New Rule. Don’t Rent Unmarried Couples. 20,000 Rs Fine Announced on Landlords and Owners.

Under the newly implemented Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, landlords are now required to verify the live-in registration certificates of tenants who are cohabiting without marriage. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in a fine of up to ₹20,000 for the property owner. Additionally, live-in couples must register their relationship within one month of moving in together.

Key Highlights of the New Rules:

1. Mandatory Verification for Landlords:
   • Landlords must ensure that live-in couples have registered their relationship and must verify the registration certificate before finalizing any rental agreement.
   • If a landlord fails to verify the certificate, they will be fined up to ₹20,000 under the new UCC regulations.
   • The registration certificate must be attached as part of the rental agreement, as per Rule 20 (8) (C) of the UCC.
2. Live-in Registration Process for Couples:
   • Live-in couples are required to register their relationship within one month of starting their cohabitation.
   • The registration fee is set at ₹500. However, if the couple fails to register within the stipulated time, a late fee of ₹1,000 will be applicable.
   • In case the relationship ends, an additional fee of ₹500 is required for de-registration.
3. Marriage Registration Fees and Penalties:
   • Marriage registration fees have been standardized at ₹250. For those seeking expedited services, a “priority” option is available for ₹2,500, ensuring the certificate is issued within three days.
   • Failing to register a marriage or providing false information can lead to a penalty of up to ₹10,000.
4. Penalties for False Complaints:
   • The new rules also address false complaints. While no penalty will be imposed for the first offense, subsequent false complaints will incur fines:
     • Second offense: ₹5,000
     • Third offense: ₹10,000

Why This Matters:

The introduction of these regulations aims to formalize live-in relationships and ensure transparency in rental agreements. By mandating registration and verification, the government seeks to streamline legal processes and reduce disputes between landlords and tenants.

Steps for Landlords:

• Before signing a rental agreement, landlords must request a copy of the live-in registration certificate from tenants.
• Ensure that the certificate is included as part of the rental agreement documentation.
• Non-compliance with these steps can lead to significant financial penalties.

Steps for Live-in Couples:

• Register your relationship within one month of moving in together.
• Pay the prescribed registration fee of ₹500 to avoid late charges.
• Update the registration status if the relationship ends by paying the de-registration fee.

These measures reflect a broader effort to regulate personal relationships and housing arrangements under the UCC framework, ensuring accountability for all parties involved.