New rule in Goa: 6 months jail, Rs 10k fine if owner fails to keep tenant records

Panaji: Goa govt approved the Goa (Verification of Tenants) Rules, 2026, to start tenant verification in the state. As per the rules, an owner needs to verify the tenant’s identity by obtaining and checking the tenant’s documents, maintain the record, and, failure to do so will result in imprisonment for a term which may extend up to six months and a fine up to Rs 10,000.

Similarly, Goa police will have to maintain the record of the inspection conducted for tenant verification.


The Goa (Verification of Tenants) Act, 2024, came into force from Dec 2024.

It streamlines and regulates the stay of persons in various residential houses and lodging not registered under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982, on rent in the state, by ensuring that owners of such premises maintain the record of the stay of such tenants. It also provides for mandatory verification of the tenants so as to enhance the security of the citizens of the state, prevent breach of peace and maintain public order.

A senior govt officer said that it was necessary to prescribe the procedure for verification by an owner, maintaining records, and the inspection register to be maintained by a police officer.

According to the rules, an owner needs to take a photocopy of the documents inspected and enclose it along with the form for submission to the designated police station having jurisdiction over the area in which the premises is located within five days, either in person or by digital mode, as directed by the authority collecting and verifying such information.

In case an owner opts for digital mode, it has to be done on payment of fees as notified by govt. The owner will be provided an acknowledgement of such application by the police station.

“The owner shall maintain a record of every tenant occupying his premises in a register or book,” the rules said.

A police officer not below the rank of head constable having jurisdiction, or such other officer as may be specified by the govt by notification in the official gazette, can inspect the records maintained, the rules said.

Police officers must keep an inspection log. If an owner does not maintain or submit the required information, if the tenant refuses to provide it, if the tenant provides false information, or if police receive information that the tenant is involved in a criminal case, the officer must prepare a report.

If criminal case information is received through the ICJS or CCTNS portal, the officer must prepare the report and submit it to the sub-divisional police officer within seven days for action under the law.

The sub-divisional police officer has to forward the report to the sub-divisional magistrate within three days.

“On receipt of a report, the sub-divisional magistrate has to issue a notice to the premises owner to appear along with the tenant information, and, if an offence has been committed, levy a fine as per law,” the rules said.