House Rental Agreement Template (English, Bangladesh)

Most house rental arrangements in Bangladesh still begin with a handshake, an advance payment and a few lines scribbled on plain paper. That works until something goes wrong: the tenant leaves without notice, the landlord keeps the whole deposit, a repair bill is disputed, or the rent goes up and nobody remembers what was agreed. A written house rental agreement template in English gives both sides a clear, shared record from day one. English agreements are especially useful when the landlord lives abroad, when the tenant is an expat or a corporate employee, or when a company's HR team needs a copy for its files.

Below you will find a complete, fill-in-the-blank residential rental agreement written for Bangladeshi flats and houses, followed by clause-by-clause guidance, a checklist of attachments and advice on stamping, signing and registration. Use it as a starting point, adapt it to your property, and have a lawyer review it if the amounts are large or the terms are unusual.

Important: This template is general information, not legal advice. Laws such as the Premises Rent Control Act, 1991, the Stamp Act, 1899 and the Registration Act, 1908 affect how rental agreements work, and stamp duty and registration requirements can change. Check the current position with a lawyer before you sign.

Before You Fill In the Template

Gather these details first, so the agreement is accurate the first time:

• Full names, fathers' or spouses' names, addresses and NID or passport numbers of the landlord and every adult tenant.
• The exact address of the flat, floor, flat number, and a list of what is included (parking, rooftop access, storage).
• Monthly rent, service charge, and how utilities (electricity, gas, water) will be paid.
• The advance or security deposit (jamanat) amount and the refund terms.
• Start date, length of the tenancy and notice period.
• An inventory of fittings and furniture, and meter readings at handover.

If you have not yet vetted the tenant, do that before drafting. Our guide to tenant screening in Bangladesh covers references, NID checks and income verification.

The Full Rental Agreement Template

Copy the text below into a word processor and replace everything in square brackets. Delete any clause that does not apply, but do not leave blanks unfilled in the signed copy.

HOUSE RENTAL AGREEMENT

This Rental Agreement is made on this [day] day of [month], [year] at [city], Bangladesh,

BETWEEN [Landlord full name], son/daughter/wife of [name], NID/Passport No. [____], residing at [address] (hereinafter called the "Landlord", which expression shall include heirs, successors and assigns) of the FIRST PART;

AND [Tenant full name], son/daughter/wife of [name], NID/Passport No. [____], permanent address [____], occupation [____] (hereinafter called the "Tenant") of the SECOND PART.

1. Premises. The Landlord agrees to let and the Tenant agrees to take on rent the residential flat No. [__] on the [__] floor of the building known as [building name/holding no.], [road], [area], [city], measuring approximately [____] square feet, consisting of [__] bedrooms, [__] bathrooms, [__] balconies, kitchen, dining and drawing space, together with [one car parking space / no parking] and the fittings listed in Schedule A (the "Premises").

2. Term. The tenancy shall commence on [date] and continue for a period of [11/12/24] months, ending on [date], unless terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement. The tenancy may be renewed by mutual written agreement.

3. Rent. The Tenant shall pay a monthly rent of Tk [____] (Taka [in words] only), payable in advance on or before the [__] day of each English calendar month, by [cash against receipt / bank transfer to account no. ____ / bKash or Nagad to no. ____]. The Landlord shall issue a written receipt for every payment.

4. Service charge. In addition to rent, the Tenant shall pay a monthly service charge of Tk [____] covering [security guard, caretaker, lift, generator for common areas, cleaning of common areas, common electricity]. Any change to the service charge shall be notified in writing with reasons at least [30] days in advance.

5. Utilities. The Tenant shall pay electricity charges as per [the prepaid meter / sub-meter No. ____ at the effective rate charged to the building], gas charges of [Tk ____ per month / as per meter], and water charges of [Tk ____ per month / included in service charge]. The Tenant shall not tamper with any meter.

6. Advance / Security deposit. The Tenant has paid Tk [____] (Taka [in words] only) as [refundable security deposit / advance rent equal to __ months], receipt of which the Landlord acknowledges. [If security deposit:] This amount shall be refunded within [__] days of the Tenant vacating and handing over the Premises, after deducting any unpaid rent, unpaid utility bills, and the reasonable cost of repairing damage beyond normal wear and tear, with a written statement of deductions. [If advance rent:] This amount shall be adjusted against the rent for [months].

7. Use. The Premises shall be used only for residential purposes by the Tenant and the family members/occupants listed in Schedule B. No commercial, illegal or immoral activity shall be carried out on the Premises.

8. Subletting. The Tenant shall not sublet, assign or part with possession of the whole or any part of the Premises, or take paying guests, without the prior written consent of the Landlord.

9. Maintenance and repairs. The Tenant shall keep the Premises clean and in good condition and shall be responsible for minor repairs and replacements caused by day-to-day use (such as bulbs, tap washers, and damage caused by the Tenant or visitors). The Landlord shall be responsible for structural repairs, roof and wall leakage, main plumbing and wiring, and major fixtures not damaged by the Tenant's misuse. The Tenant shall report defects promptly in writing.

10. Alterations. The Tenant shall not make structural alterations, drill into load-bearing elements, or change fixtures without the Landlord's prior written consent. Any approved additions removable without damage may be taken by the Tenant on leaving.

11. Landlord's access. The Landlord or authorised agent may enter the Premises for inspection or repairs at a reasonable time after giving at least [24] hours' notice, except in an emergency.

12. Rent revision. Rent may be revised [at renewal / after every __ months] by mutual agreement and in accordance with applicable law, with at least [__] months' prior written notice.

13. Late payment. If rent is not paid by the [__] day of the month, the Landlord may send a written reminder. [Optional: A late fee of Tk ____ may apply after the __ day.] Persistent non-payment for [__] months shall be a ground for termination under Clause 14.

