Bengaluru: Frequent house shifting has become an expensive affair for many renters in Bengaluru, with costs often extending far beyond monthly rent. Recognising this challenge, Bengaluru-based startup Gullynest has launched a tenant-focused community marketplace that enables outgoing tenants to earn money by helping incoming tenants find rental homes with first-hand information.
The platform aims to reduce the financial burden associated with relocating while making the rental process more transparent for home seekers.
Tackling the hidden costs of moving
Moving to a new rented home in Bengaluru often involves multiple expenses, including brokerage charges, overlapping rent during notice periods, packing and moving costs, deep cleaning, repainting charges and deductions from security deposits.
According to the company, these expenses can add up to the equivalent of two to three months’ rent, making relocation financially stressful for tenants who frequently change homes.
Gullynest seeks to address this problem by allowing outgoing tenants to recover part of these costs through successful handovers facilitated on its platform.
Tenant-to-tenant marketplace
Unlike conventional property portals where landlords or brokers usually list properties, Gullynest allows tenants who are vacating a home to create the listing.
Outgoing tenants spend a few minutes sharing practical details about the property, including the actual rent, water supply schedule, internet connectivity, neighbourhood conditions and their experience with the landlord regarding repairs and security deposits.
The company then manages the listing, connects prospective tenants and facilitates the handover process.
If the property is successfully rented through the platform, the outgoing tenant receives a payment, helping offset relocation expenses.
Focus on transparency
The startup says the marketplace is designed to provide prospective tenants with reliable information from people who have actually lived in the property.
In addition to tenant-listed homes, the platform also features properties listed directly by owners and by Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA)-registered agents, with registration details displayed wherever applicable.
According to the company, every listing is reviewed before being published, and browsing the platform is free for home seekers. Any applicable service charges are disclosed transparently on individual property listings and are payable only after a transaction is completed.
Community-driven approach
Gullynest operates as a community marketplace supported by local WhatsApp groups and neighbourhood-focused social media communities in Bengaluru.
The platform has also introduced a programme called Gullynest Insiders, which encourages outgoing tenants to share authentic information about their homes while helping prospective tenants make informed decisions.
The company says this approach enables faster matching between outgoing and incoming tenants, with some handovers taking place within the same apartment complex.
Currently active in key Bengaluru localities
The startup is currently operational in several high-demand rental locations across Bengaluru, including Indiranagar, Bellandur, Whitefield and HSR Layout, where tenant turnover is relatively high.
According to the company, the platform is designed to build trust in the rental market by enabling genuine tenant recommendations and reducing reliance on traditional brokerage-driven listings.
Conclusion
By introducing a tenant-to-tenant rental marketplace, Gullynest aims to make Bengaluru’s rental ecosystem more transparent while helping outgoing tenants recover a portion of their relocation expenses. The startup hopes its community-based model will simplify home shifting and improve the rental experience for both tenants moving out and those searching for a new home.