Bengaluru rent crisis ‘out of control’: Woman demands Rs 5 lakh security deposit with Rs 40,000 rent

In a striking example of the escalating rent crisis in Bengaluru, a woman took to social media to vent her frustration after she was asked to pay Rs 5 lakh as security deposit to rent a flat for Rs 40,000 per month. Harnidh Kaur’s post on X (formerly Twitter) sparked widespread attention and debate, with many users labeling the city’s rent prices as “out of control”.

Kaur’s post read, “5 lakh deposit for 40k rent flat. I’m so tired,” encapsulating the growing discontent among city renters.

Unlike other metropolitan areas like Delhi, where security deposits typically range from one to two months’ rent, Bengaluru’s real estate market has seen deposits rise to five or even ten months’ rent due to a severe space crunch and inflated property values. The demand of Rs 5 lakh is over and above a full year’s rent, which would total Rs 4.8 lakh for Kaur’s future flat.

As Kaur’s post gained popularity, it provoked a series of reactions from users on the platform. Chirag Barjatya, a fitness influencer, questioned the ethics of such large deposits, asking, “A year deposit? Which city? When did this become the norm? How is that not unethical?”

Others echoed similar sentiments, with one user remarking, “At worst they never return the deposit and give the absurd innovation note in the name of fixing.”

Another user commented: “Now I feel lucky to rent in the days when only 1 month security deposit and 1 month rent in advance was the norm.”

The discussion also turned into a larger debate about the quality of life in Indian cities, with some users stating that Delhi offers better living conditions due to superior public transport and accessibility. “Delhi is the best place to live in India,” said one user, stressing the need for improved air quality while praising the city’s amenities.

As the conversation unfolded, some users speculated whether buying a home might be a better decision financially than renting at such exorbitant prices. In contrast, others criticized landlords for their perceived greed in pricing tenants out of the market.

Meanwhile, a home owner in Bengaluru who was claiming such a huge deposit commented, “Buy and understand what it takes to own a home or stop whining about the rules set by a private property owner.” .