Is Tenant Police Verification the same as a Police Character Certificate (PCC)?

No. Tenant Police Verification (Karayadari Registration) is a mandatory legal reporting obligation for LANDLORDS to notify the local police station about who is occupying their rental property. A Police Character Certificate (PCC) is an individual background clearance certificate requested by a CITIZEN/TENANT for their own visa applications, immigration, or employment.

Is there any fee to register a tenant with the police in Pakistan?

No. Tenant police verification is 100% FREE of charge across Punjab Police, Sindh Police, KP Police, and Islamabad Police. There are zero government fees. If any middleman or station staff demands payment, report it immediately to the police helpline (1787 in Punjab or 15).

What happens if a landlord does not register their tenant with the police?

Under Section 3 & 4 of the Information of Temporary Residents Act 2015 (in Punjab and Sindh), failing to register a tenant within the stipulated period (typically 15 days) is a cognizable criminal offence. The police can lodge a formal FIR against the landlord, resulting in fines and imprisonment of up to 6 months to 1 year.

Do hostel owners and property managers also have to register student residents?

Yes. The law explicitly applies to private hostels, guesthouses, rented rooms, and commercial godowns. Hostel managers must maintain a verified log of every student resident and transmit their CNIC details to the local police station.

How long does the tenant registration process take at Police Khidmat Markaz?

If you visit a Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) with all required documents (CNICs, rent agreement, and photograph), the entire verification and computerized certificate issuance takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes on the spot.

LANDLORD CIVIC COMPLIANCETEMPORARY RESIDENTS ACT 2015

Tenant Police Verification Online Pakistan (2026 Landlord Guide)کرایہ دار پولیس تصدیق: پنجاب پولیس ایپ، خدمت مرکز اور سندھ میں اندراج کا طریقہ

Renting out a house, flat, commercial shop, or hostel room in Pakistan? Under provincial security laws, landlords are legally obligated to register tenant particulars with the police. Here is how to complete the process online or at a Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) for free.

Who Is This Guide For? (Landlords vs. Tenants)

This page is for LANDLORDS & PROPERTY MANAGERS fulfilling their mandatory statutory duty to report occupants under the Information of Temporary Residents Act 2015.

If you are an individual tenant seeking a Police Character Certificate (PCC) for your own foreign visa or job application, read our dedicated guide here:

Read Police Character Certificate (PCC) Online Guide 2026 →

In Short

Verified Summary

Audio Guide:

How to Check or Verify: How Tenant Police Verification Works in Pakistan

Under the Information of Temporary Residents Act 2015, landlords in Pakistan must register new tenants with the local police within 15 days of moving in. The service is 100% free. You can register online via the Punjab Police App / PKM portal (pkm.punjabpolice.gov.pk) or in person at any Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) or local police station with CNIC copies and the rent agreement.

Why Tenant Verification is Protection for Landlords, Not Harassment

Many property owners view tenant registration as an unwanted police hassle. However, in Pakistan's legal framework, the law holds the property owner accountable if an unverified tenant engages in criminal, anti-state, or unlawful activities inside a rented building.

Taking 15 minutes to register your tenant protects you legally against criminal FIRs and provides official peace of mind. Both Punjab and Sindh Police have modernized this process so you don't even have to step inside a traditional police station.

How to Register in Your Province (Punjab, Sindh & Islamabad)

PUNJAB (LAHORE, RWP, MULTAN, FAISALABAD)

Punjab Information of Temporary Residents Act 2015

Method 1 (Mobile App): Download the official "Punjab Police Pakistan" app on Android/iOS, select "Tenant Registration / کرایہ داری فارم", enter tenant CNIC details, and upload the rent agreement photos.
Method 2 (Police Khidmat Markaz): Visit any District PKM with original CNICs and tenancy deed. The desk officer verifies the tenant in the Criminal Record Management System (CRMS) and prints an official certificate in 15 minutes.
Method 3 (Overseas Landlords): Overseas Pakistani owners can register via the PKM Global Portal (pkm.punjabpolice.gov.pk).

SINDH (KARACHI, HYDERABAD, SUKKUR)

Sindh Information of Temporary Residents Act 2015

Method 1 (Sindh Police Portal / Counters): Submit particulars through the official Sindh Police Khidmat Counters or via the designated tenant verification system on sindhpolice.gov.pk.
Method 2 (Local Police Station / DPO): Submit Form Karayadari along with CNIC copies of the owner and tenant at the local Police Station (Thana) under whose jurisdiction the property falls.
Hostel & Hotel Rules: Managers of commercial hostels and guesthouses in Karachi are required to submit weekly digitized tenant logs.

