Mumbai landlords can now apply to DCP to evict licensees after leave and licence ends

Mumbai landlords who let out a flat under a leave and licence agreement and cannot get the occupant to leave after the term ends no longer have to wait for a long legal process to get the flat back. The Maharashtra government has given landlords a new route to eviction: they can apply to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of their area.

The arrangement has been made under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999. The state government issued a notification on 31 July 2026 appointing all 15 zonal DCPs of the Mumbai Police Commissionerate as competent authorities under the Act. Eligible landlords can now approach the concerned DCP and seek an eviction order.

A flat in Santacruz East is an example. The occupants had not vacated it after the term of their 36-month leave and licence agreement ended. The concerned DCP then issued an order to vacate the flat under Sections 24 and 43 of the Maharashtra Rent Control Act.

The provision does not apply to every dispute between landlord and tenant. It will mainly benefit landlords who let out residential flats under leave and licence agreements that have now expired. In disputes arising from ordinary rent agreements, the provision cannot be used automatically. Before applying, a landlord should therefore make sure the case falls within the scope of the law.

The application must be made to the DCP of the police zone in whose jurisdiction the flat falls, that is, to the office of the concerned DCP of the landlord's area. Filing a complaint only at the local police station does not start eviction proceedings under this law. As per the prescribed procedure, the application has to be submitted to the concerned DCP.

The application must be accompanied by these documents: the registered leave and licence agreement and a copy of it, papers relating to ownership of the flat, proof that the agreement has ended, the identity and address details of the occupant, a copy of the notice or letter sent asking the occupant to vacate, records of licence fee and arrears paid, and documents proving that the landlord has met the legal conditions required to recover the flat.