Can landlord increase rent whenever they want?

No. Rent can only be increased as per lease agreement terms. In rent-controlled areas, increases are regulated at typically 5-10% per year. Landlord cannot increase rent arbitrarily.

A landlord cannot increase rent arbitrarily. The rules depend on your situation: if you have a written lease agreement, rent can only be increased as per the terms specified in the agreement (usually at the time of renewal). In areas covered by State Rent Control Acts, rent increases are strictly regulated and typically limited to 5-10% per year. Even in non-rent-controlled areas, the landlord must give proper notice before increasing rent. If the increase is unreasonable or not per the agreement, you can refuse and the landlord cannot evict you without a court order. Under the Model Tenancy Act 2021, the rent revision must follow agreed terms.

• State Rent Control Acts — Rent increase provisions
• Model Tenancy Act, 2021
• Indian Contract Act — Contractual obligations