14. Termination and notice. Either party may terminate this Agreement by giving [one/two] months' written notice. The Landlord may terminate for breach of this Agreement (including non-payment of rent or illegal use) in accordance with applicable law. On termination, the Tenant shall hand over vacant possession with all keys and fittings in the condition received, subject to normal wear and tear.

15. Police and authority information. The Tenant shall provide information and documents reasonably required to complete any tenant information form required by the local police or authorities.

16. House rules. The Tenant and occupants shall follow the building rules attached as Schedule C, including rules on noise, waste disposal, parking, visitors, and safety.

17. Pets. [No pets shall be kept without the Landlord's written consent. / Pets are permitted subject to the pet terms in Schedule D.]

18. Disputes. The parties shall first try to resolve any dispute through discussion. Failing that, the matter may be referred to the House Rent Controller or competent court having jurisdiction.

19. Entire agreement. This Agreement, with its Schedules, contains the entire agreement between the parties. Any change must be in writing and signed by both parties.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have signed this Agreement on the date first written above.

Landlord: ______________ | Tenant: ______________

Witness 1: Name, address, signature ______________ | Witness 2: Name, address, signature ______________

Schedule A – Fittings and inventory, meter readings at handover. Schedule B – Occupants (name, relation, age, NID if adult). Schedule C – House rules. Schedule D – Pet terms (if any).

Clause-by-Clause Guidance

Parties and premises

Use the names exactly as on the NID or passport. If the flat is jointly owned (for example by siblings after inheritance), either all owners sign or one signs with written authority from the others. Describe the flat so there is no confusion with a neighbouring unit.

Term

Many residential agreements in Bangladesh are for 11 or 12 months, renewed each year. Longer leases may need registration under the Registration Act, 1908, and stamp duty depends on the term and rent. Ask your lawyer which applies before choosing the term.

Rent, receipts and payment channel

Name the due date and the payment channel. If rent is paid by bKash, Nagad or bank, say which number or account. Commit to issuing receipts; it protects both sides. A ready format is in our rent receipt template in English.

Deposit

This is where most disputes happen. Be explicit: is the money advance rent (adjusted against future months) or a refundable deposit (returned at the end)? Set a refund timeline and promise a written list of deductions.

Repairs

Draw a clear line between tenant-caused and minor repairs, and structural or major repairs. Seepage, roof leaks and main line plumbing are normally landlord responsibilities.

Notice period

One or two months' notice on both sides is common. Say that notice must be in writing, and whether it runs from the 1st of the month.

Sample Filled-In Figures

For example (illustrative): a 3-bedroom flat in Mirpur is let on the following terms.

Monthly outgoing for the tenant, excluding gas and electricity = 25,000 + 3,000 = Tk 28,000. Move-in payment = first month's rent and service charge Tk 28,000 + deposit Tk 50,000 = Tk 78,000. If, on leaving, the tenant owes Tk 2,400 in unpaid water charges and there is Tk 3,600 of damage beyond normal wear, the refund is 50,000 − 2,400 − 3,600 = Tk 44,000, with a written statement of the two deductions.

Documents to Attach

• Copies of NIDs or passports of landlord and adult tenants.
• Recent photographs of tenants (often needed for the police tenant information form).
• Schedule A inventory with photos and meter readings at handover.
• Schedule B list of occupants.
• Schedule C house rules.
• For corporate tenants: company authorisation letter and trade licence copy.
• For foreign tenants: passport and visa copies.

A detailed handover list helps enormously at move-out. Our move-in checklist template can serve as Schedule A.

Stamping, Signing and Registration

1. Stamp paper. Rental agreements are usually executed on non-judicial stamp paper of the value required under the Stamp Act, 1899. The required value depends on the rent and term; check the current rate with a lawyer or stamp vendor.
2. Signatures. Both parties sign every page (or at least initial every page and sign the last). Two witnesses sign with names and addresses.
3. Copies. Make at least two originals or certified copies: one for each party.
4. Registration. Leases beyond certain terms may need registration at the sub-registry office. Ask your lawyer whether yours does.
5. Notary. Many people notarise agreements for added evidential weight. Notarisation is not the same as registration.

Adapting the Template for Special Situations

• Furnished flats: expand Schedule A with every furniture item and appliance, including condition and model.
• Expat tenants: add passport and visa details, an emergency contact, and a clause on early termination if the tenant's work permit ends.
• Corporate leases: the company is the tenant; the employee is the occupant. Add the authorised signatory's details.
• Probashi (overseas) landlords: appoint a local representative through a power of attorney and name them in the agreement for rent collection and repairs.
• Bachelors or shared flats: list each occupant and state whether liability for rent is joint.

Common Mistakes With Rental Agreements

• Leaving blanks in the signed copy, which invites later insertion.
• Not distinguishing advance rent from security deposit.
• Copying a template from the internet that refers to foreign laws or currencies.
• No inventory or meter readings at handover.
• Unrealistic clauses (such as forfeiting the entire deposit for any late payment) that are unfair and may not hold up.
• Only one copy, kept by the landlord.
• Never renewing: the agreement expires but the tenancy continues for years on unwritten terms.

Final Thoughts

A clear rental agreement is the foundation of a calm tenancy. Use the template above, fill every blank, attach the schedules, stamp and sign it properly, and keep a copy each. Take legal advice for long leases, large deposits or unusual arrangements. For a deeper look at the clauses themselves, see our guide to rental agreements in Bangladesh.

Once the agreement is signed, Bariwala ERP (বাড়িওয়ালা ERP) lets you store the agreement against the tenant's profile along with family members and NID details, record the deposit and advance, and generate monthly invoices and receipts that match the agreed rent and service charge. The agreement sets the rules; good records make sure everyone follows them.