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If a tenant is found involved in any criminal activity and the landlord has not completed police verification, the landlord can be booked under section 188 of the IPC.
Police officials have clarified that ignorance of the rules will not be accepted as an excuse and landlords will be held responsible for violations. Image: Canva
Bengaluru’s booming rental market has come under intense scrutiny, with the city police issuing a strict directive to home owners: tenant verification is no longer optional. Bengaluru City Police has warned that landlords who fail to verify their tenants will face legal action, especially if their properties are found to be linked to criminal activity.
The directive applies across the city, to gated communities, independent homes and apartment rentals alike. With thousands of people coming to Bengaluru every month for work, education and business, police say the move is aimed at preventing misuse of residential spaces.
Why does tenant verification matter?
According to the police, tenant verification plays an important role in maintaining law and order. Many recent cases involving drug trafficking, illegal immigration, cyber crime operations and other illegal activities have been traced to rented homes where no background checks were conducted.
Officials say many homeowners do not get verification done to avoid paperwork or delays. However, this practice has allowed individuals with criminal records or fake identities to operate in residential neighborhoods undetected, putting communities at risk.
What should landlords do?
Under the directive, every landlord renting out property will have to submit tenant details to the local police station. This includes the permanent address and workplace details of the tenant as well as copies of identity documents such as Aadhaar card, voter ID card or passport.
Verification can be completed through Bangalore Forest Centers or through Karnataka State Police online platforms including KSP mobile application and website. This process results in a police verification record or clearance linked to the tenant.
Special rules for foreign tenants
Police have issued an even stricter warning to landlords who rent to foreign nationals. Property owners must inform both the local police and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office within 24 hours of renting out the house.
Failure to report foreign tenants can result in serious consequences under the Foreigners Act. Police officials have clarified that ignorance of the rules will not be accepted as an excuse and landlords will be held responsible for violations.
Legal consequences for non-compliance
If a tenant is found involved in any criminal activity and the landlord has not completed police verification, the owner can be booked under section 188 of the IPC for disobedience to lawful orders issued by a public servant.
In cases involving foreign nationals, penalties can include heavy fines and even imprisonment. Police officials say it is entirely the responsibility of the property owner to ensure compliance before handing over possession.
Part of a major rental overhaul in Bengaluru
While the focus of the directive is tenant verification, it aligns with the broader changes being discussed in Bengaluru’s rental ecosystem. Officials are pushing for digital registration of rental agreements and greater transparency in landlord tenant relations through the Kaveri portal.
Limiting security deposits is also under discussion, although this has not yet been implemented citywide.
The police have advised all landlords to immediately complete the verification of tenants, even existing tenants, to avoid legal trouble in the future. With enforcement tightening, skipping verification is no longer a risk worth taking in Bengaluru’s high-demand rental market.
For property owners, the police message is clear: verify first, pay rent later. Finally, all the rules for Bengaluru property owners in brief:
- Tenant Police Verification is mandatory for all landlords before or immediately after renting out a property. The details of the tenant should be submitted to the local police station or online portal. Collect and upload ID proofs of tenants like Aadhar Card, Voter ID Card or Passport. Provide the permanent address and workplace details of the tenant during verification. Verification can be done at Bangalore Forest Centers or online through Karnataka State Police app/website. Foreign tenants should inform the local police and FRRO within 24 hours. If any landlord will be held responsible. Unverified tenant is involved in criminal activity. Failure to verify tenants may lead to legal action under section 188 of the IPC. Strict penalties, including fines or imprisonment, apply under the Foreigners Act for foreign nationals. Existing tenants should also be verified to avoid legal trouble in future.
January 27, 2026, 13:56 IST
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