Documents You Need Before Renting a PG in Delhi (And What to Keep Copies Of)

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Most students arrive in Delhi expecting to sign a PG agreement and move in within a day or two. Then reality intervenes. The PG owner asks for a photocopy of your Aadhaar card — easy enough. Then they ask for your college ID. Then your parent's ID proof. Then a passport-size photo for the society register. Then you realise you've only brought two passport photos and one of them has a smudge.

Getting your documents in order before you leave home saves you a full day of running around Karol Bagh or Nehru Place trying to get prints and photos made while your stuff sits in an auto-rickshaw outside.

The Essential Documents

1. Aadhaar Card — This is the single most important document. PG owners in Delhi almost universally require Aadhaar for two reasons: it's the standard government ID in India, and they're required to maintain a tenant/occupant register for police verification purposes. Carry the original and at least 8-10 photocopies. If you have an Aadhaar on your phone (e-Aadhaar), also carry a printed copy.

2. College Admission Letter or ID Card — Not every PG owner asks for this, but it's becoming more common as PGs in residential societies need to demonstrate that occupants are genuine students. A provisional admission letter is usually sufficient if you don't have your college ID yet.

3. Parent/Guardian Government ID — This is the one most students don't anticipate. If you're a minor (under 18), it's almost always required. Even if you're 18+, some PG owners — particularly for girls' PGs — ask for a parent's Aadhaar or PAN card as a guarantor arrangement. Check with the PG owner in advance to clarify.

4. Passport-Size Photographs — At least 12. Yes, twelve. You'll need them for: PG register (2-3), society register (2), college documents (2-3), local SIM card (2), emergency bank account (2), and a few spares for forms you haven't anticipated yet.

5. Previous Education Certificates — 10th and 12th marksheets and passing certificates. Some PG owners won't ask for these, but keep them accessible. They're useful for applying to scholarships, part-time work, and occasionally for local police verification.

The PG Agreement: Read It Before You Sign

The rental agreement or PG allotment letter is the document that formally establishes your arrangement with the PG owner. In Delhi's informal PG market, this ranges from a handwritten receipt on a notebook page to a properly printed rental agreement.

At minimum, your agreement should mention: your name and contact details, the PG address, the monthly rent amount, what is included (room, food, utilities), the notice period required to vacate (typically 15-30 days), and the security deposit amount and return conditions.

Do not sign anything without reading it. If the PG owner is reluctant to give you time to read, or pressures you to sign quickly because "all students sign the same thing," that's a red flag. Reputable PG owners have no issue with you reading the document carefully.

Documents You Should Keep Copies Of After Moving In

Once you've moved in, make digital copies (photos on your phone) of everything. Then keep physical copies of the most critical ones — your PG agreement, rent receipts, and Aadhaar — in a dedicated folder at the PG. You'll need them repeatedly over the year for things like applying for scholarships, temporary address certificates, and general bureaucracy.

Set up a shared digital folder (Google Drive with a free account works fine) where your parent also has access. Upload photos of: your PG agreement, your rent receipts, your college ID, your passport photos, and your travel tickets. This is your backup if anything gets lost.

Police Verification: What to Expect

In Delhi, residential societies often require tenants and PG occupants to register with the local police station. This is standard practice in many areas, particularly near North Campus. Your PG owner should handle this process — ask them about it explicitly when you sign the agreement. "Is police verification done through the society, or do I need to visit the thana myself?"

If you're told you need to do it yourself, you'll need: your Aadhaar, your PG address proof, your college ID, and two passport photos. Plan for a morning at the local police station — it's usually straightforward but can take 2-3 hours.