Delhi Police are cracking down on landlords who fail to conduct mandatory tenant verification, with approximately 15 property owners booked daily this year. This surge in enforcement comes amid heightened security concerns in the capital and a growing awareness of illegal stays.
According to police data, 4,650 cases were registered against property owners up to October under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which addresses "disobeying a lawful order from a public servant". Authorities have conducted verification checks on around 2.25 lakh tenants so far this year. The rising number of prosecutions highlights widespread negligence, with many landlords either unaware of the requirement or deliberately choosing not to furnish tenant details. Some landlords consider the process unnecessary or time-consuming and are unaware that non-compliance could lead to fines or legal action.
The enforcement drive intensified in early November after Delhi Police apprehended 260 foreign nationals, primarily from African countries, for illegally staying in India. Action was initiated against more than 25 property owners who had rented premises to them without proper verification. In "Operation Clean Sweep," authorities detained the individuals for visa violations and unlawful activities. Deportation proceedings have begun for 175 of those detained.
During the ongoing checks, police also uncovered widespread unauthorized commercial activity. At least 113 guesthouses were found operating without the required licenses and were subsequently prosecuted. Unlicensed guesthouses operate without oversight, making it easier to carry out illegal activities unnoticed. If criminal elements stay at such places and commit crimes, tracking them becomes difficult.
Special Commissioner of Police (crime) Devesh Chandra Srivastava emphasized that tenant verification is not only mandated by law but is essential for maintaining public safety. Police rely on accurate information to track residents and respond swiftly to crime or suspicious activity. Tenant verification helps identify who is living in the area and prevents criminals from using rented accommodations as safe havens.
Delhi Police have issued a stern advisory to landlords, instructing them to submit tenant verification details as mandated under local laws, and warning that non-compliance would invite strict penal action. The police have made it convenient for landlords to comply, with online and offline options available for tenant verification. The online filing system is available on the Delhi Police website, or property owners can download the form and submit it with supporting documents to the police station concerned. Documents required for verification include ID and address proofs for both the tenant and the landlord.
Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs) are also being roped in to assist with tenant verification. RWA members are checking the address proof of students and working professionals staying as paying guests.
The crackdown on negligent landlords and illegal foreign residents signals the Delhi Police's zero-tolerance approach towards such offenses. "Operation Clean Sweep" will continue regularly across Delhi's districts to ensure compliance and public safety.
