Renting out a vacant property is a viable method to generate additional income and ensure occupancy while retaining ownership. However, finding a suitable tenant who pays rent punctually, respects your property, and has a clean record can pose challenges. This task may seem daunting, especially for first-time landlords.
Fortunately, in Pakistan, there are laws in place to safeguard the rights of landlords. One essential requirement is for all tenants to register at the nearest police station. If concerns about safety during the COVID-19 pandemic arise, landlords can take comfort in the fact that Pakistan has introduced online platforms for tenant registration, simplifying the process and mitigating potential risks for landlords.
Graana.com has prepared a step-by-step guide to online tenant registration in Pakistan.
Online Registration of Tenant in Islamabad
Registering tenants at the local police station offers landlords a sense of security by ensuring that the details of the new tenant are documented by the police. Previously, this process involved manual registration, requiring landlords to visit the police station in person and submit documents by hand. Retrieving these documents when necessary also proved time-consuming.
The introduction of online registration not only simplifies and streamlines the process but also facilitates quick access to tenant files when needed.
How to Register
Registering tenants online in Islamabad is simple, provided you have the required details and documents. Before delving into the specifics of the online registration process, let’s first examine the essential information needed to complete the form.
Information Required for Registration
Given the significance of ensuring protection against violations and breaches for both landlords and tenants, they need to sign a formal agreement. The majority of the required information can be obtained from this agreement, and any additional details can always be requested from the tenant.
Landlord and Tenant Details
Following is different information that the landlord and tenant need to provide in Islamabad.
- Full name
- Gender
- Tenant’s NIC number
- Phone number
- Guardian name
- Relationship with guardian
- District
- Province
- Nearest police station
- Permanent address
- Tenant’s recent picture
Property Details
- Flat/ house/ shop number
- Street number
- Sector
- Subsector
- Agreement/shifting date
- Rented property type
- Agreement ending date
- Agreement starting date
- Linking police station
- A digital copy of the rental agreement
After gathering all the necessary details, the registration process can be completed within a few minutes by following the steps outlined below:
- Visit the official website of Islamabad Police at https://islamabadpolice.gov.pk/ipwe/.
- Navigate to the public services section and click on ‘tenant registration’.
- At the bottom of the page, you will find a button for an online application.
- Indicate whether you are the owner or the tenant, and proceed by clicking ‘next’.
- Complete all the required fields in the provided boxes, paying special attention to those marked with an asterisk.
- Confirm the accuracy of all provided details by checking the box at the end of the form, as any discrepancies may result in legal consequences, and then submit the form.
Online Registration of Tenants in Punjab
Registering your tenants online with Punjab is a quick process that will only require a few minutes of your time. However, before beginning the registration process, it’s important to have essential information readily available, such as CNIC numbers and mobile numbers.
Landlord and Tenant Details
Following is different information that the landlord and tenant need to provide in Punjab.
- Full Name
- Father’s/Husband’s Name
- National Identity Card (CNIC) Number
- Contact Number
- Soft copy of Picture
- Country, Province, and City of Residence
- Temporary Address
- Optional: Vehicle Type
- Optional: Vehicle Registration Number
Property Information
- Street number
- House number
- Area name
- Road
- Nearest police station
- Province
How to Register
Below are the straightforward steps to register your new tenant with Punjab Police:
- Visit the official website of Punjab Police at https://punjabpolice.gov.pk/.
- Go to the ‘public services’ tab and select ‘tenant registration’.
- Enter your mobile phone number and receive a code via SMS. Input the code and submit.
- Choose your role as a tenant, landlord, or property dealer. Provide the CNIC numbers of both parties and click ‘next’.
- Input essential information about the landlord, including full name, father’s/husband’s name, mobile number, and photo. For the tenant, provide similar details along with additional information like occupation, vehicle details, and work address.
- Proceed to furnish details about the rental property, including the address and select the nearest police station from a dropdown menu.
- Review all provided information for accuracy, then mark the checkbox for security verification and submit the form.
Significance of Online Tenant Registration System
The initiatives undertaken by Islamabad and Punjab Police will offer greater convenience to landlords, significantly reducing the time required to register their tenants with the police. Additionally, it will enhance property protection by deterring illicit activities. Previously, both landlords and tenants had to physically visit police stations for registration, consuming considerable time, and the process was manual.
Now, the streamlined process not only simplifies registration but also ensures digital record-keeping, enabling easy retrieval of records when necessary. The information stored in the portal will aid police in identifying any individuals evading law enforcement.
Tenant-Landlord Law in Pakistan
Both parties need to familiarise themselves with landlord-tenant laws in Pakistan, particularly given the country’s rapid growth of the real estate sector.
Key points to understand include:
- Definition and drafting process of a tenancy agreement
- Responsibility for property taxes, typically payable by the landlord with reimbursement to the tenant if previously paid
- Liability for damages to the rented property, generally borne by the tenant unless resulting from natural disasters or similar occurrences
- Potential legal challenges regarding subletting without written consent from the property’s true owner
Terminating an Agreement or Removing a Tenant
Landlords favour tenants who regularly fulfil their rent obligations promptly, adhering to the agreed-upon timeframe. Both parties are required to comply with the terms and conditions specified in the signed agreement. The law grants landlords the right to seek eviction only under specific circumstances, including:
- Violation of property rules or terms of the rental agreement by the tenant.
- Illegal or unauthorised use of the property without the owner’s consent.
- Damage to the property.
- Disputes arising from rental charges.
In such cases, the landlord must provide the problematic tenant with a formal notice and allow sufficient time, as stipulated in the agreement, to vacate the property.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Following are the most common questions and their answers about online tenant registration in Pakistan.
What is online tenant registration?
Online tenant registration is a digital process through which landlords can register their tenants with the relevant authorities using internet-based platforms.
Why is online tenant registration necessary?
Online tenant registration helps landlords and law enforcement agencies maintain a record of tenants, ensuring better security and accountability.
Who is required to register tenants online in Pakistan?
Landlords or property owners renting out their premises are typically responsible for registering tenants online in Pakistan.
Which documents are needed for online tenant registration?
The documents required for online tenant registration may vary but commonly include CNIC numbers of both landlord and tenant, property details, and contact information.
Is online tenant registration mandatory in Pakistan?
While requirements may vary by jurisdiction, online tenant registration may be mandatory in certain areas of Pakistan to comply with local regulations.
How can I access the online tenant registration portal in Pakistan?
The online tenant registration portal can typically be accessed through the official website of the relevant law enforcement agency or government department.
Are there any fees associated with online tenant registration?
In most cases, online tenant registration is free of charge, although there may be administrative fees or charges for additional services in some jurisdictions.
Can I update tenant information after completing online registration?
Yes, landlords can usually update tenant information or make changes to the registration details as needed through the online portal.
What happens if I fail to register my tenants online?
Failure to register tenants online may result in legal consequences or penalties, depending on local regulations and enforcement policies.
How long does it take to complete online tenant registration in Pakistan?
The time required to complete online tenant registration varies, but the process typically takes a few minutes to fill out the necessary forms and submit the required information.
To read about the tenant agreement format, visit the Graana Blog.
