Bengaluru continues to draw in thousands of students and job seekers, most of whom depend on paying guest (PG) accommodations for a place to stay. These PGs—ranging from economical dormitories to moderately comfortable shared spaces—are crucial for the city’s young workforce and academic crowd. But a horrifying murder in a Koramangala PG in July 2024 exposed deep cracks in the system.

In response, BBMP rolled out strict norms: entry-point CCTV surveillance with 90-day storage, a minimum 70 sq ft space per occupant, clean toilets, 135 litres of water per person daily, food safety licences, and fire clearances. Yet, a year on, little has changed.

The News Minute surveyed PGs across Bengaluru’s key zones and found major non-compliance. Many buildings lacked security guards, some didn’t even have functional cameras. Reporters easily walked into PGs unchallenged in Hebbal and HSR Layout.

Rooms meant for two or three were often overcrowded, violating the space mandate. In places like RT Nagar, Jayanagar, and BTM Layout, residents lived in shoebox-sized rooms at steep rents. Even so-called “premium” PGs didn’t meet the basics.

Cleanliness was another major issue. Several PGs were found with poor sanitation and foul smells. Many lacked licences, ran in residential lanes too narrow for commercial use, and ignored zoning laws.

Food was often inedible, and residents struggled to recover deposits after vacating. Owners blamed rising costs and falling occupancy for the compromises.

BBMP’s regulations remain largely on paper, with little political will or administrative push for actual change.