Bengaluru Residents Battle Over Shoe Rack Restrictions in Apartments
In May, a resident of a Bengaluru apartment complex paid a hefty fine to keep his shoe rack in the common area, sparking a broader debate over restrictions and ownership of shared spaces.
BengaluruShoe RacksApartment DisputesCommon AreasSafety HazardsReal Estate NewsJun 01, 2025
The incident, however, highlighted a trend of disputes emerging in apartment complexes across the city. While many residents cite culture and convenience for keeping such items outside their front doors, apartment associations frequently consider them safety hazards and violations of common area rules. These differences have led to arguments, fines, and even legal notices in several residential communities, The Times of India reported.
Many residents argue that placing shoe racks outside their homes helps maintain hygiene indoors, a practice reinforced after the Covid pandemic. 'We grew up with the practice of leaving footwear outside the house to avoid bringing in dust, dirt, and germs,' Atul Srivastava, a committee member at Krishvi Wisteria Apartments in Whitefield, told the publication. 'But in apartment living, the space outside one's flat is shared. Keeping shoe racks or footwear outside should be allowed as long as they do not obstruct access to safety infrastructure like fire extinguishers and water hydrants. Instead of a blanket ban, it can be solved with talk on both sides.'
A 23-year-old resident of an apartment complex on Kanakapura Road said the 'unnecessary restrictions' imposed by the associations resulted in frequent conflicts. 'In the beginning, we weren't allowed to keep anything in the common areas—not even safety gates. It felt restrictive for a long time. It doesn't feel like we truly own our space,' they said.
Rohan Vasantha Apartments in Marathahalli appears to have found a middle path. Prabhu Patil, president of the apartment association, told The Times of India: 'To meet the residents' wishes and keep the safety norms in check, we have prohibited permanent structures outside the flats. Movable shoe racks are fine. We usually issue a warning first, and only if the resident doesn't comply do we impose a Rs 1,000 fine.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are shoe racks causing conflicts in Bengaluru apartments?
Residents often place shoe racks outside their doors for hygiene and convenience, but apartment associations view them as safety hazards and violations of common area rules, leading to disputes and fines.
How much did a resident pay in fines for keeping a shoe rack in the common area?
A resident at Prestige Sunrise Park in Electronic City paid Rs 24,000 in fines for keeping his shoe rack in the common area for eight months.
What is the main argument for allowing shoe racks outside apartment doors?
Many residents argue that placing shoe racks outside helps maintain indoor hygiene by preventing dust, dirt, and germs from entering their homes, a practice reinforced by the Covid pandemic.
What is the approach of Rohan Vasantha Apartments to the shoe rack issue?
Rohan Vasantha Apartments in Marathahalli allows movable shoe racks but prohibits permanent structures. They issue warnings first and only impose a Rs 1,000 fine if the resident does not comply.
How do residents feel about the restrictions imposed by apartment associations?
Many residents feel that the restrictions are unnecessary and make them feel less like they own their space, leading to frequent conflicts and a sense of restriction.
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