Bengaluru, June 19, 2025 – In a growing shift within the city’s real estate landscape, frustrated tenants in Bengaluru are increasingly turning into first-time homebuyers, citing exploitative rental practices as the primary trigger. From excessive security deposits to arbitrary deductions and a lack of accountability, many renters say they’ve had enough.
The trend highlights a deepening discontent among urban tenants who feel powerless in the face of unreasonable landlord demands. In one notable case, a tenant who recently vacated a villa in Ramagondanahalli claimed deductions totaling nearly ₹1 lakh, including ₹2,500 for a table lamp worth ₹500 and charges for discarded items—items allegedly thrown away by the landlord’s own staff.
Landlords Cite Maintenance Costs
Landlords argue that such deductions are necessary to cover rising maintenance expenses. Some point to the high cost of repainting with premium materials, which they say can exceed ₹1.5 lakh, especially in cases where tenants vacate within a short time frame. Labour shortages and residential community rules are often cited as additional factors complicating handovers.
But for tenants, these explanations offer little comfort—especially when security deposits, often amounting to six months’ rent, are withheld or returned in part without proper justification.
Real-Life Stories Fuel Discontent
A string of high-profile cases has drawn public attention. One Bengaluru couple reportedly spent over ₹1 lakh on essential repairs, including fixing water leaks, only to be denied the return of their ₹1.75 lakh security deposit. Another tenant, an IIT alumnus, was refunded less than half of his ₹1.5 lakh deposit after deductions for repainting, miscellaneous items, and even elevator usage during the move.
Social platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) have become sounding boards for renters sharing similar experiences, creating a groundswell of public frustration around opaque landlord practices.
Legal Framework Offers Little Recourse
Although the Karnataka Model Tenancy Act was introduced in 2021 to standardize rental terms and protect both parties, its enforcement has been limited. In the absence of effective implementation, many tenants say they feel trapped in informal agreements that favor landlords.
Practical Advice for Renters
Legal experts recommend that tenants adopt safeguards when entering lease agreements:
- Document the property at move-in and move-out with time-stamped photographs and videos.
- Use detailed written agreements that specify the condition of the property and list all furniture, fixtures, and appliances.
- Request official receipts or bills for any deductions claimed by the landlord.
- Send advance notice—ideally 90 days—before vacating and request a formal reconciliation meeting.
- Pursue legal action in case of serious disputes through consumer forums or by sending a legal notice.
Ownership as a Protective Strategy
For many, homeownership is no longer just a long-term aspiration—it’s a shield against the stress and financial risk of renting. The shift is particularly strong among salaried professionals and young families, who view buying a home as a better financial bet over time, especially in a city where rental contracts offer limited protection.
Industry insiders believe this shift could reshape the city’s residential market, increasing demand for affordable homes in emerging suburbs and potentially triggering policy-level changes in tenant protection.
As Bengaluru continues to expand, the real estate narrative is no longer just about affordability and location—it’s increasingly about autonomy, fairness, and dignity. For thousands of tenants, buying a home is not just about owning property—it’s about reclaiming control.
Source: Hindustan Times
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