PANAJI: The Goa government has approved the Goa (Verification of Tenants) Rules, 2026, initiating tenant verification within the state. Under these regulations, property owners are required to verify their tenants’ identities by collecting and examining relevant documents. Failure to comply may lead to imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of up to Rs 10,000.
Similarly, the Goa police are tasked with maintaining records of inspections conducted during tenant verifications.
The Goa (Verification of Tenants) Act, 2024, which came into effect in December 2024, aims to regulate the occupancy of individuals in residential properties not registered under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982. This act mandates property owners to keep records of tenants’ stays, ensuring safety and order within the state.
A senior government official emphasized the importance of detailing the verification process, record maintenance, and the police’s inspection duties.
According to the new rules, property owners must photocopy the documents during their inspection and submit them along with a form to the police station with jurisdiction over the area within five days, either in person or via digital submission as directed by the relevant authority.
If choosing the digital submission option, owners must pay the specified fees. An acknowledgment will be issued by the police station upon receipt.
The rules state, “The owner shall maintain a record of every tenant occupying his premises in a register or book.” A police officer of at least head constable rank or a designated officer will be permitted to inspect these records.
Police are also required to maintain an inspection log. If owners fail to provide required information or if tenants offer false details or refuse to cooperate, police must compile a report. Information indicating a tenant’s involvement in criminal activity must be reported to the sub-divisional police officer within seven days.
Upon receiving such reports, the sub-divisional police officer must forward them to the sub-divisional magistrate within three days.
The rules specify that upon receiving a report, the sub-divisional magistrate must summon the property owner to present tenant-related information. If an offense is confirmed, appropriate fines will be imposed.
