A Bengaluru tenant who rented an apartment with a roommate says what began as a smooth rental experience turned stressful after they vacated the property, with repeated delays in settling the final amount and several deductions being raised only later.
The tenant said on Reddit they had rented the apartment about a year ago after paying a token amount and agreeing to the basic terms, including the notice period and painting charges, before moving in. During their stay, they said, there were no major issues with the property.
The trouble began after they moved out.
When the tenant contacted the landlord to ask when the final settlement would be completed, the owner gave them a date. But when that date passed without an update, the tenant followed up and was told that the BESCOM electricity bill had not yet been generated.
The tenant said they understood and waited. However, even after following up again, they continued to receive the same response without a clear timeline.
Eventually, the tenant asked the landlord to share the electricity details so they could check the bill themselves. They also informed him that they had sought legal advice because the settlement had been delayed for some time.
{{/usCountry}}Eventually, the tenant asked the landlord to share the electricity details so they could check the bill themselves. They also informed him that they had sought legal advice because the settlement had been delayed for some time.
{{/usCountry}}Around the same time, another issue emerged. The landlord mentioned damage to the property that, according to the tenant, had never previously been discussed.
"I told him that we had not damaged the property and that I had videos showing the condition of the apartment when we left," the tenant said.
The landlord subsequently shared the electricity details. The tenant checked the bill and found that the outstanding amount was only ₹39, which they attributed to the Gruha Jyothi subsidy. They paid the amount immediately and shared the receipt with the landlord.
But the settlement was still not closed.
The tenant said their roommate's cousin, who had originally helped them find the property, also spoke to the landlord. Another settlement date was given, but that too passed. The tenants were then asked to wait again.
When the matter was finally being settled, more deductions were raised, including charges for geyser repairs, tube-light replacement and garbage.
By then, the tenants said they were simply keen to close the matter. Although the dispute was eventually settled, the experience changed how they plan to approach future rentals.
What the tenant says renters should do
Record the property before moving in: Take a detailed video of the walls, doors, floors, bathrooms, kitchen, taps, switches, lights, fans, geyser and other fittings. Existing damage should be documented clearly.
Also read: Class 10 marksheet, blood group to rent a flat? Bengaluru tenant shares bizarre landlord demands
Check everything before finalising the property: Turn on lights and fans, test taps, flushes, geysers, switches, sockets and locks, and check other fittings provided by the landlord.
Record the property again while moving out: A detailed move-out video can help establish the condition in which the property was handed back. If possible, the tenant recommends asking the owner to inspect the apartment before the keys are handed over.
Put the settlement timeline in writing: The agreement should clearly state when the final settlement is to be completed after the tenant vacates.
Discuss repair and replacement charges upfront: Tenants should clarify who will bear the cost if items such as bulbs, tube lights, geysers or other fittings stop working during the tenancy and whether the issue is considered normal wear and tear.
Read the entire rental agreement: Verbal assurances may not be enough. Important terms should be included in the written agreement.
Clarify additional charges: Ask about electricity, water, maintenance, garbage, parking and any other charges before moving in.
Keep electricity details handy: The tenant recommends keeping the electricity account or RR number so bills can be checked independently rather than relying entirely on the landlord.
Discuss guest and inspection rules: Tenants should clarify the landlord's expectations regarding guests and whether prior notice is required for property inspections or visits.
Keep all records: Save the rental agreement, payment receipts, utility bills, WhatsApp conversations and move-in and move-out videos.
The tenant stressed that they are not offering legal advice, but sharing their experience and what they learnt from it.
"Not every landlord in Bengaluru will behave this way, but this experience made me realise that verbal promises are not enough when it comes to renting," the tenant said.
Even when a tenancy runs smoothly, disagreements can arise when a property is vacated. For renters, the lesson from the experience is straightforward: document the property's condition, communicate clearly and put important terms in writing. What may seem unnecessary at the start of a tenancy can save considerable stress when it ends.
This is what legal experts have to say
Legal experts advise that, irrespective of tenant profile, due diligence remains critical. This includes verifying ownership documents such as sale deeds and property tax receipts, confirming the landlord’s identity, and ensuring the rental agreement clearly outlines rent, deposit, notice period and maintenance obligations.
“Tenants should also speak to previous occupants, if possible, to understand the landlord’s behaviour and any ongoing issues,” a legal expert told HT Real Estate, pointing out that documentation and inspection can help avoid disputes later.
He said that tenants should make sure the rental agreement includes clear provisions to safeguard their rights.
(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them)