Bengaluru: A Bengaluru tenant has triggered a fresh debate over rental practices after alleging that his landlord deducted ₹80,396 from his ₹1 lakh security deposit when he vacated a two-bedroom apartment after just over a year, leaving him with less than ₹20,000.
The tenant shared his experience on Reddit, claiming he had maintained the apartment well and caused no damage during his tenancy. He said the deductions made him feel as though he was paying to renovate the property for the next occupant.
Tenant questions hefty deductions
According to the post, the landlord charged him for repainting the apartment, replacing a hand shower, towel rods, door stoppers and several other maintenance-related expenses.
The tenant said he had no objection to paying for genuine damage but argued that he was being billed for normal wear and tear and routine maintenance.
He also revealed that his work required frequent travel, meaning he stayed in the apartment for only about seven days each month on average. Despite this, he said the flat remained in nearly the same condition as when he moved in.
Social media users share advice
The post quickly gained traction, with many Reddit users criticising the deductions and arguing that landlords should not pass routine maintenance costs on to tenants.
Several users advised tenants to take detailed photographs or videos of a property before moving in and again before vacating. Others stressed the importance of reading rental agreements carefully to understand clauses related to painting charges, maintenance costs and security deposit deductions.
Some commenters also suggested speaking to neighbours if a landlord owns multiple flats in the same building, as similar disputes could affect other tenants.
Experts urge tenants to know their rights
Legal experts say disputes over security deposits remain among the most common issues in Bengaluru’s rental market. They recommend carefully reviewing lease agreements before signing and maintaining photographic evidence of a property’s condition throughout the tenancy.
Keeping records of repair receipts, rent payments, utility bills and written communication with landlords can also help tenants resolve disputes or support their claims if legal action becomes necessary.
The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over transparency in Bengaluru’s rental market and renewed calls for fairer practices between landlords and tenants.