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Stamp paper value is an important factor to consider when preparing a rental agreement in Kerala. It is essential to ensure that the stamp duty on the rental agreement is paid in full to avoid any legal implications. In this article, we will discuss the stamp paper value for rental agreements in Kerala.

What is Stamp Duty?

Stamp duty is a state tax that is levied on legal documents, including rental agreements. It is a payment made to the government to legalize the document. The actual amount of the stamp duty varies from one state to another, and it is determined by the value of the rental agreement.

Stamp Duty for Rental Agreements in Kerala

In Kerala, the stamp duty for rental agreements is fixed based on the rent and the term of the rental agreement. As per the Kerala Stamp Act, 1959, the stamp paper value for rental agreements in Kerala is as follows:

1. For rental agreements with a term of up to 11 months, the stamp paper value is Rs. 100 or the equivalent amount of the rent for one month, whichever is higher. For example, if the monthly rent is Rs. 10,000, the stamp paper value for the rental agreement would be Rs. 10,000.

2. For rental agreements with a term exceeding 11 months but not more than 36 months, the stamp paper value is calculated as follows:

a. If the monthly rent is up to Rs. 5000, the stamp duty is 2% of the total rent for the entire period of the rental agreement.

b. If the monthly rent is more than Rs. 5000 but less than Rs. 10,000, the stamp duty is 3% of the total rent for the entire period of the rental agreement.

c. If the monthly rent is more than Rs. 10,000, the stamp duty is 4% of the total rent for the entire period of the rental agreement.

For example, if the monthly rent is Rs. 15,000, and the rental agreement is for 2 years, the total rent for the entire period would be Rs. 3,60,000. Therefore, the stamp duty for the rental agreement would be Rs. 14,400 (4% of Rs. 3,60,000).

It is important to note that the stamp duty for rental agreements in Kerala should be paid within 30 days of signing the agreement. The stamp paper should be purchased in the name of either the tenant or the landlord.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the stamp paper value for rental agreements in Kerala should be paid in full to avoid any legal complications in the future. The stamp duty varies based on the rent and the term of the rental agreement. It is essential to ensure that the stamp duty is paid within 30 days of signing the agreement, and the stamp paper should be purchased in the name of either the tenant or the landlord.