Explainer: How to draft a proper flat or house rental agreement in Bangladesh

In every major city across the country, writing up flat and house rental deals are a continuous occurrence, yet sadly, most agreements are still verbal between the owner and the tenant. This lack of documentation is the primary reason why so many disputes and problems arise.

To effectively avoid future conflicts, having a formal, written contract is absolutely essential for every tenancy. This document can either be handwritten or typed and must clearly define the terms agreed upon by both parties for a fixed period in exchange for monthly rent.

For the agreement to be legally sound and minimise risk, specific rules regarding its format and execution must be followed: The contract must be executed on a Tk300 non-judicial stamp paper.

Using stamp paper valued at less than Tk300, plain white paper, or only cartridge paper is not advisable for a formal lease.

However, if the text is extensive, additional cartridge papers can be attached. Both the homeowner and the tenant must have a clear understanding of every clause. If disagreements arise during the drafting process, it's always best for both parties to discuss and mutually resolve them before signing anything.

Further, proper management of the contract copies is crucial for protecting the rights of both parties.

The agreement can have one or two original copies. If only one original is made, the tenant should retain the original, and the owner should keep a photocopy. If two originals are made, both parties should duly sign both copies and keep one original each.

The bottom of the agreement must include a dedicated paragraph confirming key details for documentation integrity. It is advisable to specify: the total number of pages; whether the text is handwritten or typed (composed); the total number of witnesses; and, if only one original copy exists, the name of the party retaining it.

A sample rental agreement is written in the most flexible and general format. According to the need, new paragraphs can be either added or subtracted:

Flat/House Rental Agreement

Md Abir Khan, Father- Md Karim Miah, Mother- Julekha Khatun, Date of Birth- 15/07/1993, Current Address: 5/7/2 Bangshal Road, Thana- Bangshal, District- Dhaka, Permanent Address- Village- Shyampur, Thana- Meherpur, District- Meherpur. Occupation- Job, Nationality- Bangladeshi, Religion- Islam, National Identity Card Number: 0000000000.

-----------------First Party/Owner

Md Sohel Rana, Father- Md Bablu Miah, Mother- Rabeya Khatun, Date of Birth- 05/02/2003, Current Address: 11/1 Sen Road, Thana- Rampura, District- Dhaka, Permanent Address- Village- Alipur, Thana- Rupganj, District- Pabna. Occupation- Business, Nationality- Bangladeshi, Religion- Islam, National Identity Card Number: 0000000000.

----------------Second Party/Tenant

In the name of the Almighty Allah, I start writing the statement of this flat/house rental agreement.

Since the flat/house mentioned in the schedule is the exclusive possession of the first party to this agreement. Therefore, the first party proposes to rent monthly for the flat/house mentioned in the schedule below, the second party intends to assume tenancy for the flat/house to live in it.

Accordingly, we, both parties, through mutual negotiation, have agreed to pay a monthly rent of 10 thousand taka only and an advance deposit of 50 thousand taka only for a period of three years from 1st November, 2025 AD. The house rental money is to be paid between the 1st and 7th of each month, and the following terms and conditions will apply.

Following Terms:

Tenant agrees with Owner:

(1) During the rental period, the rent will be paid in three equal instalments, inclusive of all deductions, which will be made on ………….

(2) Pay all taxes (except the owner's share of special taxes only), local taxes, and duties now or hereafter imposed on or in respect of the premises by the Government or other authority.

(3) Except for damage caused by reasonable use or damage caused by natural calamities or acts of God, the whole premises shall, at all times, during the term of the lease, be kept clean, sanitary, enclosed and watertight and in good and substantial repair and maintenance.

(4) Replace all broken and damaged fixtures and fittings with good complementary goods, the cost of which shall not be less than the value of the goods.

(5) Allow the owner or his envoys or agents to enter at all reasonable times to inspect the condition thereof and to give notice of all defects therein.

(6) During the said rental term, the Tenant shall occupy and use the property as a private residence for themselves and his/their family and shall not keep any paying guest or carry on any unpleasant or unlawful activity in the premises.

(7) Without the written consent of the owner, he shall not assign his ownership interest in the premises mentioned under this house, incur any sub-lets or make any person a partner in the possession of the said premises or any part thereof.

(8) After the expiry of the term of the lease, the Tenant shall peacefully surrender the vacant possession of the said premises with all improvements (if any) made, after completing they wishes.

(9) The Tenant shall pay the taxes on the aforementioned premises whenever due during the term of the lease.

(10) The Tenant shall pay the rent fixed by the agreement and shall, subject to the observance and performance of all the terms and conditions contained herein, have the right to peaceably occupy and enjoy the aforementioned premises without any hindrance or interference from the Owner or any person claiming in their lieu to them until the expiry of the mentioned term.

Provided that it is hereby agreed and declared by and between both parties that the Tenant shall observe and perform the said terms and conditions, and that if any such term or condition of the lease or contract is breached by the Tenant, the Owner shall at his option terminate the agreement.

In such case, the landlord shall be entitled to re-enter the property without prejudice to all arrears of rent and to recover damages for breach of the terms and covenant and shall re-occupy it as his former property.

Schedule

District- Dhaka, Thana- Gazipur, National University Road… Seventh floor building, six rooms on the second floor. In front of which is market's lane, Altaf Store on the right, Bhai Bhai Store on the left and Rakhi Cloth Store on the behind-right. Two bathrooms/One kitchen/Two verandas/Two dining rooms, along with the vacant space in front, are being given at tenancy at an annual rent of 10,000/- (ten thousand) taka for possession for a period of 10 years from 1st November, 2025 AD.

In this regard, we, both parties, being of sound mind and body, having read and understood this agreement and having understood its meaning, have signed our respective names in this agreement in the presence of witnesses.

Signature of the Owner of the first party:

Signature of the tenant of the second party:

Signature of the witnesses:

Name:

Father's name:

Mother's name:

Address:

National identity card number:

Mobile: