Sending Money to Your Landlord in India
Complete guide to sending USD to your landlord in India. How it works, what you need, and how Root makes it simple.
As an NRI living in the USA, paying your landlord in India should be stress-free and reliable. You're not just sending rent—you're fulfilling a financial responsibility and helping maintain stability for your family or home back in India. This guide walks you through the essential steps, required details, and regulatory considerations when sending USD to INR for rent payments. Learn how to send money securely, avoid common pitfalls, and get the best value with every transfer.
Many NRIs send monthly or quarterly rent to landlords in India for family homes, ancestral properties, or rented accommodations. These payments are often part of broader family support and help maintain residence rights or generational property. While typically recurring, rent transfers are treated as legitimate living expenses under FEMA guidelines.
What You Need to Know
Valid Bank Account Required
Your landlord must have an active bank account in India—preferably an NRO or regular savings account. Root currently supports transfers to NRO and standard Indian bank accounts, but not NRE accounts.
IFSC Code Accuracy
The 11-character IFSC code is essential for routing the transfer correctly. Double-check this with your landlord to avoid failed or misdirected transactions.
Rent Agreement May Be Needed
For larger transfers (above ₹7 lakh/year), Indian banks may ask for rental agreement proof to comply with income tax regulations. Root may request documentation if required by Indian financial institutions.
TCS Applies After ₹7 Lakh
If your total remittances exceed ₹7,00,000 in a financial year, 5% TCS will be deducted at source. This applies even for rent—plan accordingly to ensure full rent amount reaches your landlord.
PAN Card Requirement
Indian banks often require the recipient's PAN for transfers exceeding ₹50,000 per transaction or certain monthly totals. Confirm with your landlord whether their bank enforces this rule.
How to Send — Step by Step
Gather Recipient Details
Collect your landlord’s full name, Indian bank account number, IFSC code, and bank branch. Confirm whether it’s an NRO or regular savings account.
Pro tip: Ask for a recent bank statement (with sensitive data hidden) to verify IFSC and account number.
Download & Sign Up on Root
Create your Root account using your US ID and address. Complete verification to unlock international transfers to India.
Pro tip: Use your NRE or US savings account to fund the transfer for best results.
Enter Transfer Amount in USD
Select India as destination and enter the USD amount you wish to send. Root shows the live INR equivalent using the interbank rate.
Pro tip: Break large transfers into smaller ones if nearing the ₹7 lakh TCS threshold to manage tax impact.
Add Landlord’s Bank Information
Input the landlord’s account number and IFSC code carefully. Select account type (NRO or savings) as applicable.
Pro tip: Re-enter the IFSC and account number twice to eliminate typos.
Review & Confirm Transfer
Check all details—especially the INR amount your landlord will receive. Confirm the transaction securely through Root’s app.
Pro tip: Save the reference number for your records and inform your landlord immediately.
Track & Confirm Delivery
Root provides real-time tracking. Most transfers land in the Indian bank within minutes; funds are usually available instantly.
Pro tip: Ask your landlord to confirm receipt, especially for first-time transfers.
Send Money to Your Landlord in India
Zero fees, interbank rate. Simple and secure with Root.
Send with RootFrequently Asked Questions
Can I send rent to my landlord in India using Root?
Yes, you can send rent directly to your landlord’s Indian bank account via Root. We support transfers to NRO and regular savings accounts. Just ensure you have accurate account details and IFSC code.
Does my landlord need to pay tax on the rent I send from the USA?
If your landlord owns the property, the rent is taxable income in India. They must report it under 'Income from House Property' in their ITR. Consult a local CA for accurate compliance.
Do I need to provide a rental agreement when sending money to my landlord?
For rent payments over ₹7,00,000 in a financial year, Indian banks or authorities may require a rental agreement for documentation. Keep one ready in case Root or the bank requests it.
Is there a limit on how much rent I can send to India?
There’s no cap on rent payments under FEMA, but the 5% TCS applies if your total outward remittances exceed ₹7,00,000 in a fiscal year (Apr-Mar). This includes all LRS-related transfers.
What happens if I enter the wrong IFSC code for my landlord’s bank?
An incorrect IFSC can cause transfer rejection or misrouting. Root validates bank details where possible, but it’s your responsibility to confirm accuracy. Mistakes may delay funds by 3–7 days.
Will my landlord receive the full amount I send?
Root offers zero fees and the interbank exchange rate, so you get full value. However, if TCS applies (over ₹7 lakh/year), 5% is deducted at source by the Indian bank. Your landlord receives the net amount.