Odisha Government Introduces Urban Rent Control Act, 2026

The Odisha Government has unveiled the Urban Rent Control Act, 2026, a landmark reform aimed at modernising tenant–landlord relations across the state’s cities.

Under the new law, oral rental agreements will be prohibited, making written contracts mandatory.

These agreements must be registered with the Rent Authority and local police within 60 days, ensuring accountability and transparency.

A digital portal will be launched to streamline registration, reduce disputes, and provide easy access to tenancy records.

Unlike the old framework, rent amounts and revisions will now be mutually decided by landlords and tenants, without government intervention.

The Act also repeals the outdated 1967 House Rent Control Act and its 1974 amendments, aligning Odisha’s housing policy with India’s Model Tenancy Act.

Officials expect the reform to protect tenants from arbitrary eviction, provide landlords with legal recourse, and curb black‑money transactions in the rental housing market.

With rental demand rising in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Rourkela, the government has invited public feedback before finalising the legislation.

Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee has issued a notice calling for suggestions from citizens, landlords, tenants, and housing experts.