Authorities complete verifying credentials of two lakh tenants

Panaji: After verifying the credentials of around 2 lakh people in the state during the tenant verification drive, state govt has decided to impose a Rs 10,000 fine on those owners of premises who failed to submit information about tenants to govt authorities from Dec 1. Govt has notified the Goa (Verification of Tenants) Act, 2024. “We will implement it from Dec 1,” a senior govt official said.

Goa police have intensified tenant verification drives to address safety challenges. Goa has always been on high alert considering the high number of domestic and international tourists visiting the state. The act empowers govt to collect and verify details of the persons occupying premises across the state, either on rent or for other consideration, from a security point of view. A police officer not below the rank of head constable, or such other officer as may be specified by govt, shall be entitled to check at any time the records required to be maintained, it states.

“Failure on the part of the owner to submit the information in the manner required under the provisions of the act shall constitute an offence punishable with a fine that may extend up to Rs 10,000. An offence may be compounded by the sub-divisional magistrate within whose jurisdiction the premises is situated, on payment of a sum not exceeding Rs 10,000,” the act states. The act also states that every owner shall, before allowing accommodation to any tenant, verify their bona fides by obtaining and inspecting photo identity, such as an election card, driving licence, Aadhaar card, passport, or other such documents as may be specified in the gazette.


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