Tenant and landlord rights in Pakistan are governed by provincial rented-premises laws (such as the Punjab Rented Premises Act 2009 and the Sindh Rented Premises Ordinance 1979), which require a written, registered tenancy agreement and set out the lawful grounds and procedure for eviction through the Rent Controller. A landlord cannot forcibly evict a tenant without an order, and a tenant cannot stay without paying rent — the law protects both sides when the agreement is documented.
The rent agreement — your single most important protection
A proper tenancy agreement should be written, signed, witnessed and registered with the relevant authority, and should record: the parties’ CNICs, the premises, monthly rent and due date, the security deposit and its refund terms, the tenancy period, annual increase (commonly around 10% or as agreed), maintenance responsibilities, and notice periods. Unwritten tenancies are the root of most landlord-tenant litigation.
Key rights of tenants
- Possession and peaceful use of the premises during the tenancy.
- No forcible eviction — eviction requires lawful grounds and a Rent Controller/court order.
- Rent receipts and protection against arbitrary mid-term rent increases beyond the agreement.
- Refund of security deposit as per the agreement at handover.
Key rights of landlords
- Timely rent — default is a primary ground for eviction.
- Eviction on lawful grounds — e.g. default in rent, subletting without consent, misuse of premises, expiry of tenancy, or genuine personal need.
- Recovery of the premises and arrears through the Rent Controller.
- Protection of the property against damage beyond normal wear.
Eviction procedure — how it lawfully works
- Notice to the tenant stating the ground (default, expiry, personal need, etc.) and reasonable time.
- Eviction petition before the Rent Controller if the tenant does not comply.
- Tenant’s reply — in default cases the tenant is typically required to deposit ongoing rent to contest; failure can lead to a swift eviction order.
- Evidence and hearing on the grounds claimed.
- Eviction order and execution — enforced lawfully, never by self-help, lock-changing or utility disconnection.
2026 practice notes
Provinces continue to push registration of tenancy agreements and tenant verification with the local police — both protect landlords (verified occupant, enforceable deed) and tenants (proof of lawful tenancy). Unregistered agreements weaken both sides’ positions in court.
FAQs on Tenant and Landlord Rights in Pakistan
Can a landlord evict a tenant without a court order in Pakistan?
No. Eviction requires lawful grounds and an order of the Rent Controller/court; forcible eviction is illegal.
What are valid grounds for eviction?
Common grounds include default in rent, subletting without consent, misuse of premises, expiry of the agreed term, and the landlord’s genuine personal need.
Is a verbal tenancy valid?
It may create a tenancy in fact, but it is hard to enforce and risky — a written, registered agreement protects both parties.
How much can rent be increased?
As per the agreement — commonly an annual increase around 10% — or as the applicable provincial law provides.
What happens to the security deposit?
It is refundable at handover per the agreement, less lawful deductions for damage or unpaid dues.
Rent dispute, eviction case or drafting a watertight tenancy agreement? Saleem & Saleem represents landlords and tenants before Rent Controllers across Pakistan.
