Bengaluru Real Estate: One Month's Rent for a Fresh Coat of Paint Becomes the Norm
In Bengaluru's competitive real estate market, landlords are now commonly deducting one month's rent from security deposits to cover painting charges, leaving tenants feeling shortchanged and frustrated.
Bengaluru Real EstateRental PropertiesSecurity DepositsPainting ChargesTenant RightsReal EstateApr 25, 2025
Landlords argue that they need to maintain the condition of their properties and that a fresh coat of paint is essential to keep the place looking good for the next tenant. They claim that the cost of painting can often exceed one month's rent, and thus, it is only fair to deduct this amount from the security deposit. However, many tenants disagree, stating that they have meticulously maintained the property and should not be penalized for a basic maintenance task.
According to a recent survey conducted by a local real estate consultancy, nearly 60% of landlords in Bengaluru now follow this practice. The survey also revealed that most tenants are unaware of their rights and often accept the deductions without questioning. This lack of awareness is exacerbating the issue, as many tenants do not know how to challenge these deductions or seek legal recourse.
The practice of deducting rent for painting is not just limited to the IT hubs of the city. It is becoming a common occurrence in residential areas as well. Many tenants, who are already struggling with the high cost of living in Bengaluru, find this deduction to be an additional burden. Some have even reported that landlords are using this as a tactic to discourage them from renewing their leases, leading to a constant churn of tenants and higher profits for the landlords.
The KarnatakaTenantsAssociation (KTA), a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights of tenants, has raised concerns about this practice. According to Mr. Ravi Kumar, the president of KTA,
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal for landlords to deduct one month's rent for painting?
While the Karnataka Rent Control Act does not explicitly address this, landlords must justify any deductions from the security deposit. Tenants can challenge these deductions if they feel they are unfair.
What can tenants do if they disagree with the deduction?
Tenants can document the condition of the property before moving in and at the end of the lease. They can also seek legal advice and file a complaint with the KarnatakaTenantsAssociation or the local consumer forum.
How can tenants avoid these deductions in the future?
Tenants should read the lease agreement carefully and negotiate the terms, including any maintenance costs. Including the cost of painting in the lease agreement can provide clarity and prevent disputes.
Why are landlords deducting this amount?
Landlords argue that maintaining the property, including painting, is necessary to keep it in good condition for the next tenant. However, many tenants feel this is an unfair practice and a way to increase profits.
What is the role of the KarnatakaTenantsAssociation in this issue?
The KarnatakaTenantsAssociation is advocating for the rights of tenants and working to draft a petition to the Karnataka High Court to address the issue of unfair deductions and clarify the regulations.
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