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Bengaluru Tenant Flags ₹51,000 Security Deposit Cut: What Are The Rules?
So the rental market in Bengaluru is making headlines for all the wrong reasons again. A local tenant recently shared a viral post about a massive ₹51,000 deduction from his security deposit. The goal of the landlord? To cover painting and “deep cleaning” costs. In fact, the tenant felt “blindsided” since a painter had quoted a much lower price earlier. Plus, the landlord kept a “safety buffer” of ₹5,000 for two weeks.
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The “One Month Rent” Painting Norm
But here is the truth about the city’s rental habits. Most landlords in Bengaluru deduct one month of rent for painting when you move out. Is this a legal rule? No. It is just a common practice that people write into their contracts. Consequently, if you sign a deal with this clause, you must pay up.
Moreover, this fee often covers more than just a fresh coat of paint. Owners claim it pays for plumbing fixes, lock changes, and deep cleaning. Previously, tenants could argue about the actual cost of the work. So now, many owners use a flat fee to avoid long talks. Therefore, you must read the “exit clause” very carefully before you move in.
Security Deposit Dispute Summary (2026)
| Deduction Item | Tenant Claim | Market Standard |
| 🎨 Repainting | ₹36,000 | 1 Month’s Rent |
| 🧹 Deep Cleaning | ₹10,000 | ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 |
| 🛡️ Safety Buffer | ₹5,000 | Not Standard |
| 📄 Contract Clause | Not consulted | Must be in Writing |
| ⚖️ Legal Status | “Harassed” | Contractual Issue |
How to Protect Your Deposit
Still, you can take steps to save your money from unfair cuts. The best move is to record a video of the flat on your first day. The plan? Show every scratch and stain. And do the same on the day you leave. Accordingly, you will have proof if the landlord tries to charge you for old damage.
But what if the landlord asks for a “safety buffer” after you hand over the keys? Lawyers say this is not a standard move at all. Why? Because the exit inspection should be final. Essentially, once the keys are back, the landlord cannot find “new” wear and tear. Indeed, holding money for two weeks after move-out is a major red flag for any tenant.
Legal Remedies in Karnataka
Then there is the question of the law. There is no set limit on painting fees in the state laws. Instead, the court looks at what you both agreed to in the lease. If the contract does not mention a cleaning fee, the landlord cannot legally take it.
Worth noting: Most disputes happen because of poorly written deals. If your landlord lives abroad, it is even harder to talk things out. So always get every quote in writing before the work starts. Ultimately, being a smart tenant means knowing your contract as well as you know your house.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it legal for a landlord to deduct painting charges in Bengaluru? So yes, if it is written in your signed rental agreement. Because of this, judges usually uphold the deduction as a valid contract term between two adults.
How much is the average security deposit in Bengaluru? In fact, most owners ask for five to ten months of rent as a deposit. Additionally, this high upfront cost makes exit deductions feel much more painful for the tenant.
What can I do if my landlord refuses to refund my deposit? But you can send a legal notice or visit a small causes court. Consequently, having photos and a clear exit report will make your case much stronger in front of a judge.
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