Free Commercial Lease Agreement Template for India
Lease commercial office, retail, or industrial premises in India with a professionally drafted Commercial Lease Agreement. Our template addresses the Transfer of Property Act 1882, applicable state Rent Control Acts, GST at 18% on commercial rent, stamp duty, and mandatory registration for leases over one year.
| PREMISES | Unit 4A, 4th Floor, Peninsula Business Park, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013 |
| FLOOR / UNIT | 4th Floor, Unit 4A |
| AREA | 2500 sq ft |
| PERMITTED USE | Office / IT / ITES Use |
| COMMENCEMENT DATE | 1 May 2026 |
| LEASE DURATION | 3 years |
| MONTHLY RENT | 2,50,000.00 INR (exclusive of GST) |
| SECURITY DEPOSIT | 7,50,000.00 INR |
| ANNUAL ESCALATION | 5% per annum |
| LOCK-IN PERIOD | 18 months |
What Is a Commercial Lease Agreement in India?
A Commercial Lease Agreement is a written contract between a landlord (lessor) and a business tenant (lessee) for the rental of commercial premises — such as office space, retail shops, warehouses, factory sheds, or industrial land — in India for business purposes. Unlike a residential lease, a commercial lease is typically not subject to rent control protection under state Rent Control Acts (most Indian Rent Control Acts specifically exclude commercial properties from their protective provisions). This makes a commercial lease more freely negotiable in India, with market rent and terms determined by agreement.
Commercial leases in India are primarily governed by the Transfer of Property Act 1882, which defines the rights and obligations of the lessor and lessee, including the lessee's right to peaceful possession, the lessor's right to rent, and the provisions for renewal and termination. Commercial leases in India typically run for three to nine years (with renewal options), and lock-in periods during which neither party can terminate are standard for major commercial tenancies. Rent escalation clauses (typically 5–15% annually) are common and enforceable. Where the commercial property is a new commercial building under RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act 2016), RERA registration requirements may apply.
GST at 18% applies to commercial rent under the CGST Act 2017 when the landlord is a GST-registered person. The tenant can claim input tax credit (ITC) on the GST paid on commercial rent if the property is used for business purposes. Stamp duty and registration are mandatory for commercial leases exceeding one year under the Registration Act 1908 and the applicable state Stamp Act. The stamp duty on a commercial lease in India is typically applied on the total rent payable over the lease term and varies significantly by state. In high-value commercial markets such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, stamp duty and registration charges on commercial leases can be substantial.
What's Covered in This Commercial Lease Agreement Template
Our India-specific Commercial Lease Agreement template covers all essential provisions for a legally sound commercial tenancy.
Parties & Property Details
Identifies the landlord and tenant with full legal names, addresses, and CIN (for companies), and describes the leased premises with Survey/CTS number and area.
Lease Term & Renewal
Specifies the lease term, commencement date, renewal options, and any lock-in period during which termination is restricted.
Rent & GST
States the monthly rent in ₹, escalation schedule (typically 5–15% per annum), GST at 18% under the CGST Act 2017, and rent payment due dates.
Security Deposit
Specifies the security deposit amount, conditions for refund, and the landlord's right to deduct for unpaid rent or damage.
Permitted Use
Restricts use of the premises to the specified commercial purpose and prohibits hazardous, illegal, or residential use.
Maintenance & Repairs
Allocates responsibility for interior maintenance (tenant) and structural repairs (landlord) in accordance with the Transfer of Property Act 1882.
Fit-Out & Alterations
Sets conditions for tenant fit-out, alterations, and reinstatement at the end of the lease — a common source of disputes in Indian commercial leases.
Utilities & Common Area Charges
Addresses responsibility for electricity, water, common area maintenance (CAM) charges, and other outgoings for the leased premises.
Lock-In Period
Specifies the lock-in period during which neither party may terminate without paying a break penalty — standard for prime commercial leases in Indian cities.
Stamp Duty & Registration
Notes the obligation to pay stamp duty and register the lease deed at the Sub-Registrar's office under the Registration Act 1908 and the applicable state Stamp Act.
Termination & Eviction
Sets out notice requirements for termination, grounds for eviction, and the procedure for recovering possession of commercial premises in India.
Dispute Resolution
Includes an arbitration clause under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996 for resolving commercial lease disputes efficiently.
How to Create a Commercial Lease Agreement in India
Follow these steps to prepare a legally compliant commercial lease for Indian premises.
- 1
Negotiate Key Commercial Terms
Agree on the rent, escalation rate, security deposit (typically 3–12 months' rent for commercial properties in India), lease term, lock-in period, and renewal options before drafting.
- 2
Verify the Property Title
Conduct due diligence on the landlord's title to the commercial property — check the sale deed, encumbrance certificate, and occupancy certificate. For RERA-registered properties, verify on the RERA portal.
- 3
Draft the Lease Deed
Prepare the lease deed covering all commercial terms, including GST obligations, permitted use, maintenance, and termination provisions.
- 4
Pay Stamp Duty & Register
Calculate and pay the applicable stamp duty under the state Stamp Act. Register the lease deed at the Sub-Registrar's office under the Registration Act 1908. Both landlord and tenant must be present (or represented by a PoA holder) at registration.
- 5
Obtain Handover Documentation
Document the condition of the premises at handover — photographs, condition report — to establish the baseline for reinstatement obligations at the end of the lease.
Legal Considerations for Commercial Leases in India
These are the key Indian legal requirements for commercial property leasing.
This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified Indian advocate or legal practitioner for advice specific to your situation.
Reviewed for Indian law
Transfer of Property Act 1882
The Transfer of Property Act 1882 governs leases of immovable property in India. It defines the rights and duties of lessors and lessees, including the lessee's right to peaceful possession, the lessor's right to rent, and the procedure for termination. The Act requires a written deed for leases exceeding one year, and such leases must be registered under the Registration Act 1908. An unregistered lease for over one year is inadmissible as evidence of the lease terms in Indian courts.
GST on Commercial Rent
Under the CGST Act 2017, renting of commercial premises by a GST-registered landlord attracts GST at 18%. The landlord must charge GST on rent invoices and file GST returns. The tenant (if registered for GST) can claim ITC on the GST paid on commercial rent. RCM (Reverse Charge Mechanism) applies in certain cases where the landlord is unregistered. Residential property rented to businesses also attracts GST under certain conditions.
Stamp Duty & Registration
Commercial leases exceeding one year must be registered under the Registration Act 1908. Stamp duty is calculated on the total rent payable over the lease term (and sometimes also on the security deposit) under the applicable state Stamp Act. Rates vary significantly by state. An unregistered lease of over one year is inadmissible as evidence of the lease terms in Indian courts, though it may be admitted for collateral purposes.
Eviction of Commercial Tenants
For commercial properties not covered by state Rent Control Acts, eviction on expiry of the lease term or for breach of lease conditions is governed by the Transfer of Property Act 1882. The landlord must give proper notice under Section 106 of the TPA and, if the tenant refuses to vacate, must file an eviction suit before the civil court. Indian courts typically take several years to decide eviction suits, making commercial leases with strong break and termination provisions important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Create Your Indian Commercial Lease Today
Use Doxuno's free Commercial Lease Agreement template to establish a professional commercial tenancy in India. Covers GST, stamp duty, registration, and all essential Indian property law provisions.
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