Vakola cops file FIR against BMC staffer, painter who rented out their Santacruz properties

In the first case, following a tip-off, police filed an FIR against painter Rajesh Nishad (40), for renting his house in Prabhat Colony to Rajesh Kawatra without proper police registration. "Nishad rented out his house a month ago. While gathering information about new tenants in the locality, we found that he did not register his new tenant’s details," said an officer from Vakola police station.In the second instance, BMC employee Anil Rathod (42) was charged for renting out his shop to Devji Vaviya without proper documentation. "When a police team visited Rathod’s shop, upon questioning an employee, Manish Mishra (24), they found that Vaviya had taken it on rent to run his garments business, but Rathod did not register the tenant details," said the officer.Police charged both Nishad and Rathod under BNS section 223 for disobeying orders issued by authorised public servants.A senior IPS officer explained that Mumbai property owners must obtain police verification when letting properties. Tenant verification forms, available online or at police stations, require comprehensive details about landlords and tenants, including full names, photographs, addresses and contact information.The officer detailed that tenant information must include complete personal details, employment information, and photographs. The Mumbai Police verification form requires two references. If a property agent facilitates the transaction, their details must also be included in the verification form.The senior IPS officer emphasised that property owners, estate agents, or advocates must complete the verification process, either online or in person. Physical submissions at police stations require acknowledgement receipts and submission dates. Additionally, a copy of the leave-and-licence agreement must be submitted. Verification is also mandatory during rental agreement renewals. Non-compliance can result in a Rs 3,000 fine and potential one-month imprisonment for landlords.