Owners must verify & submit details to police within 5 days
PANAJI
The Goa government has notified the Goa (Verification of Tenants) Rules, 2026, introducing a statewide system that makes it compulsory for property owners to verify the identity of their tenants and submit their details to the local police station within five days of occupation.
The rules have been framed under the Goa (Verification of Tenants) Act, 2024. A draft of the Act was earlier placed in the public domain for suggestions and objections, and the final version has now been notified after considering feedback. The rules set out a clear procedure for tenant verification, record keeping, police inspections, and penalties for violations.
As per the rules, every property owner must first verify a tenant’s identity by checking any one of the original documents listed under the Act. A photocopy of the verified document must be attached to Form I and submitted to the police station that has jurisdiction over the property.
Submissions can be made either in person or online, as directed by the authorities. If submitted online, the owner may have to pay a government-notified fee. The police station concerned will issue an acknowledgement receipt after submission.
Owners are also required to maintain a tenant register in Form II, with complete details of all occupants staying in the premises.
Police officers of the rank of Head Constable and above are authorised to inspect these records. They must also maintain a separate inspection record in Form III.
The rules lay down a reporting system for violations. If an owner fails to submit or maintain tenant details, or if a tenant refuses to provide information or gives false details, the matter must be reported to the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) within seven days. This also applies if criminal records come to light through other police stations or through the ICJS/CCTNS databases.
In cases of non-compliance or refusal to provide information, the SDPO must forward the report to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate within three days for further action.
The magistrate may then issue a notice to the property owner and, if an offence under Section 5 of the Act is established, impose the prescribed fine.
