Bengaluru Tenant Forced to Apologize for Inviting Female Guests to Housewarming Party
A Bengaluru tenant living in a Koramangala apartment complex has been forced by his landlord to sign an ‘unconditional apology’ for hosting female guests at a housewarming party. This incident highlights the ongoing struggle of young professionals facing discriminatory and unreasonable conditions from landlords.
Rental IssuesLandlord DiscriminationTenant RightsBengaluru Real EstateHousewarming PartyReal Estate NewsJul 09, 2025
Security deposit deductions are another sore point. One tenant recently took to Reddit after his landlord slashed over 60% of his ₹1 lakh deposit, citing charges for repainting, a brokerage plan fee, and even compensation for a rusty kitchen rack.
The latest case involves a tenant living in a Koramangala apartment complex who has alleged on Reddit that his landlord asked him to sign an ‘unconditional apology’ that included a blanket ban on allowing women into his rented flat.
The tenant, who shares a ₹72,000-per-month 3BHK flat in Koramangala with three others, was served an eviction notice by the owner after repeated altercations with the apartment association over what he described as ‘unreasonable and intimidating’ building rules.
According to the Reddit post, the incident took place within days of the tenant moving in, when he hosted a small housewarming gathering that included 12 friends, 10 men, and two women. A man claiming to be the building president allegedly blocked their entry at the gate due to the presence of the female guests, citing a ‘no-women’ rule for bachelors. ‘There was no shouting from my side,’ the Redditor wrote. ‘He physically stood at the gate. I was shocked.’
Following the incident, the flat owner handed the tenant a written apology to sign, containing a blanket admission of guilt and regret for ‘causing disturbances’ and a commitment to follow all future rules set by the apartment owners, including a clause stating that no women would be allowed inside the flat as it is a ‘family residential apartment,’ the Reddit post said.
The letter also held the Redditor's two flatmates responsible, requiring them to sign the same apology and accept collective punishment, including eviction, if any of them break the rules again, it said.
Responding to the Reddit post, a user who identified as both a property owner in another city and a tenant in Bengaluru said, ‘As long as you haven’t received noise complaints, haven’t acted obscenely in view of neighbors, haven’t damaged the apartment while hosting guests, aren’t allowing extra people to stay long-term, and haven’t misused common areas, you’re not in the wrong.
‘Owners have no right to dictate who you can or cannot bring into the apartment, unless explicitly stated in the rental agreement. Standing up against draconian rules doesn’t make you a bad tenant. You’re a resident too, and you pay your dues,’ he said.
Legal experts say such clauses may not hold up in court. Advocate Chandrachud Bhattacharyya, who practices before the NCDRC and the Supreme Court, said, ‘A flat owner or housing society cannot enforce a blanket ban on visitors, especially based on gender, unless supported by a legally registered set of by-laws. Discriminatory rules like ‘no women in bachelor flats’ will not hold merit in court.’
They also said that asking tenants to sign apology letters under pressure, particularly those that curtail basic rights, may amount to coercion.
‘However, if tenants choose to approach the police, they may be able to file a criminal complaint for intimidation against members of the apartment association. If the association members threaten tenants, use coercive tactics, or attempt to enforce arbitrary rules through harassment, it could amount to criminal intimidation,’ he said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common discriminatory conditions imposed by landlords in Bengaluru?
Common discriminatory conditions include curfews, visitor restrictions, bans on non-vegetarian food, and rules against allowing women in bachelor flats. These conditions often target single tenants and unmarried couples.
Why did the tenant have to sign an unconditional apology letter?
The tenant was forced to sign an unconditional apology letter after hosting a housewarming party that included female guests. The landlord and apartment association claimed this violated their rules, despite the tenant’s compliance with other regulations.
What legal actions can tenants take against discriminatory rules?
Tenants can file a complaint with the police for criminal intimidation if they are threatened or harassed. They can also seek legal advice to challenge discriminatory rules in court, as such rules often lack legal merit.
What are some common issues with security deposits in Bengaluru?
Common issues include excessive deductions for minor damages, charges for repainting, and unreasonable fees. Tenants should verify the legality of these deductions and challenge them if necessary.
How can tenants protect their rights when renting in Bengaluru?
Tenants should carefully review rental agreements, document any issues or disputes, and seek legal advice if necessary. They should also verify the credentials of landlords and understand their legal rights to avoid discrimination and harassment.
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