PANAJI: The state government has drafted the Goa (Verification of Tenants) Rules, 2025, which will soon impose fines on property owners who fail to provide tenant information to authorities.
The government is currently inviting public objections and suggestions regarding the rules before finalizing them for implementation.
“All objections and suggestions regarding the draft rules can be sent to the chief secretary or home secretary within 30 days,” stated Manesh Hari Kedar, home under secretary.
If a property owner or tenant fails to submit the required information or provides false information, a report will be forwarded to the sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) within seven days for appropriate action. Additionally, any criminal-related information about a tenant received from other police stations, the Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS), or the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) will also be sent to the SDPO within the same timeframe.
Kedar added, “The SDPO will then send a report to the sub-divisional magistrate within three days. The SDM will issue a notice to the property owner, requiring them to appear with tenant information. Fines will be imposed if any infractions occur as outlined in the relevant section.”
“In case of any ambiguity regarding the interpretation of these rules or if any matters are left unaddressed, the government’s decision will be final and binding,” the under secretary explained.
To enhance safety, Goa police have intensified tenant verification initiatives, particularly given the influx of domestic and international tourists to the state.
The government has enacted the Goa (Verification of Tenants) Act, 2024, granting authorities the power to collect and verify details of individuals occupying properties on rent or for other compensation for security reasons.
According to the act, a police officer, at least of head constable rank or another specified officer, has the authority to check required records anytime.
“Failure to submit information as mandated by the act will be considered an offense, punishable with a fine up to Rs 10,000. The sub-divisional magistrate may compound an offense with a payment of no more than Rs 10,000,” the act states.
