The Premises Rent Control Act 1991, explained

The Premises Rent Control Act 1991 (Act III of 1991) is the law that governs renting a house, flat or shop in Bangladesh. It is short, and most of it is about what a landlord may charge and when a tenant can be asked to leave. Here are the parts that matter day to day.

Advance and salami (section 10)

A landlord may not take a premium, salami or similar sum on top of rent, and may not take more than one month's rent in advance unless the Rent Controller approves. Section 25 allows a fine of up to twice the excess for a first offence. Use the advance rent checker to compare an advance with the law.

A receipt for every payment (section 13)

Every time rent is paid, the landlord must immediately give a signed receipt and keep the counterfoil. Under section 27, not giving a receipt can be fined up to twice the amount received. The free receipt generator prints a receipt with an office copy for exactly this reason.

Standard rent (sections 15 and 16)

On application, the Rent Controller can fix a standard rent. The annual standard rent is 15% of the premises' market value, and it can be re-fixed after two years. Charging more than standard rent can be fined under section 23. See the standard rent calculator.

When rent is due, and eviction (section 18)

Rent is due on the date agreed in the tenancy. If no date is agreed, it is due by the 15th of the following month. A tenant who pays lawful rent cannot be evicted except on the grounds the Act lists, such as subletting without consent, causing a nuisance, or the landlord genuinely needing the premises.

Paying rent to the Controller (section 19)

If a landlord refuses rent, or there is a dispute about who should receive it, the tenant can deposit the rent with the Rent Controller within the time the Act allows. That keeps the tenant from falling into default.

Complaints

Complaints go to the Rent Controller in writing, generally within six months. Appeals go to the District Judge.

How this fits with the 2026 Dhaka North guidelines

Dhaka North City Corporation published house rent guidelines in January 2026, including rent by the 10th and up to three months' advance. They are a city directive, not an amendment to the Act. Read what the guidelines say.