ISLAMABAD CAPITAL TERRITORY (ICT)

ICT Police Khidmat Markaz & Rent Regulations

Registration Desks: Islamabad Police operates dedicated counters at the PKM F-6 and mobile facilitation vans across ICT sectors.
Foreign Tenants: If renting to foreign nationals, registration must also be reported to the Foreigners Registration Desk (FRO).

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (PESHAWAR, MARDAN)

KP Police Assistance Lines (PAL)

Registration Desks: Visit any district Police Assistance Line (PAL) counter with the tenancy agreement.
Processing: Data is synchronized directly with the district security branch and a computerized acknowledgement receipt is issued.

Step-by-Step Tenant Police Verification Flow

How landlords can complete tenant registration in under 20 minutes

VERIFIED PROCESS FLOW

Agreement1

Execute Rent Agreement

Draft an official tenancy agreement on legal stamp paper signed by the landlord, tenant, and two witnesses.

Documents2

Prepare CNICs & Photograph

Collect attested CNIC copies of the owner, tenant, and 2 witnesses along with a passport-size photo of the tenant.

Submission3

Submit via App or PKM

Submit through the Punjab Police App / PKM portal (pkm.punjabpolice.gov.pk) or visit the nearest Khidmat Markaz.

Completed4

Instant Certificate Issuance

Police run a background clearance check on the PSRMS criminal database and issue an official registration certificate.

Follow steps in direct numerical order. Avoid unverified middle-men or agents.PAKISTAN INFO HUB • 2026 DIRECTORY

Required Documents Checklist for Landlords

Make sure you have clear, readable copies of the following documents before starting the online application or visiting a Police Khidmat Markaz:

1. Landlord’s CNIC

Original and 1 clear photocopy of the property owner / legal attorney's CNIC.

2. Tenant’s CNIC

Original and 1 photocopy of the primary tenant's CNIC (and B-Forms for minors).

3. Rent Agreement

Original signed tenancy agreement (Iqrar Nama) on legal stamp paper.

4. Tenant Photograph

1 fresh passport-size colored photograph of the primary tenant.

5. Witness CNICs

Photocopies of CNICs of the two witnesses who signed the tenancy agreement.

6. Property Dealer CNIC

If rented through an estate agent, copy of the property dealer’s CNIC and stamp.

Legal Penalties for Landlords Who Fail to Register

Under Sections 3, 4 & 9 of the Punjab and Sindh Information of Temporary Residents Acts 2015, tenant registration is NOT optional. Failing to report an occupant within the statutory period (typically 15 days of occupancy) triggers the following consequences:

1. Criminal FIR Registration

Police are mandated to lodge a formal criminal FIR against the landlord, property dealer, and tenant under Section 188 PPC and the Temporary Residents Act.

2. Imprisonment & Fines

Offenders face summary trial carrying potential imprisonment of up to 6 months to 1 year and heavy statutory fines.

3. Joint Liability for Crimes

If an unregistered tenant is involved in terror, extortion, or narcotics, the landlord is legally interrogated as a suspected facilitator.

Frequently Asked Questions (Landlord Legal Clarifications)

Is tenant police verification really free of cost?

Yes. Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) and police stations do NOT charge any fee for tenant registration. It is a completely free public service. Never pay bribes or unofficial "file charges" to anyone.

What if I am renting out my house to a close relative or family friend?

If there is a tenancy arrangement where rent is exchanged, police registration is legally recommended to prevent future civil disputes or search operations. If immediate family members (parents, children) reside with you, registration under the temporary residents act is not required.

How long does the verification take at Police Khidmat Markaz?

If you arrive with all required documents (CNIC copies, rent agreement, and photograph), the PKM desk officer enters the data into the central police network and issues the computerized certificate within 15 to 20 minutes.

What should I do when a tenant vacates my property?

When a tenancy contract ends and the tenant leaves, notify your local police station or PKM to mark the tenancy record as "Vacated / Closed" so that you are no longer tied to that occupant's future activities.

Related Police & Legal Verification Utilities

Individual Clearance