In Bengaluru, a city renowned for its tech-driven growth and rapidly expanding skyline, real estate prices have long mirrored its economic boom. From skyrocketing rental rates to increasing demand for premium housing, India’s Silicon City has built a reputation for being one of the most expensive places to live in the country. But even in this high-stakes market, a recent property listing managed to shock the Internet with its jaw-dropping terms.
The buzz began when a user on X (formerly Twitter) shared a screenshot of an advertisement for a 4BHK fully furnished independent house spanning 4,500 sq ft, available for rent at Rs 2.3 lakh per month. The monthly rent, while high, was not what caught people’s attention. What stirred widespread outrage was the security deposit — a staggering Rs 23 lakh amounting to 10 months’ rent.
The user who posted the ad didn’t hold back, calling Bengaluru landlords the “greediest in the world” and labeling the deposit “outrageous”. They compared it with major international cities like New York, Toronto, Singapore, San Francisco, London and Dubai where the standard deposit typically ranges from one to two months’ rent or around 5 to 10 percent of the annual rent. By comparison, Bengaluru’s norm appeared excessive and exploitative.
Here is the post:
https://x.com/caleb_friesen2/status/1947101745319985522
The post struck a chord with many users who quickly joined the discussion, sharing their own frustrations and experiences. One user observed that while two months’ rent might feel excessive elsewhere, Bengaluru often demands five to six months’ worth, citing “low trust” and “high housing costs” as driving factors. Another commented that in cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Gurgaon and Hyderabad, one-month deposit is standard, making Bengaluru seem even more out of sync.
Several people raised concerns about the questionable practices surrounding deposits in the city, with many alleging that landlords frequently deduct large sums for vague or inflated damages, returning only a fraction of the original amount. A user from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region noted that while deposits there typically range between three to five months’ rent, the money is usually refunded fairly, provided the tenant has maintained the property.
The discussion did not stop at financial concerns. Some users pointed out the unusual restrictions often enforced by landlords in Bengaluru, such as bans on non-vegetarian food or visitors, which further complicate the already burdensome rental experience.
Data from real estate platform NoBroker suggests that average rental costs in Bengaluru vary widely based on locality and housing type. While single-bedroom units typically rent for Rs 20,000 to Rs 35,000 per month, a mid-sized flat for couples can cost up to Rs 65,000. However, luxury or independent properties, especially in prime areas, frequently command rates and deposits well above this range.
This viral listing has once again highlighted the urgent need for rental reforms in India’s urban centers. While Bengaluru continues to attract top talent and investment, the growing gap between affordability and expectations threatens to make living in the city unsustainable for many. Unless policies address these disparities, even the dream of calling India’s tech capital home may become out of reach.
