A Bengaluru tenant’s Reddit post has brought to light an ongoing issue many city renters face — excessive and often arbitrary deductions from security deposits by landlords. After vacating a rental flat near KR Puram, the tenant was shocked to find that over 60% of his ₹1 lakh deposit had been deducted for various charges, ranging from repainting and cleaning to a brokerage plan fee and even a rusty kitchen rack replacement.
The situation has triggered a broader discussion around tenant rights, rental agreements, and legal redress in Karnataka’s rapidly evolving rental housing market.
Breakdown of Charges Raises Eyebrows
The tenant had rented a property near Basavanpura Main Road, KR Puram, paying ₹15,000 per month and deposited ₹1 lakh as an advance. After completing 12 months and serving a two-month notice, he moved out due to a job transfer.
The landlord’s breakdown of deductions included:
- ₹30,000 for May and June rent
- ₹10,000 for 20 days of July rent
- ₹15,000 for repainting
- ₹5,200 for cleaning
- ₹4,000 towards a brokerage plan
- ₹2,500 for kitchen coating
- ₹1,000 for unpaid electricity
- ₹10,000 additional demand for kitchen rack replacement
“He also says his wife is asking for extra ₹10,000 to change the kitchen rack as it is rusted. For using a brokerage plan to search tenants, he is also putting this share in advance,” wrote the tenant on Reddit.
Public Reaction: ‘Is This Even Legal?’
The post quickly went viral on Reddit India, attracting responses from frustrated tenants and professionals alike.
Many criticized the inclusion of brokerage charges and repainting costs, questioning their legality and fairness.
“Charging for a brokerage plan? That’s the landlord’s cost, not the tenant’s,” one user wrote.
“Rust in the kitchen? That’s depreciation, not damage,” added another, questioning why normal wear and tear would be penalized.
Several Redditors advised new tenants to ensure proper documentation and demand a handover checklist at the time of leasing.
Legal Experts Urge Tenants to Know Their Rights
Although Karnataka lacks a formal rent control law, legal experts suggest that tenants can challenge such deductions if proper procedures were followed at move-out.
Key Legal Insights:
- Documentation is Key:
Tenants should photograph or video the condition of the property upon moving in and moving out. - Rental Agreements Must Be Clear:
All costs, especially related to maintenance or repairs, must be explicitly defined in the lease agreement.
“There are several critical clauses that both the landlord and tenant must agree on,” said Priyanka Kwatra, Advocate at Karnataka High Court. “In many cases, the full deposit is not returned, even when the tenant has met all requirements.”
Srinivas G, another Bengaluru-based advocate, emphasized: “Documentation is your strongest defense. Courts look at evidence, not verbal claims.”
Quick Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Basavanpura Main Road, KR Puram, Bengaluru |
| Monthly Rent | ₹15,000 |
| Security Deposit | ₹1,00,000 |
| Total Deducted | ₹60,700 + ₹10,000 (demanded for rusted rack) |
| Controversial Charges | Repainting, Brokerage Plan, Kitchen Coating |
| Legal Commentary | Tenants can challenge unfair deductions |
| Advice for Tenants | Document property condition, read agreements |
FAQs
1. Can a landlord legally deduct for repainting and cleaning from the security deposit?
Yes, but only if there is actual damage beyond normal wear and tear. If the house was returned in good condition, tenants can contest such deductions.
2. Is it legal to charge tenants for brokerage fees?
No. Brokerage costs are usually borne by the landlord unless otherwise agreed in writing. Tenants should check lease terms for clarity.
3. What is considered “normal wear and tear” in a rental property?
Fading paint, minor wall scuffs, and rust due to long-term use fall under normal wear and tear, and tenants are typically not liable.
4. How can tenants protect themselves from unfair deductions?
By:
- Taking photos/videos at move-in and move-out
- Getting a signed handover checklist
- Keeping records of bills and rent payments
5. Can tenants take legal action against unfair deductions?
Yes. Tenants can approach consumer courts or file civil cases for recovery of unfairly withheld deposits.