Navigating the Housing Crisis: A Challenge for Young Women in Mumbai
Young women students and professionals face significant challenges in finding suitable accommodation in Mumbai, a city with the most expensive real estate in the country. The housing market, compounded by redevelopment projects, curfews, and discriminatory practices, makes it an uphill battle.
MumbaiReal EstateYoung WomenAccommodationPaying GuestReal Estate MumbaiMay 18, 2025
Real Estate Mumbai:MUMBAI: Young women students and professionals who move to Mumbai from other cities face a multitude of pressures. Having left their homes for the first time, they must manage finances, personal security, and household affairs independently. However, the most significant challenge is finding proper accommodation in a megacity with the most expensive real estate in the country.
Weaving a nest independently in Mumbai is no mean feat. For women migrants, paying guest (PG) accommodation is often the most economical option, given the limited number of working women's hostels. However, the brutal housing market in the city of dreams is becoming a nightmare to navigate. The massive wave of redevelopment projects has increased demand for rental homes, further shrinking the available rental stock.
Rents are soaring by up to 25-30% in some areas, and both students and professionals find themselves at the mercy of a distorted market. In many cases, the responsibility of rent is shouldered by the parents of these young tenants. For women from other cities, finding a house isn't just about affordability; it's about navigating a system that often disregards their lived realities.
They are forced to compromise on comfort and autonomy. The experience is tainted by moral policing, discriminatory housing practices, and a lack of privacy, especially in PG accommodation. The dream of new independence often comes with shared bathrooms, curfew hours, and monthly costs that rival starting salaries.
Sakshi Bajaj, a 20-year-old student at St Xavier’s College, paid Rs 60,000 per month for a double-occupancy PG room in Kalbadevi after moving from Lucknow. "Despite the steep rent, there was pest infestation, strict curfews, and 15 girls sharing common washrooms," she says. "I browsed 8-10 PGs before choosing that one—most were smaller and even more expensive." Sakshi has since moved to a spacious 3BHK in Parel, where her share of rent is Rs 37,500. "It’s large, with attached bathrooms, gym and pool facilities, cook and maid, along with 24/7 security. And still, my total cost is under Rs 60,000. The difference in quality is vast."
Another St Xavier’s College student, 21-year-old Adyashree Upadhyay, from Lucknow, first moved into a 900-square-foot rental flat in Girgaum Chowpatty, which was far from ready. "My father had to come and get the place painted, install lights, fans, everything, just to make it livable," she recalls. Now living alone, Adyashree pays a modest Rs 31,000 a month as rent, thanks to her father's contacts.
Even for those willing to pay premium rents, the trade-offs can be jarring. Veronica, a 21-year-old from Delhi, lives in a PG near Marine Lines where Rs 35,000 fetches her a small double-sharing room with no attached washroom. "The only thing going for it is that it’s a five-minute walk to college," she says.
For many women, PGs are not just costly but stifling. Curfews, constant scrutiny, and shared facilities reduce autonomy and affect mental well-being, especially since they are living away from family for the first time.
Renting an independent flat may offer freedom, but finding one is no cakewalk. Landlords frequently turn away single women, citing "no bachelor girls allowed" as a rule. Even if the landlord is agreeable, housing societies sometimes override the decision, demanding character references, personal interviews, and assurances of a "quiet lifestyle." "Women are probed about their personal lives, including whether they have male friends or partners, what time they return home, and their marriage plans," says one tenant.
In Santacruz East, a student from NMIMS Nagpur shares a 400-sq-ft flat with two others. They pay Rs 20,000 each, with utilities pushing costs higher. "It’s functional, but not ideal. Finding something affordable that doesn’t feel unsafe or suffocating is quite a task," she says.
Landlords tend to limit the number of visitors, disallow cooking non-vegetarian food, or demand parental approval. Yet a few women manage to strike good deals. Sahal Masood, a 28-year-old stock exchange freelancer from Saharanpur who studied at Mithibai College, shares a semi-furnished 3BHK in Juhu with three flatmates and pays just Rs 12,500 a month. "We got lucky. The flat has all basic appliances and 24/7 security. Our extra costs come to about Rs 4,000 per month. Given the area and condition, it’s a great deal," she says. Masood contacted nearly eight estate agents before chancing upon this golden deal. However, these are exceptional cases.
