A recent incident from Bengaluru has ignited online conversations around tenant rights and rental practices after a landlord deducted more than 60% of a tenant’s ₹1 lakh security deposit, citing reasons such as a rusty kitchen rack, repainting, and even a brokerage plan fee.
The story, shared by the tenant on Reddit, has since gained traction, with many users relating to similar issues across the city. The incident also highlights the lack of standardized regulations in rental agreements and the pressing need for transparency in landlord-tenant dealings in India’s urban rental markets.
A Costly Goodbye in KR Puram
The tenant had been staying in a rented flat located on Basavanpura Main Road near KR Puram, paying a monthly rent of ₹15,000. After completing a 12-month stay and serving the required two-month notice, he vacated the property due to a job transfer. However, what followed raised eyebrows among netizens and legal experts alike.
The landlord deducted over ₹60,000 from the ₹1 lakh security deposit. Charges included:
- ₹30,000 for rent (May and June)
- ₹10,000 for 20 days of July
- ₹15,000 for repainting
- ₹5,200 for house cleaning
- ₹4,000 for a “brokerage plan”
- ₹2,500 for kitchen coating
- ₹1,000 for electricity dues
- ₹10,000 demand for replacing a rusted kitchen rack
According to the tenant, the landlord even justified a ₹10,000 charge because “his wife asked to replace the rusty kitchen rack.” Another unusual deduction included ₹4,000 towards a “brokerage plan” to find the next tenant.
Outrage and Support on Social Media
The Reddit post garnered strong reactions from users across India, with many questioning the legality and ethics of such deductions. Comments ranged from disbelief to anger, highlighting broader dissatisfaction with arbitrary rental practices in major cities.
“Paint charges and house cleaning? What are they even painting it for?” one user questioned.
“Rust is depreciation, not damage. Cheap material, landlord’s responsibility,” said another.
“Brokerage plan is the landlord’s expense. Why should the tenant pay for that?”
The incident sparked calls for more transparent agreements and stronger tenant protections.
Legal Experts Clarify Tenant Rights
Although Karnataka does not currently have a formal rent control law, legal professionals say that such excessive deductions can be challenged in court—especially when the tenant has followed the lease terms and vacated the property responsibly.
“There are several critical clauses that both parties must agree on,” says Priyanka Kwatra, Advocate, Karnataka High Court. “Landlords often demand large deposits, and recovery of the full amount is rare without legal awareness.”
Srinivas G, another advocate, advises: “Tenants must document property conditions at move-in with photos or videos. It serves as strong evidence in disputes over deposit deductions.”
Experts further stress the importance of a written, signed checklist at the time of move-in and move-out, which can help clarify responsibilities and reduce future conflicts.
Summary Table: Tenant’s ₹1 Lakh Deposit Deduction Breakdown
| Charge | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| May & June Rent | 30,000 |
| July Rent (20 days) | 10,000 |
| Repainting | 15,000 |
| House Cleaning | 5,200 |
| Brokerage Plan Fee | 4,000 |
| Kitchen Coating | 2,500 |
| Electricity Bill | 1,000 |
| Kitchen Rack Replacement | 10,000 |
| Total Deducted | ₹77,700 |
FAQs: Bengaluru Rental Deposit Dispute
Q1: Is it legal for landlords to deduct money for brokerage plans from a tenant’s deposit?
A: Generally no. Brokerage is the landlord’s expense unless contractually agreed otherwise.
Q2: Can repainting and cleaning both be charged at the same time?
A: While some deductions are acceptable, duplicate charges for standard maintenance can be challenged.
Q3: What counts as normal wear and tear?
A: Fading paint, minor stains, and rust on old fittings typically count as wear and tear and are not tenant liabilities.
Q4: How can tenants protect themselves?
A: Always document the property’s condition with photos or videos when moving in and insist on a signed checklist.
Q5: What can a tenant do if the landlord refuses to return the deposit?
A: The tenant can send a legal notice and, if needed, file a complaint in a consumer court or rent authority.