The Goa government is set to enforce a strict tenant verification rule, imposing a hefty Rs 10,000 fine on homeowners who fail to verify their tenants. The new regulation, under the Goa (Verification of Tenants) Act, 2024, comes into effect on December 1, 2024. This move follows growing concerns over criminal activities involving migrants, which have prompted Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to order the police to step up efforts to ensure proper tenant background checks.
The imposition of the fine is part of a broader crackdown on unverified tenants, particularly those from other states who have been linked to a range of crimes in Goa, from petty theft to serious offences, including murders. According to the Home Department’s notification, the provisions of the Tenant Verification Act will officially be enforced starting December 1. Since September, the Goa police have been actively conducting a special verification drive across the state, scrutinising the backgrounds of approximately 2 lakh tenants. As part of this effort, the police have gathered essential tenant data, while urging landlords to comply with the new verification procedure. The initiative was prompted by the growing concerns over criminal activities by out-of-state residents, including the shocking murder of an overseas citizen, Arnold Soares, in Candolim. The incident highlighted the urgent need for stricter controls over tenancy arrangements.
Chief Minister Sawant emphasized that the new tenant verification norms are crucial for ensuring safety in the state. He explained that this step is in the interest of both residents and visitors, aiming to bolster security in Goa’s communities. Landlords are now required to submit tenant details to the police to ensure compliance with the law and avoid penalties. The Goa (Verification of Tenants) Bill, 2024, which was introduced in 2021, underwent several revisions before finally being approved by the Cabinet in July. It was later tabled in the Legislative Assembly during the monsoon session. A previous version of the Bill proposed severe penalties, including imprisonment for landlords who failed to adhere to the new regulations. The government’s increased focus on tenant verification reflects the growing need to address the safety concerns of both locals and tourists in the state. By enforcing stringent checks, the government aims to keep criminal elements at bay, while also providing residents with a greater sense of security.