Even in an upscale neighborhood like Malabar Hill, quality doesn’t always align with cost. A student pays Rs 20,000 per head in a cramped 500-sq-ft flat with three others. She reports deteriorating infrastructure and zero amenities. "The only thing justifying the rent is the location," she notes.
Landlords and brokers define the rent pricing spectrum by location, furnishing, and sea views. Ronnie Vaz, a broker operating in Bandra-Khar, says that a sea-facing 1BHK can go for Rs 70,000, a 2BHK for Rs 1 lakh, and a 3BHK for Rs 1.5 lakh. With limited housing stock and high redevelopment activity, renters are left with few choices.
In South Mumbai, broker Narendra V says demand for PGs never dips, especially among young women who come here to study or work. "Students, doctors, lawyers—so many women come here looking for opportunities, and the demand keeps growing," he says. "Safety is a concern, but in Mumbai, agreements are always registered and renting involves a lot of paperwork and background checks. Landlords are cautious, and only after thorough verification is a flat handed over. That makes our city safer for women than many others."
Across the city, several PGs and hostels offer women either an individual bed and cupboard with common bathrooms and a kitchen, or individual or twin/triple sharing facilities. A vast old hostel named Shram Sadhana in Bandra East is a 10-storey structure that was established in 1978 by the family of former President Pratibha Patil. "We accommodate 550 students and working girls," says Dnyaneshwar Patil, who manages the centre.
In Old Mhada, Andheri West, Aditi Saksham runs four or five different PG facilities and is mindful to stick to the rule book at all times. "I insist on meeting the girls' parents and seek their Aadhar cards too. Earlier, I have actually had girls sharing their boyfriend's number as that of their father for verification," she says.
Near the Opera House, Kamlesh Jain has been running 'Jain PG' for 12 years, where the rent is Rs 18,000 per person. "The girls live like our daughters. Out-of-town girls basically seek 'ghar ka khaana' (home food) and a benevolent landlord who will guide them like a family elder. In a large hostel with 100-150 inmates, nobody knows if you have eaten food or not. Whereas I have 5-7 inmates who call my wife even if they see a cockroach," says Jain with a laugh.
In Worli, the Shirinbai Mody hostel houses Parsi women from as far as Gujarat, even Kolkata and Madhya Pradesh in its comforting environs, said Filly Bapuna, who funded its grand renovation along with other community members.
Anuradha Patil, chairperson of the Lady Willingdon Hostel in Fort, makes a case for hostels over PG. "Hostels are an economical and safe option as nearly all of them are managed by the government or NGOs. Information is available on their websites, enabling one to select a reliable option, say, by location. Women prefer to live near commercial centers or railway stations. Moreover, hostels charge reasonable fees, provide nutritious food prepared in-house, and 24-hour security. Hostelites are expected to abide by the rules, but can always return to a clean room thanks to the housekeeping staff. Not all PG places have a separate entrance and cooking facilities. Unlike PGs, hostels often allow women to meet friends or relatives of either gender in the common lounge. No one is allowed to enter their rooms. Most hostels have relaxed timings for the girls as today, all of them work long hours. Also, safety is guaranteed as they have to sign in and sign out every time," she says.
Pavana Anchees, president of YWCA Bombay, which runs four hostels in Colaba, Byculla, Andheri, and Belapur housing 300 residents, says, "Our organization is well known for its hostels, which are fondly referred to as 'home away from home' by students, working women, and job seekers. We charge affordable fees ranging from Rs 750 to Rs 15,000, depending upon the location and salaries of residents, and offer well-maintained rooms, security, and sumptuous meals."
Weaving a nest independently in Mumbai is no mean feat. For women migrants, paying guest (PG) accommodation is often the most economical option, given the limited number of working women's hostels. However, the brutal housing market in the city of dreams is becoming a nightmare to navigate. The massive wave of redevelopment projects has increased demand for rental homes, further shrinking the available rental stock.
