the rentals, property tax, water, maintenance, and electricity charges for the actual consumption of the tenanted premises, and for common areas, should be payable by the tenant only, so that the landlord gets the actual rent out of which nothing should be deductible. In case there is enhancement in property tax, water, maintenance, or electricity charges, it should also be borne by the tenant only.

Further, the responsibility of usual maintenance of the premises is on the tenant. However, the onus of major repairs is on the landlord. If any major repairs are required to be carried out, only after obtaining permission from the landlord in writing can they be carried out, and adjustment of the amount spent will have to be worked out between the parties.

The court has laid down the conditions so that the deal is fair to both the landlord as well as the tenant, and none is at a disadvantageous position. It has sought to protect the rights and interests of both landlords as well as tenants. The move will stop arbitrary eviction of tenants.

At the same time, for tenants, there won’t be any more free lunches. They will be expected to pay the rent according to the prevailing market rate, so that the landlord gets a fair value. These steps will reduce long disputes in courts.