Odisha Drafts New Urban Rent Control Act 2026; Proposes Special Courts, Watch

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Bhubaneswar: In a move to modernise and bring transparency to the state’s rental housing system, the Odisha Housing & Urban Development Department has published the draft ‘Odisha Urban Area Rent Control Act, 2026’ and invited public suggestions.

Key Provisions of the Draft Act

Written agreements mandatory: The draft ends oral rent deals. All tenancies must have a written agreement specifying rent, tenure, and terms.

Special rent courts: Dedicated tribunals will be set up to ensure speedy resolution of landlord-tenant disputes, reducing burden on civil courts.

Balanced rights & duties: Based on the Centre’s Model Tenancy Act, the law aims to balance interests of both landlords and tenants. It covers rent fixation, revision, security deposit, eviction, and repossession of premises.

Unlock vacant houses: By providing legal safeguards, the Act seeks to encourage owners to put vacant houses on rent, increasing rental stock in urban areas.

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Public Consultation Open

The Housing & Urban Development Department, through the Odisha Urban Housing Mission, has issued a public notice seeking comments from citizens, stakeholders, landlords, tenants, housing experts, and professional bodies.

The draft Act aims to facilitate mutual agreement between owners and tenants on rent determination, promote availability of vacant rental properties, and provide a mechanism for dispute resolution related to recovery and repossession of rented premises.

Watch the video here:

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