Rents are soaring by up to 25-30% in some areas, and both students and professionals find themselves at the mercy of a distorted market. In many cases, the responsibility of rent is shouldered by the parents of these young tenants. For women from other cities, finding a house isn't just about affordability; it's about navigating a system that often disregards their lived realities.
They are forced to compromise on comfort and autonomy. The experience is tainted by moral policing, discriminatory housing practices, and a lack of privacy, especially in PG accommodation. The dream of new independence often comes with shared bathrooms, curfew hours, and monthly costs that rival starting salaries.
Sakshi Bajaj, a 20-year-old student at St Xavier’s College, paid Rs 60,000 per month for a double-occupancy PG room in Kalbadevi after moving from Lucknow. "Despite the steep rent, there was pest infestation, strict curfews, and 15 girls sharing common washrooms," she says. "I browsed 8-10 PGs before choosing that one—most were smaller and even more expensive." Sakshi has since moved to a spacious 3BHK in Parel, where her share of rent is Rs 37,500. "It’s large, with attached bathrooms, gym and pool facilities, cook and maid, along with 24/7 security. And still, my total cost is under Rs 60,000. The difference in quality is vast."
Another St Xavier’s College student, 21-year-old Adyashree Upadhyay, from Lucknow, first moved into a 900-square-foot rental flat in Girgaum Chowpatty, which was far from ready. "My father had to come and get the place painted, install lights, fans, everything, just to make it livable," she recalls. Now living alone, Adyashree pays a modest Rs 31,000 a month as rent, thanks to her father's contacts.
Even for those willing to pay premium rents, the trade-offs can be jarring. Veronica, a 21-year-old from Delhi, lives in a PG near Marine Lines where Rs 35,000 fetches her a small double-sharing room with no attached washroom. "The only thing going for it is that it’s a five-minute walk to college," she says.
For many women, PGs are not just costly but stifling. Curfews, constant scrutiny, and shared facilities reduce autonomy and affect mental well-being, especially since they are living away from family for the first time.
Renting an independent flat may offer freedom, but finding one is no cakewalk. Landlords frequently turn away single women, citing "no bachelor girls allowed" as a rule. Even if the landlord is agreeable, housing societies sometimes override the decision, demanding character references, personal interviews, and assurances of a "quiet lifestyle." "Women are probed about their personal lives, including whether they have male friends or partners, what time they return home, and their marriage plans," says one tenant.
In Santacruz East, a student from NMIMS Nagpur shares a 400-sq-ft flat with two others. They pay Rs 20,000 each, with utilities pushing costs higher. "It’s functional, but not ideal. Finding something affordable that doesn’t feel unsafe or suffocating is quite a task," she says.
Landlords tend to limit the number of visitors, disallow cooking non-vegetarian food, or demand parental approval. Yet a few women manage to strike good deals. Sahal Masood, a 28-year-old stock exchange freelancer from Saharanpur who studied at Mithibai College, shares a semi-furnished 3BHK in Juhu with three flatmates and pays just Rs 12,500 a month. "We got lucky. The flat has all basic appliances and 24/7 security. Our extra costs come to about Rs 4,000 per month. Given the area and condition, it’s a great deal," she says. Masood contacted nearly eight estate agents before chancing upon this golden deal. However, these are exceptional cases.
Even in an upscale neighborhood like Malabar Hill, quality doesn’t always align with cost. A student pays Rs 20,000 per head in a cramped 500-sq-ft flat with three others. She reports deteriorating infrastructure and zero amenities. "The only thing justifying the rent is the location," she notes.
Landlords and brokers define the rent pricing spectrum by location, furnishing, and sea views. Ronnie Vaz, a broker operating in Bandra-Khar, says that a sea-facing 1BHK can go for Rs 70,000, a 2BHK for Rs 1 lakh, and a 3BHK for Rs 1.5 lakh. With limited housing stock and high redevelopment activity, renters are left with few choices.
