Tenant police verification: a guide for PG and flat owners
Police in many cities now book owners who keep tenants without informing them. The work itself is small: one form and a few documents for each tenant. This guide explains what it is, what you need and how to do it.
By the ZygoRent team · Updated · 4 min read
What is tenant police verification?
Tenant police verification means telling your local police who is staying in your property. You give the tenant's name, photo, ID proof and permanent address. The police check these details against their records.
It protects you. If a tenant is later found doing something illegal, you can show that you informed the police on time.
Is it compulsory?
There is no single law for the whole of India. In most cities, the police commissioner or the district magistrate issues an order that owners must give tenant details to the police. These orders are issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. This replaced Section 144 of the CrPC.
An owner who does not follow the order can be booked under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. This replaced Section 188 of the IPC. Police in several cities have filed cases against house and PG owners for this.
Rules, forms and fees are different in each city and state. Check your local police website or ask at your police station. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Tenant KYC and police verification are not the same
| Aadhaar KYC | Police verification | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Confirms the tenant is who they say they are. | Informs the police and checks the tenant against their records. |
| Who does it | You and the tenant. | Your local police. |
| How | A DigiLocker link on the tenant's phone. | An online form, or a form at the police station. |
Do both. KYC takes a few minutes and tells you the ID is real. Police verification is what the local order asks for.
Documents usually needed
From the tenant:
- ID proof: Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence
- A recent passport-size photo
- Permanent address and phone number
- Workplace or college details
From you, the owner:
- Your ID proof
- Proof that the property is yours, such as a tax receipt or sale deed
- The rent agreement
How to do it
Online, where your city offers it:
- Open your city or state police website or app. For example, Delhi Police has tenant registration under Citizen Services, Mumbai Police has a tenant information form, and Hyderabad uses the Hawk Eye app.
- Choose tenant registration or tenant verification.
- Fill in your details, the property address and the tenant's details.
- Upload the tenant's ID proof and photo.
- Submit, and save the acknowledgement.
At the police station:
- Collect the tenant verification form from your local station, or download it from the police website.
- Fill it in and attach copies of the documents.
- Submit it and keep the stamped copy.
Tips for PG and hostel owners
- Do it at check-in, every time. With many tenants coming and going, later means never.
- Do it again for each new tenant. One verification does not cover the next person in that bed.
- Keep a tenant register with name, permanent address, ID and date of joining. Some police ask to see it.
- Keep the acknowledgement for as long as the tenant stays.
How ZygoRent helps
In ZygoRent each tenant has one record. The tenant does Aadhaar KYC through DigiLocker and signs the rent agreement from a WhatsApp link. The signed PDF is saved on their profile.
Police verification sits on the same record. You can upload a certificate the tenant already has, or ask the ZygoRent team to help with verification.
See the tenant management page, or book a free demo.
Questions owners ask
Is police verification compulsory for PG tenants?
In most cities, yes. The local police or district magistrate issues an order that owners must give tenant details to the police. The rule differs from city to city, so check with your local police station.
Can I do tenant police verification online?
In many cities, yes. Use your city or state police website or app. Where there is no online form, submit the form at your local police station.
What documents are needed for tenant police verification?
Usually the tenant's ID proof, photo and permanent address, and the owner's ID proof, property proof and rent agreement. Your local police may ask for more.
Is Aadhaar KYC the same as police verification?
No. KYC confirms the tenant's identity. Police verification informs the police and checks their records. Do both.
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