HRA & Tax
How to Claim HRA Exemption in India - Section 10(13A) (FY 2025-26)
Published 14 March 2026 | Updated 14 March 2026 | 8 min read
Quick answer
To claim HRA exemption, calculate eligibility under Section 10(13A), maintain month-wise rent receipts, keep your agreement and payment proof, and provide landlord details as required by threshold rules. Most rejections happen due to missing or inconsistent documentation rather than calculation errors.
Calculation basics
HRA exemption is based on rule-driven minimum conditions, not a single fixed percentage for everyone.
Documents that must match
Ensure receipts, agreement details, and payroll declaration values are consistent.
ProRently
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Get Started FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to claim HRA in India?
Keep four things ready: your rent agreement, rent receipts for the relevant months, landlord PAN if annual rent exceeds INR 1,00,000, and proof of rent payment such as bank transfers or UPI entries. These documents should all show consistent details.
Do I need receipts for every month?
Monthly records are the safest approach. Some employers accept quarterly receipt bundles, but month-wise receipts reduce rejection risk and make payroll review and later tax scrutiny much easier to handle.
Can I claim HRA in the new tax regime?
No. HRA exemption under Section 10(13A) is available only in the old tax regime. If you opt for the new regime under Section 115BAC, HRA exemption does not apply even if you pay rent every month.
Can I claim HRA without a rent agreement?
Some employers may accept rent receipts and payment proof alone, but agreement plus receipts is the safer and cleaner path. The agreement establishes landlord identity, address, rent amount, and tenancy period in one document.