New Delhi, April 18 -- As real estate prices soar in Bengaluru, a growing number of tenants are voicing frustration over what they call an 'unspoken scam'-landlords slashing security deposits without clear justification when tenants move out. Many report vague reasons like 'wall marks,' 'normal usage damage,' or minor cleanliness concerns being cited for these deductions. Often, tenants say there are no formal agreements outlining such charges, leaving them feeling powerless and blindsided.

"This is the biggest scam in Bangalore," wrote A K Mandhan, an investment advisor, on the social media platform X. "When you leave an apartment, the owner sends you only a fraction of your security deposit, claiming 'damage' or something vague-despite...