Bengaluru’s residential rental sector saw a surge in landlord-tenant disputes in 2025, with social media becoming the primary platform for airing grievances. Tenants across the city reported routine deductions from security deposits for painting, cleaning, minor repairs, and other maintenance, describing the charges as arbitrary and financially burdensome. These developments highlight the growing tension between property owners seeking cost protection and tenants seeking transparency and fairness.
Industry experts note that landlords cite rising labour and material costs as justification for deposit deductions. In many cases, deductions for repainting or cleaning now approximate a month’s rent, a shift from earlier, occasional practices. Tenants, however, argue that such charges often lack supporting invoices and are applied indiscriminately, irrespective of property condition. A notable case involved a tenant on Basavanpura Main Road, KR Puram, who reported losing over 60% of a Rs 1 lakh deposit after vacating a rented apartment. Charges included repainting, cleaning, partial rent adjustments, brokerage fees, and minor repair costs. Another resident highlighted a deduction of Rs 2,500 for a table lamp valued at approximately Rs 500, underscoring tenants’ concerns about excessive and unjustified claims.
Rental brokers confirm that this trend has driven some long-term tenants to consider homeownership primarily to avoid unpredictable rental practices. “Flat owners increasingly demand large deposits and apply stringent conditions, making renting less attractive,” said a Bengaluru-based broker. Not all disputes are one-sided. Property owners without formal agreements sometimes struggle to reclaim possession or ensure regular rent payments. A family renting their ground-floor unit to acquaintances reported difficulties in evicting tenants who had stayed for five years without a written contract, highlighting the risks of informal arrangements. Legal experts emphasise that clear agreements and documented inspections are critical to reducing conflict in the rental market. Premium and luxury rentals, typically above Rs 70,000 per month, maintain structured processes with detailed condition reports, handover checklists, and mutually agreed repairs. Brokers note that in such segments, painting and maintenance costs are often borne by tenants in alignment with formal agreements, reflecting a more transparent approach.
The 2025 rental disputes in Bengaluru illustrate a wider need for standardized practices, tenant awareness, and clear contractual frameworks to mitigate conflict. As the city continues to attract high-income professionals and middle-class renters alike, balanced and equitable rental agreements will be central to sustaining trust in the housing market.
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Bengaluru Rental Market Sees Tenant Backlash Over High Deposits And Charges
