How to Do Biometric Verification for Rent Agreements

Rent agreements are necessary but often stressful. Running around, stamp papers, notaries traditional registration can feel outdated. Thankfully, technology has simplified this process through biometric verification.

In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how biometric verification for rent agreements works. Whether you’re in Maharashtra, Gujarat, or an NRI renting property back home, this step-by-step guide makes the entire process crystal clear.

What Is Aadhaar Biometric Verification for Rent Agreements?

Think of biometric verification as the digital equivalent of signing your agreement in front of an official. Instead of pen and paper, you’re using your fingerprint or iris linked to your Aadhaar card to prove it’s really you.

This process confirms identities digitally, ensuring that the agreement holds legal weight without anyone physically visiting a government office.

Simple example: Just like unlocking your phone with a fingerprint, biometric verification proves your identity instantly no paperwork, no hassle.

Which States Have Biometric Rent Agreement Registration?

Not every state in India offers Aadhaar-based biometric verification yet. Maharashtra and Gujarat are the frontrunners. Here’s a quick overview:

Maharashtra

Maharashtra is fully digital. From drafting the agreement to biometric verification, everything happens online. Landlords, tenants, and witnesses verify using their Aadhaar-linked biometrics.

Gujarat

Gujarat also supports biometric verification but has fewer digital service providers. Still, the process remains straightforward and Aadhaar-based.

Other States & POA Alternatives

In states without biometric e-registration, people still rely on visiting sub-registrar offices or use a Power of Attorney (POA).

Process Flow: Aadhaar Biometric E-Registration (Online & Doorstep)

Let’s simplify the entire Aadhaar biometric registration into three straightforward steps:

Step 1: Draft & Pay Stamp Duty Online

First, you create a digital rent agreement using online platforms like Housewise or NoBroker. Fill out property details, rent terms, and personal information. Stamp duty gets paid online, usually via UPI or net banking.

Step 2: Biometric Execution Session

Now comes the biometric session. Here’s what happens:

• A certified agent visits your doorstep, or you schedule an online remote verification.
• Everyone involved (tenant, landlord, witnesses) scans fingerprints or iris.
• Aadhaar instantly validates the identity.

Real-life example: Recently, my friend in Pune completed biometric verification remotely while sitting in Dubai. It was as simple as scanning his finger on a biometric device connected to his laptop.

Step 3: Upload Witness Details & OTP/KYC

After biometrics, witnesses’ Aadhaar details are uploaded. They receive an OTP via SMS (even if your Aadhaar-linked mobile is inactive, the OTP works!). Confirm the OTP, and voila! Your digital agreement is complete.

Documents Required (Tenant, Landlord, Witnesses, Property Proof)

Make sure you keep these documents ready:

• Aadhaar Card (Tenant, Landlord, Witnesses)
• PAN Card (often required for landlord)
• Address Proof (passport, driver’s license, utility bill)
• Property ownership proof (electricity bill, sale deed, etc.)

Having these handy speeds things up tremendously.

Doorstep & Remote Biometric Verification Services

Several services, such as Housewise, RenterAkt, and Siddhi Online E-Registration, provide doorstep and even remote biometric services.

Quick personal anecdote: I helped an NRI friend renting out his Mumbai apartment from Canada. Using Housewise’s remote biometric service, the entire agreement process finished within a day—no flights, no hassle!

Biometric Device Options & Setup

Picking the right biometric device matters. Popular ones include:

• Secugen Hamster Pro: Widely used, reliable, and recommended.
• Mantra MFS100: Another trusted, budget-friendly option.

Setup is easy—plug and play. Connect to your computer via USB, install the provided software, and you’re set.

Legal Validity & Police Verification

Biometric verification makes your rent agreement legally valid nationwide. Police verification, however, remains separate. After the biometric agreement, you’ll still need to provide a copy to local police as per local guidelines.

Common Pitfalls & Tips for Smooth Verification

Avoid these common mistakes for stress-free verification:

• Inactive Mobile Number Panic: Don’t worry if your Aadhaar-linked mobile isn’t active. OTP verification via fingerprints still works seamlessly.
• Choosing the Wrong Device: Use only UIDAI-approved biometric devices. Double-check before buying online.
• Skipping Witnesses: Never skip or forget witness biometrics. They’re crucial to the agreement’s legal validity.

FAQs

Can NRIs complete biometric from abroad?

Yes! NRIs can easily verify biometrics remotely using authorized service providers.

What if Aadhaar is not linked to mobile?

Don’t panic. OTP verification is achievable through fingerprint authentication alone.

Is biometric mandatory for 11-month agreements?

It depends on your state’s rules. Maharashtra strongly recommends it, even for shorter agreements.

Can POA holder sign & biometric on the owner’s behalf?

Yes, a POA holder can sign and verify biometrics for the owner.