New framework assigns jurisdiction to revenue and administrative officers; move follows High Court proceedings over implementation of tenancy law
Poonch Mirror : December 5,2026
JAMMU, NOV 5: J&K Rent Authorities and Rent Courts have been designated across all 20 districts of the Union Territory by the Jammu and Kashmir Government, marking a significant step towards establishing a dedicated mechanism for resolving disputes between landlords and tenants under the Jammu and Kashmir Tenancy Act, 2025.
The appointments were sanctioned through Government Order No. 227-JK(HUD) of 2026, dated November 4, issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department under Sections 30 and 33 of the Act. The order was issued by Commissioner/Secretary Mandeep Kaur, IAS.Government Order No. 227-JK(HUD) of 2026
Under the arrangement, Additional Deputy Commissioners have been designated as Rent Courts at the district level, while Assistant Commissioners (Revenue), Sub-Divisional Magistrates and certain Additional Deputy Commissioners have been assigned jurisdiction as Rent Authorities.
The framework covers all ten districts of the Kashmir division — Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara, Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian — and the ten districts of the Jammu division comprising Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, Rajouri, Poonch, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar.
J&K Rent Authorities: District-Wise Jurisdiction
In Poonch district, the Additional Deputy Commissioner has been designated as the Rent Court for the entire district. The Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), Poonch, will exercise jurisdiction as Rent Authority over Haveli and Mandi tehsils, while the Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Surankote and Mendhar will serve as Rent Authorities within their respective sub-divisions.
In neighbouring Rajouri, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADM) has been designated as Rent Court, with the Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) appointed as Rent Authority for the entire district.
Similarly, in Jammu district, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADM) will function as Rent Court, while the Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) will exercise the powers of Rent Authority throughout the district.
The notification specifies the territorial jurisdiction of J&K Rent Authorities across the Union Territory, establishing designated administrative forums for matters falling within their statutory competence.
Tenancy Law and High Court Proceedings
The Tenancy Act, which came into force on February 15, 2026, provides a statutory framework governing landlord-tenant relationships, including tenancy agreements, rent-related disputes, maintenance obligations and recovery of possession. It assigns specified matters to Rent Authorities and others, including eviction proceedings, to Rent Courts.
The latest administrative decision also follows proceedings before the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh concerning delays in establishing the statutory forums.
On September 28, while disposing of a petition seeking the appointment and operationalisation of Rent Authorities and Rent Courts, the High Court recorded the government’s submission that a final decision would be taken expeditiously, preferably within two months, after receiving inputs from the district administrations.
The November 4 order addresses the appointment of the designated authorities and courts. However, it does not separately specify when the newly designated forums will begin receiving applications or conducting proceedings.
The effectiveness of the new arrangement will therefore depend on its implementation at the district and sub-divisional levels, ensuring that landlords and tenants can access the remedies provided under the legislation without unnecessary procedural delays.
The establishment of J&K Rent Authorities and Rent Courts represents an important administrative step towards making the tenancy dispute resolution framework accessible across the Union Territory.
For more developments on governance and legal affairs in Jammu and Kashmir, explore Poonch Mirror’s latest coverage.
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