'Modern-day exploitation': Bengaluru landlords exposed, startup founder shares horror story of harassment

Bengaluru's rental market is facing criticism after a startup founder revealed a couple's troubling experience with a landlord who was unresponsive and exploitative. 

In a LinkedIn post, Shravan Tickoo described Bengaluru landlords as a "menace," asserting that their actions often represent "modern-day exploitation," especially affecting non-native residents.

A couple known to Shravan Tickoo rented a 2BHK apartment in a gated community for a high monthly rent of ₹55,000. Although they consistently paid their rent on time, they encountered ongoing problems with the property, including leakages, which the landlord neglected to resolve.

The landlord opted to communicate through the maintenance staff of the property, telling them, “It’s your headache to fix it.”

A couple known to Shravan Tickoo rented a 2BHK apartment in a gated society for a hefty monthly fee of Rs 55,000. Even though they paid their rent promptly, they encountered persistent issues with the property, such as leakages, which the landlord chose not to fix.

The landlord communicated through the building's maintenance staff, declaring, “It’s your headache to fix it.”

The couple reportedly spent over Rs 1 lakh out of their own funds to address the repair issues. The situation escalated when they decided to vacate the apartment, only for the landlord to refuse the return of their Rs 1.75 lakh security deposit. The landlord justified withholding the deposit by citing “maintenance requirements,” stating, “Do whatever you can, but this is what it is.”

With no legal options available, the couple had to leave the apartment without recovering their deposit.

The startup founder contended that such incidents are not uncommon, noting similar experiences with landlords who charge high rents yet neglect their basic responsibilities. He remarked, “When it comes to increasing rent, landlords are the first to call and ping you, but when there’s a problem, it’s suddenly your problem.”

The post ended with a warning for newcomers to Bengaluru,“This city of dreams can quickly turn into a nightmare. Be cautious while renting or buying homes, and prioritize dealing with people who respect you.”

A chartered accountant responding to the viral post proposed practical measures to protect tenants from potential exploitation. Among the key recommendations are having a lawyer experienced in rental cases review the rental agreement, conducting a thorough inspection of the property while documenting any pre-existing issues with photographs, and attaching these images to the agreement. Additionally, it is advised to maintain communication via email to create a proper record of complaints and reminders.

She also recommended that tenants provide a written notice three months before vacating, addressing the adjustment of the security deposit against the final months' rent. Taking move-out photographs and issuing a legal notice if the deposit is not refunded are essential steps to safeguard tenants' rights.