Bengaluru flat security deposit is 'volunteered robbery': Landlord's surprise deductions leave tenant with just Rs 7,500 out of Rs 40,000 advance

Bengaluru's rental market has its own set of expectations when it comes to security deposits, advance rent and charges at the time of moving out. Tenants may pay a sizeable amount before getting the keys, but recovering that money after leaving a house can sometimes become a separate issue. A recent Reddit post has brought this familiar rental headache into focus after a Bengaluru tenant claimed that his Rs 40,000 advance was reduced to just Rs 7,500 following several deductions.

The tenant shared the issue on Reddit after asking his landlord to return the advance. According to the calculation sent by the landlord, Rs 32,500 was deducted from the Rs 40,000 deposit.

The breakup listed Rs 15,000 as rent due, Rs 15,000 for painting and cleaning, Rs 1,500 as maintenance and Rs 1,000 towards the current bill. The amount left to be returned was Rs 7,500.


The tenant said this was not what he had agreed to earlier. He claimed the landlord had initially told him that only one month's rent would be deducted.

Tenant questions Rs 15,000 painting charge

The biggest disagreement in the post was over the painting and cleaning deduction. Several Reddit users pointed out that painting charges have become common in Bengaluru rentals, with some saying that one month's rent is often taken for this purpose.

One commenter wrote, “I think the paint charges are normalized in bangalore now as a 1 month rent”

The tenant disagreed, saying that such a charge would make sense only if the property had been freshly painted when he moved in.

“That's only when they paint it new while moving in, It's not the case here”

Another Reddit user advised the tenant to check the condition of the property before moving in and keep photographs as evidence. The discussion also highlighted the importance of checking whether painting charges are specifically mentioned in the rental agreement.

One commenter said, “Then it needs to be mentioned in the agreement”

Another user similarly pointed out that a flat painting charge could be problematic if it was not included in the tenancy agreement.

Tenant says maintenance and electricity were already covered

The tenant also questioned the other deductions in the landlord's calculation.

“Maintenance was included in the rent, Electricity bill was already paid (Which was always less than 100 with free electricity scheme), as per agreement only a month rent should have been deducted”

He said he had regularly paid his rent through UPI and had electricity payment records to support his claim. According to him, he sent those details to the landlord through WhatsApp.

“I have always paid rent via UPI and also have electricity bill history I sent both to him via whatsapp, instead of answering he just replied 7.5k will be paid next month after new tenant moves in”

The tenant also reiterated that the deductions were not mentioned in his agreement.

Reddit users debate whether deductions are normal

The comments on the post were divided. Some users felt the deductions were unfair, particularly if the rental agreement did not contain any provision for them. Others said painting or refurbishment charges are now a common part of Bengaluru's rental arrangements.

One commenter summed up the distinction by saying, “unfortunately that is the norm but not normal”

Some tenants also pointed out that landlords can have genuine expenses when a property is vacated, particularly when repainting is required before a new tenant moves in. But others argued that the actual cost should be established rather than automatically charging a fixed amount.

A landlord who commented on the discussion said their own rental properties are repainted between tenants and that they charge close to the actual cost rather than a fixed month's rent.

Lessons for tenants before moving out

The discussion also highlighted five things tenants can check before accepting deductions from their deposit.

First, check the rental agreement for any clause covering painting, cleaning, maintenance or other deductions.

Second, verify the final month's rent. One Reddit user pointed out that rent is often paid for the previous month in Bengaluru, which can sometimes cause confusion when the tenant is vacating.

Third, keep payment records for rent, electricity and maintenance. UPI transactions and bills can help establish what has already been paid.

Fourth, document the condition of the house when moving in and when leaving. Photographs can be useful if there is a disagreement over damage or repainting.

Finally, ask for a proper breakdown of deductions, particularly when charges were not clearly discussed beforehand.