‘Modern-day exploitation’: Startup founder warns non-citizens about housing traps in Bengaluru

Long celebrated as the cradle of India’s technological innovation, Bengaluru hides a sadder reality for those looking to call it home. Behind the glitz and glamor of startups lies a housing market that is often exploited, leaving renters trapped and powerless.

Shravan Tickoo, founder of Rethink Systems, recently shared the plight of a couple who rented a two-bedroom apartment for INR 55,000 per month. Despite paying their rent on time, they faced complete negligence from their landlord when maintenance issues arose.

“It’s your headache to fix,” was the message relayed through the intermediaries, forcing the couple to spend more than INR 1,000 out of pocket to address the property issues.

The ordeal escalated when the couple decided to evacuate. The property owner flatly refused to return his deposit of INR 1.75 lakh, citing ‘maintenance costs’. Even their attempt to negotiate, by proposing a discount on a month’s rent, was met with silence and the arrogant response: “Do what you can, but that’s the way it is.” With no legal recourse, they were forced to leave empty-handed.

This incident, as Tico explained, is not at all rare. Landlords in Bengaluru, especially non-native residents, often operate with impunity, prioritizing rent hikes at the expense of tenants’ concerns.

For many, the City of Dreams has become a reality lesson in tenant vulnerability.

Other startup founders have faced similar obstacles. From landlords rejecting renters based on their LinkedIn profiles, to exorbitant rents for modest homes, the challenges seem endless. For entrepreneurs trying to make inroads in Bengaluru, these obstacles are a stark reminder: Navigating the city’s housing market can be as challenging as building a business itself.

Tickoo’s advice is clear: choose people and agreements wisely, or risk seeing dreams unfold in unexpected ways.