are involved)
Resolution Timeframe:
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Varies from 6 months to 3 years, depending on case complexity and court
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Alternate Dispute Resolution (mediation) is also encouraged
Preventive Measures:
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Always have a written and registered agreement
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Mention clear terms for rent, duration, notice period, and maintenance
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Keep records of all payments and communications
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Do police verification of tenants
Why Legal Help Is Important:
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Helps in filing proper notices and petitions
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Avoids delay and technical mistakes
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Increases chances of favorable judgment or early settlement
🏠 Landlord-Tenant Dispute – A Story from Mumbai
Mrs. Desai rented her flat in Borivali to a working professional. At first, everything was fine. But after 8 months, the tenant stopped paying rent and refused to vacate.
Polite requests didn’t work.
Legal notices were ignored.
Mrs. Desai was stressed and helpless.
She approached DRS Group, who quickly reviewed the Leave & License Agreement, and initiated legal action:
✅ Sent a formal eviction notice
✅ Filed proceedings under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act
✅ Represented her in court
Within weeks, Mrs. Desai got her flat back — legally and peacefully.
📌 The Takeaway:
Verbal agreements are risky. Always have a registered agreement and act legally in case of disputes.
DRS Group – Specialists in Landlord-Tenant Disputes, Eviction, and Legal Recovery.
Protect your property with the right legal partner.
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