New Delhi, Sept. 30 -- Bengaluru: When 21-year-old Vaibhav Ganeriwal moved to Bengaluru for his studies, a coliving space seemed like the perfect choice: affordable rent, modern facilities and a prime location close to campus. His expectations were high.

A typical coliving space, meant for young professionals and students, has private or shared rooms with access to common kitchens, lounges and work areas. Basic setups cover essentials such as Wi-Fi, electricity, housekeeping and security, while premium ones add gyms, game zones, and curated community events. Rents usually range from Rs.10,000 for simple accommodations to Rs.30,000 or more for fully furnished, amenity-rich spaces in prime locations.

The reality was far less rosy for Gane...