Uttar Pradesh Cuts Stamp Duty and Registration Charges on Rent Agreements by 90%

• Stamp duty and registration charges on rent agreements cut by up to 90%

• Ancestral property partition deeds to be registered at a flat ₹10,000 fee

• Move aims to reduce disputes and promote legally registered agreements

The Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out significant reforms to simplify property documentation and reduce legal disputes, with the Cabinet approving sharp cuts in stamp duty and registration charges on rent agreements, along with a new flat-fee structure for ancestral property partitions.

Under the new decision, stamp duty and registration charges on rent agreements will be reduced by up to 90 per cent, a move expected to encourage formal tenancy contracts across the state. Officials said the reform would help curb informal rental arrangements, improve legal security for both landlords and tenants, and promote ease of living.

The decisions were approved at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Yogi Adityanath and were announced by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Stamp and Court Fee, Registration, Ravindra Jaiswal, during a press briefing on Tuesday.

Flat Fee for Ancestral Property Partition

In another major change, the state government has approved a consolidated fee of ₹10,000 for the registration of ancestral property partition deeds. This includes ₹5,000 as stamp duty and ₹5,000 as registration charges, replacing the earlier variable and often costly fee structure.

According to the government, the new provision will apply to the division of ancestral immovable property, including agricultural land, residential houses, and commercial assets. The facility can be availed for partition among legal heirs spanning more than three generations, provided the division follows applicable succession laws.

Officials clarified that the simplified fee structure is aimed at reducing prolonged family disputes, many of which arise due to unregistered or informally executed partition arrangements. By lowering costs and standardising charges, the government hopes more families will opt for legally valid registrations.

Boost for Formal Rental Market

The sharp reduction in stamp duty and registration charges on rent agreements is being seen as a key step toward formalising Uttar Pradesh’s rental housing market. High costs have traditionally discouraged tenants and landlords from registering agreements, often leading to disputes over tenure, rent, and eviction terms.

With lower charges, authorities expect a rise in registered rental agreements, offering better protection to both parties and reducing litigation. The reform is also expected to benefit students, migrant workers, and professionals who rely heavily on rented accommodation in urban centres.

Improving Ease of Living

State officials said the reforms are part of a broader effort to improve governance and ease of living by simplifying property-related procedures. By making registrations more affordable and transparent, the government aims to strengthen legal certainty, reduce court cases, and promote trust in formal documentation systems.

The measures are expected to have a positive impact across urban and rural areas, particularly in fast-growing cities where rental housing demand continues to rise.