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Startup Founder Reveals Couple’s Misery, Calls Bengaluru Landlords ‘Modern-Day Exploiters’
In yet another episode of rental woes in Bengaluru, a couple was denied security deposit as the landlord refused a refund, citing maintenance issues. (Representative image: Getty)
Bengaluru, known as the Silicon Valley of India, has seen a surge of new residents lured by opportunities. However, the city’s housing market is fraught with challenges, as highlighted by a recent LinkedIn post by startup founder Shravan Tickoo. Tickoo shared a disturbing tale about a couple who faced severe landlord exploitation upon moving out.
High Rent, Negligent Maintenance
The couple rented a 2BHK apartment for ₹55,000 per month. Despite regular rent payments, they were left to fend for themselves whenever issues arose. Leakages and property maintenance were common, but the landlord showed no interest in resolving these problems. Instead, they were directed to a maintenance person, who deferred responsibility back to the tenants. The couple had no choice but to spend over ₹1 lakh of their own money to fix these issues.
Refused Deposit Return
The final straw came when the couple decided to leave the property. After vacating, they expected a refund of their ₹1.75 lakh security deposit. However, the landlord withheld it, claiming the apartment needed maintenance. The couple proposed deducting a month’s rent and returning the remaining deposit, but the landlord refused, leaving them with no legal recourse.
Warning to Non-Natives
Tickoo sounded an alarm, calling Bengaluru landlords a menace. He urged potential migrants to be wary when renting in Bengaluru. “It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of the city, but rental agreements can be loaded with pitfalls. This issue goes beyond just one couple—many people have faced similar challenges,” he stated.
Seek Professional Advice
To prevent such issues, experts recommend taking proactive steps. Yukti Sehgal, a Chartered Accountant, advised getting rental agreements reviewed by professionals. She also recommended documenting the property’s condition with photos, conducting thorough inspections, and maintaining all communications via email. “Tenants should also ensure they give three months’ notice before vacating and clarify deposit adjustments,” she explained.
Community Feedback Matters
Many on LinkedIn echoed Tickoo’s concerns. One user suggested the need for a platform where tenants and landlords could rate each other to address such issues. Another expressed similar experiences in Delhi NCR, highlighting that this problem transcends Bengaluru. Some comments went as far as labeling the city “uninhabitable.”
Conclusion
The incident serves as a cautionary tale for individuals planning to relocate to Bengaluru. While the city offers boundless opportunities, understanding the pitfalls of the rental market is crucial. By taking proactive steps and seeking legal counsel, tenants can safeguard themselves against such exploitation.
Your Thoughts Matter
Have you had similar experiences with landlords in Bengaluru or any other city? Share your stories and insights in the comments below. Join our community to stay informed and protect yourself in the ever-evolving city landscape.
In response to the viral LinkedIn post, an individual suggested, “It would be good to see a platform where tenants and landlords rate each other .. this ought to solve this problem to a good extent if not completely.”
“It’s a generic issue not specific to Bengaluru only. I have faced similar situation in Delhi NCR as well,” said another social media user.
A third commented, “Bangalore has become uninhabitable.”
A Chartered Accountant (CA), who came across the post, suggested that people should take proactive steps from the start to avoid rental disputes. Yukti Sehgal suggested tenants get their rental agreement reviewed by a knowledgeable professional, document the property’s condition with photos, conduct a thorough inspection before moving in, and maintain all communications via email for a clear trail. She also said that the tenants should notify landlords three months prior to vacating, clarify deposit adjustments, and take exit photos. If the deposit is unfairly withheld, they should promptly send a legal notice as per the agreement’s terms.
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