PORVORIM: Landlords who fail to collect and submit information about their tenants will be jailed for six months and pay a fine up to Rs 10,000.
The Goa Legislative Assembly on Monday introduced ‘The Goa (Verification of Tenants) Bill, 2021’ that makes it mandatory for landlords to collect and verify details of persons occupying their premises on rent or any other consideration, from a security point of view.
The Bill, introduced by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant says every owner, before allowing accommodation to any tenant must verify his or her bonafides by obtaining and inspecting photo identity, such as election card, driving licence, Aadhaar Card, passport, etc.
The government has designated head constables to inspect the records.
“Failure on the part of the owner to maintain and submit the information shall constitute an offence which shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to Rs 10,000 or with both,” the Bill states.
The Bill empowers the Judicial Magistrate First Class to take cognisance and for trial of offence under the Act.
The Bill also says the government can give directions to any government department or agency or local authority or any other authority, to collect and verify the proof of identity of tenants occupying premises in the State and to maintain the records.
