Tenancy or lease renewal in Bangladesh
Renewing a tenancy or lease agreement in Bangladesh typically involves drafting a new contract or signing an addendum to an existing one. The process usually requires a mutual agreement between the landlord and the tenant, followed by the execution of a new stamped instrument.
It is generally advised to begin discussions regarding renewal at least 30 to 60 days before the current lease expires to account for negotiations and the procurement of necessary stamp paper.
Start 45 days ahead
This allows sufficient time for both parties to review terms, purchase appropriate government stamp paper, and notarize the document.
The process
- 1Negotiate the updated terms, including rent adjustments and lease duration, with the landlord.
- 2Draft the new lease agreement incorporating the updated terms.
- 3Purchase the legally mandated amount of non-judicial stamp paper from a licensed vendor.
- 4Print the agreement on the stamp paper.
- 5Sign the agreement in the presence of witnesses.
- 6Have the document notarized or registered at the Sub-Registrar's Office, depending on the lease duration and local legal requirements.
What to bring
- Original lease agreement
- Proof of identity for both landlord and tenant (NID or Passport)
- Updated non-judicial stamp paper
- Evidence of property ownership (if required by the landlord for verification)
Who handles it
Sub-Registrar's Office (Sub-Registrar Office / উপ-নিবন্ধক অফিস)
Costs vary based on the lease value and duration, as stamp duty fees are calculated as a percentage of the total rent. Applicants should verify current rates with a local legal professional or the local Land Registration office.
What commonly goes wrong
- Failure to use the correct denomination of non-judicial stamp paper can render the contract legally unenforceable.
- Leases exceeding one year are generally required to be registered under the Registration Act to be fully protected.
- Discrepancies in the landlord's proof of ownership can cause significant legal complications.
- Ensure all verbal agreements are explicitly written into the new contract to avoid future disputes.
Sources
This guide is based on one official source.
- The Registration Act, 1908 (Bangladesh) bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd
Other documents in Bangladesh
Tenancy or lease renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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