In South Mumbai, broker Narendra V says demand for PGs never dips, especially among young women who come here to study or work. "Students, doctors, lawyers—so many women come here looking for opportunities, and the demand keeps growing," he says. "Safety is a concern, but in Mumbai, agreements are always registered and renting involves a lot of paperwork and background checks. Landlords are cautious, and only after thorough verification is a flat handed over. That makes our city safer for women than many others."
Across the city, several PGs and hostels offer women either an individual bed and cupboard with common bathrooms and a kitchen, or individual or twin/triple sharing facilities. A vast old hostel named Shram Sadhana in Bandra East is a 10-storey structure that was established in 1978 by the family of former President Pratibha Patil. "We accommodate 550 students and working girls," says Dnyaneshwar Patil, who manages the centre.
In Old Mhada, Andheri West, Aditi Saksham runs four or five different PG facilities and is mindful to stick to the rule book at all times. "I insist on meeting the girls' parents and seek their Aadhar cards too. Earlier, I have actually had girls sharing their boyfriend's number as that of their father for verification," she says.
Near the Opera House, Kamlesh Jain has been running 'Jain PG' for 12 years, where the rent is Rs 18,000 per person. "The girls live like our daughters. Out-of-town girls basically seek 'ghar ka khaana' (home food) and a benevolent landlord who will guide them like a family elder. In a large hostel with 100-150 inmates, nobody knows if you have eaten food or not. Whereas I have 5-7 inmates who call my wife even if they see a cockroach," says Jain with a laugh.
In Worli, the Shirinbai Mody hostel houses Parsi women from as far as Gujarat, even Kolkata and Madhya Pradesh in its comforting environs, said Filly Bapuna, who funded its grand renovation along with other community members.
Anuradha Patil, chairperson of the Lady Willingdon Hostel in Fort, makes a case for hostels over PG. "Hostels are an economical and safe option as nearly all of them are managed by the government or NGOs. Information is available on their websites, enabling one to select a reliable option, say, by location. Women prefer to live near commercial centers or railway stations. Moreover, hostels charge reasonable fees, provide nutritious food prepared in-house, and 24-hour security. Hostelites are expected to abide by the rules, but can always return to a clean room thanks to the housekeeping staff. Not all PG places have a separate entrance and cooking facilities. Unlike PGs, hostels often allow women to meet friends or relatives of either gender in the common lounge. No one is allowed to enter their rooms. Most hostels have relaxed timings for the girls as today, all of them work long hours. Also, safety is guaranteed as they have to sign in and sign out every time," she says.
Pavana Anchees, president of YWCA Bombay, which runs four hostels in Colaba, Byculla, Andheri, and Belapur housing 300 residents, says, "Our organization is well known for its hostels, which are fondly referred to as 'home away from home' by students, working women, and job seekers. We charge affordable fees ranging from Rs 750 to Rs 15,000, depending upon the location and salaries of residents, and offer well-maintained rooms, security, and sumptuous meals."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary challenges faced by young women in finding accommodation in Mumbai?
Young women face challenges such as high rents, limited availability of rental homes, discriminatory practices, and a lack of privacy and autonomy, especially in paying guest (PG) accommodations.
How do redevelopment projects impact the housing market in Mumbai?
Redevelopment projects increase demand for rental homes by displacing local residents, leading to a shortage of rental stock and soaring rents in many areas.
What are the typical costs for PG accommodation in Mumbai?
PG accommodation costs can vary widely, ranging from Rs 18,000 per person in some areas to over Rs 35,000 per month for a small double-sharing room, depending on the location and amenities.
What are the advantages of living in a hostel over a PG in Mumbai?
Hostels are often more economical and safer, offering nutritious food, 24-hour security, and a more structured environment. They also provide more flexibility in terms of meeting guests and relaxed curfews.
How can young women navigate the housing market in Mumbai more effectively?
Young women can navigate the housing market by researching available options, seeking recommendations from trusted sources, and being prepared to undergo thorough verification processes. They can also consider hostels, which offer a more secure and affordable alternative.
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