A social media post about the lucrative business of running paying guest (PG) accommodations in Bengaluru has gone viral, stirring up heated discussions about the city’s rental system. The post, shared by Monalika Patnaik on X (formerly Twitter), humorously highlighted the appeal of becoming a PG owner in Bengaluru, leading to widespread reactions and frustrations over the city’s housing dynamics.
In her post, Monalika wrote, “My dream job is to become a PG owner in Bangalore, do nothing, get a whooping rent at the end of every month, and not return the security deposit.”
The post quickly caught the attention of thousands, racking up over 300,000 views and attracting reactions from Bengaluru residents who have had their fair share of experiences with PG accommodations. The viral post has led to an outpouring of comments, ranging from humor to frustration, with many highlighting the high rents, massive security deposits, and the notorious practices of PG owners in the city.
How Did X Users React?
Some users couldn’t help but admire the simplicity and profitability of the business model, with one user commenting, “Forget startups, the real unicorns in India are Bangalore PG owners. Zero investment, infinite returns, and no refunds. Legendary business model.”
Others reflected on the high earning potential for PG owners. One comment pointed out, “Bangalore PG building owners easily take 2.5 to 5 lakhs per month depending on the number of rooms. Multiply that by 5 or 8 for the advance they collect.”
Meanwhile, some shared their own PG experiences with mixed feelings, with one person remarking, “I really had this idea of owning a PG when I was staying in one in 2014-15. Such a crazy business. But I had other ideas—I dreamt of providing good food and clean rooms.”
Others found humor in the viral post, with one joking, “Not returning the security deposit sounds personal.”
A Closer Look at Bengaluru’s PG System
PG accommodations are an essential part of Bengaluru’s rental ecosystem, especially for students, young professionals, and newcomers to the city. However, the industry has garnered its fair share of criticism for high rent prices, massive upfront deposits, and in some cases, unfair practices by landlords.
As more people share their thoughts on the topic, this viral post has highlighted the growing frustration with Bengaluru’s housing situation, while also offering a humorous take on the booming business of PG accommodations.
With discussions continuing to trend, it seems Bengaluru’s PG business is both a hot topic and a source of considerable debate.
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