A woman’s social media post looking for a tenant for her 2BHK apartment in Koramangala has stirred a controversy in Bengaluru, with many questioning the exorbitant rent and deposit being demanded. Leesha Agarwal’s post calling for interested parties to rent her apartment at a high rate of Rs 43,000 per month and a deposit of 2.5 lakh rupees has gone viral, revealing the pressing issue of rising housing costs in the city. The post has sparked outrage as many feel such steep charges make it impossible for middle-class residents to afford decent housing in the city.
As social media users commented on the post, opinions were divided between shock at the excessively high rates and those who found the property mismatched, with one user remarking on the high deposit as equivalent to selling organs on the black market. The controversial episode has brought to light the long-standing issue of the housing crisis in Bengaluru, where landlords are known to make unreasonable demands on tenants to rent properties.
The highly competitive and rent-inflated property market in Bengaluru often makes it challenging for middle-class residents to find affordable housing. Rising skyscrapers and luxury properties have mushroomed in the city, catering to a niche clientele, while pushing the working populace to the outskirts of the city. With the rising demand for housing, many believe that the real estate market in the city is fast sliding out of reach of the average person.
The Bengaluru rent controversy highlights the need for rental regulations and proper protection for tenants. The power-dynamic between landlords and tenants results in the latter being at a disadvantage as they are beholden to the former’s demands. In the absence of favourable laws and tenant-friendly policies, landlords can make arbitrary decisions, leading to unaffordable rents and deposits.
The government must take concrete steps to regulate rent prices to ensure that they are commensurate with the amenities and facilities available in the neighbourhood. It must also ensure that landlords cannot make arbitrary decisions regarding rent and deposits. Increasing the supply of housing units and providing incentives to promote affordable housing is also a critical need, which can benefit the city’s working-class population.
The implications of the housing crisis in Bengaluru could lead to a highly divided society, where only the elite can afford the luxuries of urban living. In conclusion, while the Bengaluru rent controversy has captured public attention, it is only the tip of the iceberg of a more profound social issue. Urgent measures are necessary to promote affordable housing and regulate the rental market in the city, ensuring that the dream of home ownership remains within reach of a broad section of Bengaluru’s residents.
