RTI Activist Urges Karnataka Government to Regulate Soaring Rents in Koramangala

The Karnataka RTI Workers Seva Samithi recently submitted a public interest representation to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, urging the state government to introduce a residential rent regulation policy to tackle soaring rental prices and excessive security deposits in Bengaluru, including high-demand neighborhoods like Koramangala.

Vijay Dennis, the Founder and President of the Karnataka RTI Workers Seva Samithi, submitted the representation to seek immediate government intervention. The organisation highlighted that unchecked increases in rental prices and the widespread practice of demanding exorbitant security deposits are placing severe financial hardships on middle-class families, salaried employees, students, senior citizens, and daily wage workers.

According to the representation, rental rates in areas such as Koramangala, HSR Layout, Bellandur, Marathahalli, Whitefield, Electronic City, and Sarjapur Road have reached unsustainable levels. The document noted that a one-bedroom apartment of around 500 square feet is currently being rented for about Rs 30,000 a month. Two-bedroom apartments command between Rs 40,000 and Rs 50,000 per month, while three-bedroom homes cost Rs 70,000 or more. In premium localities, independent houses and villas are being rented for Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4 lakh per month.

The representation also raised concerns about landlords demanding security deposits ranging from six to ten months' rent, despite existing government directions that limit residential security deposits to three months. It noted that tenants have minimal bargaining power, as landlords often refuse to rent to anyone who questions the high deposit.

Several local residents highlighted the impact of these high costs. Priyanka, a 26-year-old marketing professional, stated that searching for an apartment was a major challenge, as even modest apartments were out of her budget and landlords refused to compromise on rents or deposits. Sanath Kumar, a 34-year-old private-sector employee, explained that rent has become his family's largest monthly expense, leaving little for school fees, groceries, or medical emergencies. Nisha Reddy, a postgraduate student, added that students struggle to arrange the high advances demanded by landlords.

To address these challenges, the organisation recommended that the state government constitute a high-level committee to study Bengaluru’s rental market. It also proposed establishing an independent rent regulation authority or rental tribunal, enforcing limits on security deposits, creating an online complaint portal and helpline for tenants, and mandating written and registered rental agreements.