India, July 21 -- In Bengaluru, renting a home often comes at a steep cost, with landlords demanding unusually high security deposits. A recent listing in Bennigana Halli, North Bengaluru, asked for a staggering Rs.23 lakh deposit for a 4BHK, nearly a year's rent, triggering outrage on social media. Many users pointed to a 'low-trust society', 'greediest landlords' and the rising cost of housing as key reasons behind these soaring demands.

Industry experts say the sharp rise in property prices, combined with a steady influx of working professionals, has enabled landlords to justify such hefty deposits as a safeguard against tenant defaults and to protect their investments.

While deposits of 10-12 months' rent are increasingly becoming t...