The draft clearly defines maintenance responsibilities, protects tenants from arbitrary disconnection of essential services such as water and electricity, and requires landlords to provide prior notice before entering rented premises except in emergencies. Landlords or property managers must give tenants at least 24 hours’ notice, either in writing or electronically, before entering the property. Entry before sunrise or after sunset will not be permitted except in emergency situations, it says.
Tenants, meanwhile, cannot make structural alterations or erect permanent structures without the landlord’s written consent. Those filing frivolous complaints before the Rent Authority alleging discontinuation of essential services may face a penalty of up to twice the monthly rent, the proposed law says.
To ensure speedy dispute resolution, the draft proposes a three-tier mechanism comprising a Rent Authority, Rent Court and Rent Tribunal. Most disputes are proposed to be resolved within 60 days, while eviction-related cases should be disposed of within 90 days.
The legislation also specifies grounds for eviction, including non-payment of rent, unauthorised subletting, misuse of the property, and the need for major repairs or redevelopment. At the same time, it seeks to prevent arbitrary eviction and protect tenants’ rights.
Officials said the proposed law is part of a series of urban reforms being undertaken under the Memorandum of Agreement signed with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0.
As part of these commitments, Odisha has adapted the Centre’s Model Tenancy Act to suit state-specific requirements and proposed its enactment as the Odisha Urban Area Rent Control Act, 2026.
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