Documents › Formats › Rent agreements
Renting a shop, office or godown uses the same backbone as a residential agreement, but a few clauses change: the permitted use, GST on rent, who pays for fit-out and signage, lock-in, and longer notice. Banks and the GST portal also ask for the agreement as proof of business premises.
[Key clauses that differ from a house agreement]
Use: The premises shall be used only for carrying on the business of a retail pharmacy under the name "Bluehill Medicals" and for no residential purpose.
Rent and GST: Rent of Rs. 25,000 per month, payable by the 5th. If the Landlord is registered under GST, GST at the applicable rate shall be paid by the Tenant in addition to rent against a tax invoice.
Fit-out and signage: The Tenant may install counters, shelving and a signboard at his cost, without structural change, and shall restore the premises on vacating, fair wear and tear excepted.
Lock-in: Neither party shall terminate this agreement during the first 6 months. Thereafter either party may terminate with 2 months' written notice.
Licences: The Tenant shall obtain and maintain the trade licence, GST registration and any other licence required for the business at his own cost. The Landlord shall sign any NOC reasonably required for such registration.
Names, numbers and dates above are examples. Replace them with yours.
Same as residential for an 11-month agreement in most states: Kerala Rs. 100–250 stamp (0.5% of total rent in some cases), Karnataka 0.5% of annual rent + deposit, Maharashtra 0.25% of rent + deposit (registration compulsory), Delhi 2% of average annual rent. Agreements of 12 months or more must be registered. The generator's state guide gives the figure for your state.
Yes, and it is the common practice. But if you are investing in fit-out, a registered 3–5 year lease with a lock-in protects you better.
Only if the landlord is GST-registered. Then the tenant pays 18% on commercial rent and can claim input credit if registered.
Yes; change the permitted-use line.
This page is a template and general guidance for a common situation, not legal advice. Rules differ by state and office; check with the office that asked for the document. Last reviewed October 2026.