A Bengaluru house hunter’s bizarre rental encounter has gone viral, leaving the internet divided and sparking a major debate on tenant rights and landlord demands. The issue? A potential landlord asked for a full month’s rent—not to book or secure the apartment—but simply for the privilege of viewing it.
rental scam Bengaluru
The incident came to light when a prospective tenant, shocked by the request, shared a screenshot of the conversation on social media. In the chat, the landlord or their agent is seen stating this unusual condition upfront, treating the “viewing fee” as a non-negotiable filter for “serious inquiries.”
The post immediately went viral, with the Bengaluru renting community reacting with a mix of fury, disbelief, and weary recognition.
🤔 Is This a Scam?
The overwhelming consensus from legal experts, property consultants, and seasoned renters is a resounding yes; this is highly likely a scam.
Here’s why:
- No Legal or Ethical Basis: There is no standard practice in India where a landlord can legally charge money just to show their property. Estate agents charge commissions only after a deal is successfully brokered.
- The “Serious Inquiry” Red Flag: Scammers often use this logic to pressure desperate house hunters into paying upfront for a viewing, only to disappear with the money once the payment is made.
- The Bengaluru Rental Market Context: While Bengaluru’s rental market is notoriously competitive, this practice is not normal. It preys on the anxiety of people struggling to find a home.
⚠️ Major Red Flags to Watch For
If you encounter this while house hunting, be on high alert:
- Upfront Payment for Viewing: Any request for payment before you have physically seen the property, met the landlord, or signed an agreement is a huge red flag.
- Pressure to Pay Quickly: Scammers create a false sense of urgency (“other buyers are interested”).
- Refusal to Meet in Person: Be wary if the “agent” or “landlord” is always unavailable to meet and only communicates via chat.
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself
- Never Pay to View: Flatly refuse any request for payment for a property viewing. It is not a legitimate charge.
- Verify the Listing: Use reverse image search on the property photos. Scammers often steal pictures from legitimate listings.
- Use Reputable Platforms: Stick to known property portals and registered brokers with verifiable offices and reviews.
- Report the Listing: Immediately report such profiles and listings to the platform (like NoBroker, Magicbricks, OLX) where you found them.
💬 The Internet’s Reaction: Outrage and Warnings
The viral post has triggered a flood of comments from Bengaluru residents:
- “This is 100% a scam. Please report this person.”
- “The audacity! What’s next? Paying for the oxygen we breathe while viewing?”
- “Only in Bangalore… the rental market has reached peak absurdity.”
- Many shared their own stories of encountering strange deposit demands and broker fraud, highlighting the need for greater tenant awareness.
While Bengaluru’s rental landscape is tough, this particular demand crosses a line from market dynamics into outright exploitation. The best response is to walk away, report the listing, and spread the word to protect other renters from falling victim.
