Tenant Registration in Lahore: How to Register a Tenant with Punjab Police

If you rent out a house, portion, flat, room or hostel in Lahore, the law expects the police to know who is living there. Tenant registration is quick, free at the police counter, and protects both sides: the landlord meets a legal duty, and the tenant has an official record of where they live. Here is how it works.

What the law requires

Under the Punjab Information of Temporary Residents Act, 2015, a landlord who rents out a property, or anyone who gives accommodation to a temporary resident such as a hostel or guest house, must give the tenant's details to the local police. The duty is on the landlord, but the tenant has to co-operate by providing documents. The same applies when a property is rented through an agent: the agent should make sure registration is done.

Not registering a tenant is an offence under the Act and can lead to a fine and even imprisonment. Police carry out checks from time to time, especially in areas with many rented houses and hostels, so don't leave it until someone knocks on the door.

Documents you'll need

• Copy of the landlord's CNIC
• Copy of the tenant's CNIC (and CNIC copies of other adult family members living in the property)
• Recent passport-size photographs of the tenant
• Copy of the rent agreement (see our rent agreement format)
• The tenant's permanent address and mobile number, and details of their workplace or institution
• For foreign nationals: passport and valid visa copies

Where to register

1. Local police station: the police station whose area covers the rented property. Ask for the tenant registration (kirayedar indraj) form.
2. Police Khidmat Markaz: Punjab Police facilitation centres handle tenant registration along with other services such as character certificates.
3. Online / helpline: Punjab Police has offered tenant registration through its official website and apps. Services change, so check the official Punjab Police website or call 15 for the current process in Lahore.

Step by step

1. Sign the rent agreement and collect the tenant's documents.
2. Fill in the tenant registration form with details of the landlord, the tenant and the property.
3. Submit the form with document copies at the police station or Khidmat Markaz (or online where available).
4. Get a receipt or registration slip. Both landlord and tenant should keep a copy.
5. When the tenant leaves or a new tenant moves in, update the police record.

Tips for tenants

• Ask your landlord for a copy of the registration slip. If the landlord is unwilling to register, treat it as a warning sign.
• Keep your CNIC copies, rent agreement and registration slip together. You may need them for utility, bank or school paperwork.
• Students in hostels: the hostel owner is responsible for registering residents. Confirm this before paying. Our hostel guide explains what else to check.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and procedures can change. For a specific situation, speak to a qualified lawyer or the relevant office.