Bengaluru’s housing challenges have once again sparked online outrage after a Reddit post questioning an inflated rental deposit went viral. The post, titled “2L deposit for 20k rent?”, resonated with countless city dwellers, prompting a flood of responses that highlighted the city’s enduring rent-deposit woes.
The post quickly gathered momentum, receiving hundreds of upvotes and a wave of reactions — from humorous takes to personal experiences. While many agreed and shared similar stories, others suggested pushing back or negotiating.
One user commented, “Here in Mangalore, I only pay a three-month deposit,” while another advised, “Go negotiate. Don’t accept it blindly.” A more serious voice chimed in, “It’s become so normalized that people think giving 10 months’ rent upfront is fine. Jaago tenant jaago.”
Despite growing dissatisfaction, the long-standing “10-month security deposit” norm continues in Bengaluru. While many label it exploitative, landlords argue it’s essential. One Reddit user, likely a landlord, defended the practice, saying, “Recovering costs for damages or unpaid bills is nearly impossible. Replacing fittings and fixtures is expensive — the deposit is our only safeguard.”
Unlike other cities where Resident Welfare Associations enforce rules to protect both tenants and property owners, Bengaluru landlords often operate independently, making renting more unpredictable.
As more tenants voice their concerns online, pressure mounts for a balanced, tenant-friendly rental ecosystem in India’s tech capital.