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Jitendra Lal   21 February 2024

rent agreement vs leave licence

What is the difference in rent agreement and leave and license agreement. Is there any difference in the contents of the two.


 4 Replies

T. Kalaiselvan, Advocate (Advocate)     21 February 2024

even though a Normal Rent Agreement or lease agreement is the safest for tenants, property owners have a preference for the leave-and-license agreement. This is because the leave-and-license agreement does not generate any interest in the property for the licensee. The licensee gets the right to get in, live in, and make use of the property.

In principle, the right to occupy the property under a Normal Rent Agreement or lease agreement is overseen by the provisions of section 105 of the Transfer of Property Act. However, Section 52 of the Indian Easement Act governs the right to live in licensed property. The Transfer of Property Act generates an interest in the land for the leaseholder for the period of the lease. It boosts the leaseholder’s chances of holding on to the land even after the termination of the rent tenure.

Furthermore, the Indian Easement Act generates no titles or curiosity for the licensee. The licensee acquires the right to enter and exploit the property for a restricted period. Besides, the licensor can end the license if he feels to . As a consequence, landholders gain by entering into a leave-and-license agreement.

 

Jitendra Lal   22 February 2024

Thanks a lot sir

James Lawson (Employee)     27 December 2024

When it comes to renting a property, understanding the difference between a Rent Agreement and a Leave and License Agreement is essential, as these two types of agreements serve different purposes and provide different legal rights. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the key differences and make an informed choice:

1. Nature of the Agreement

  • Rent Agreement: It is a contract between the landlord and tenant where the landlord agrees to let the tenant occupy the property for a certain period in exchange for rent. The tenant has a legal right to possess the property.
  • Leave and License Agreement: In this agreement, the property owner grants permission to the licensee (the person renting the property) to use the property for a specified period, without transferring any legal rights of possession. It’s more like a "permission to stay," rather than a lease.

2. Legal Rights

  • Rent Agreement: The tenant has the right to possess the property and can take legal action in case of unlawful eviction. The landlord cannot easily terminate the agreement without proper notice, and the tenant has a more secure position in terms of rights to stay in the property.
  • Leave and License Agreement: The licensee does not have possession rights. The landlord can terminate the agreement with relatively short notice (typically a month) and without the same legal formalities required in a rent agreement. The licensee’s stay is based on the permission of the landlord and can be revoked at any time.

3. Duration

  • Rent Agreement: Generally, rent agreements are for a longer term (e.g., 11 months or more) and can be extended with mutual consent.
  • Leave and License Agreement: This is typically for shorter periods, ranging from a few months to a year, and may be easily renewed or terminated.

4. Security of Tenure

  • Rent Agreement: Provides greater security for the tenant because the relationship is typically considered a tenancy, and tenants enjoy legal protections under the Rent Control Act (in some states in India). The landlord must follow legal procedures for eviction.
  • Leave and License Agreement: Offers no security of tenure for the licensee. The landlord can revoke the agreement with a shorter notice period, and the licensee has limited protection under the law.

5. Tax Implications

  • Rent Agreement: The rent paid is generally treated as "income from property" and is taxable under the Income Tax Act. The landlord can claim deductions on repairs and maintenance under section 24 of the Income Tax Act.
  • Leave and License Agreement: The payments received are generally treated as "license fees," which may not attract the same tax benefits as rent.

6. Ownership and Transfer

  • Rent Agreement: In a rent agreement, the landlord retains ownership of the property, but the tenant has exclusive possession of the property during the agreement period.
  • Leave and License Agreement: The landlord retains ownership and control over the property, and the licensee has no exclusive right to possession. This means the landlord can use or let other people use the property simultaneously.

7. Applicability

  • Rent Agreement: Commonly used for long-term leases, especially when tenants want to stay for an extended period, such as for residential or commercial purposes.
  • Leave and License Agreement: Often used for short-term rentals, vacation homes, or for cases where the landlord wants flexibility (e.g., renting out a flat for a few months but not wanting to give possession rights).

Which Should You Choose?

  • Go for a Rent Agreement if you plan to stay in a property long-term and seek more stability and security. This is ideal if you need a legally binding contract that ensures you have the right to live in the property for the agreed period.
  • Opt for a Leave and License Agreement if you want flexibility, shorter-term accommodation, or if you're renting a property that doesn’t need to be occupied exclusively by you. It’s suitable for short stays or if the landlord prefers an arrangement that allows them to retain more control over the property.

In Conclusion:

Both agreements serve different purposes and offer different levels of legal protection and rights. A Rent Agreement is suited for tenants seeking long-term stability, whereas a Leave and License Agreement offers flexibility for both the landlord and the tenant. Understanding the nuances of each will help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs, whether you're a tenant or a property owner.

Dr. J C Vashista (Advocate )     28 December 2024

Rent agreement is applicable for all types of property usage whereas leave and licence is for specific purpose.

However, what is your problem, if it is not an examination hall question paper ? 


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