The rising rent and massive security deposits in Bengaluru are slowly becoming a nightmare for anyone looking to move to the city. What was once considered a tech and startup haven is now being criticised for a rental culture that seems to be spiralling out of control.
Recently, the internet was abuzz after a viral post exposed just how crazy things have become. A listing for a fully furnished 4BHK home in Bennigana Halli shocked everyone for its demand of a 12-month security deposit. That’s Rs 23 lakh upfront, on a monthly rent of Rs 2.3 lakh. Understandably, this sparked a wave of frustration and disbelief online.
A screenshot of the listing was posted by a YouTuber named Caleb who called Bengaluru landlords the “greediest in the world”. He compared the security deposit to other cities around the world like New York, Toronto, Singapore, San Francisco, etc. where it amounts to 1-2 months’ rent.
Bengaluru landlords are the greediest in the world
Rs. 23 lakh security deposit (12 months rent) is OUTRAGEOUS
meanwhile, deposits in other cities:
NYC? 1 month
Toronto? 1 month
Singapore? 1 month per year of lease
SF? 2 months’
Dubai? 5%-10% of annual rent
London? 5-6 weeks’ pic.twitter.com/WPkl5o40C9— Caleb (@caleb_friesen2) July 21, 2025
The post triggered a wider conversation about the state of the city’s rental market. Some pointed out that while 12-month deposits are extreme, they aren’t unheard of when it comes to high-end properties. However, most people agree that deposits ranging between 5 to 6 months are more common. Still, even that is a heavy burden for most tenants.
All these places where legal systems are well functional, contracts are respected.
If something goes wrong in India, only god saves the house owner.— “Riseyourself” RL Narayanan (@rlnarayanan) July 21, 2025
12 months is little greedy maybe. But mostly it is 5-6 months of rent. 😬
Low trust society (unfortunately) and high cost of housing (compared to other cities outside India) is a main reason.
— Ashwin (@drgrudge) July 21, 2025
agreed. pic.twitter.com/o6fwdDLAae
— Sourav (@preparing4agi) July 21, 2025
Shift to Hyderabad, good food, good locality, good people!!
— Rahman (@rahman_af09) July 21, 2025
Bengaluru is absolutely crazy honestly. We here in MMR pay 3-5 months depending on area and they actually give back the deposit if house is maintained well
— Vignesh iyer (@iyervignesh) July 21, 2025
Very greedy
And they will try their level best to cut everything from the deposit when you leave and return pennies— Ripudaman (@mrtechsense) July 21, 2025
With Bengaluru’s rent situation growing more unsustainable by the day, one thing is clear – either rules change, or more people will start looking for homes outside the city. To be honest, the rental game in Bengaluru feels less like a transaction and more like a trap.