'This is extortion': Newcomer in Bengaluru says he realises why Bangaloreans prefer buying homes rather than rent a flat

A post on Reddit recently gained widespread attention for exposing the struggles faced by tenants in Bengaluru’s rental landscape. The author of the post, a city resident, voiced strong criticism about what they felt were exploitative policies and unreasonable expectations from landlords. Their experience, shared under the title “Bangalore flat owners rental rules: now I understand why everyone wants to buy a flat,” resonated with hundreds of tenants grappling with similar issues in one of India’s toughest rental environments.

The user termed renting a flat as "extortion."

Relocation Turns Into a Financial Burden

The original poster recounted how their recent move within Bengaluru led to interactions with a new landlord who imposed several unreasonable conditions. What was meant to be a routine change of residence quickly turned stressful as they encountered rigid rules, excessive financial demands, and a lack of transparency. This experience, they claimed, is common in the city’s rental ecosystem, where tenants often feel they have little recourse.

Security Deposits: A Major Concern

One of the most prominent complaints revolved around the customary six-month security deposit, a practice relatively uncommon in other Indian cities. The poster shared their dismay at being required to pay this large sum upfront along with advance rent. Upon vacating the premises, they alleged that landlords rarely return the deposit in full, often citing vague reasons such as wear and tear or claiming the need for complete house renovation. This, the poster argued, leaves tenants financially drained, with little accountability from property owners.

A Citywide Chorus of Shared Pain

In response to the viral post, many other Reddit users chimed in with their own distressing stories. Some described how their deposits were misused for repairs or upgrades that should have been a landlord’s responsibility. One tenant reported being charged the cost of repainting the entire apartment simply because a couple of sticky notes had slightly affected the wall’s surface. Others noted the psychological toll these disputes take, adding that owning a home brings mental peace that renting simply doesn’t offer in Bengaluru’s current climate.

A Shift in Mindset: Renting vs. Owning

The post sparked a deeper conversation about whether renting is worth the emotional and financial strain. For many, the idea of buying a flat—even for short stays—now seems more practical and less stressful. This changing perspective suggests that while home ownership was once considered a distant dream, it is fast becoming a preferred solution for those weary of navigating Bengaluru’s high-stakes rental maze.