Bengaluru: A tenant in Bengaluru has alleged that a property owner refused to return his ₹20,000 advance after failing to hand over a flat in Indiranagar on the agreed date, leaving him to search for alternative accommodation.
The incident came to light after the tenant shared his experience online, describing how a rental arrangement listed on NoBroker turned into a dispute over the advance payment.
According to his account, the owner had assured him that the flat would be available for possession on a specific date. The tenant paid ₹20,000, equivalent to one month’s rent, and agreed to pay the remaining security deposit after moving in.
However, when he arrived on the scheduled date, the existing occupants were still living in the flat. They reportedly requested another 20 days to vacate the property. Unable to wait that long, the tenant decided to look for another house and approached the owner for a refund.
The owner allegedly refused to return the advance, leaving the tenant facing the possibility of losing the money if he chose another property. Alternatively, he would have to wait for the existing occupants to vacate before moving in.
The dispute has also raised concerns about the absence of a written agreement. The tenant said the arrangement had been verbal, leaving him uncertain about how to recover the amount and whether the owner could classify it as a non-refundable token.
The incident highlights the importance of clearly documenting rental terms before transferring money. A confirmed possession date, written payment records and clearly defined refund conditions can help prevent disputes between landlords and prospective tenants.
Reader’s Note: How to Protect Yourself When Renting a Flat
- Get the terms in writing: Ensure the possession date, advance amount and refund conditions are documented before making a payment.
- Verify the property: Confirm that the flat is available for occupation and clarify whether existing tenants have vacated or when they will leave.
- Keep payment records: Use traceable payment methods and preserve transaction receipts and messages exchanged with the owner.
- Avoid unclear token payments: Do not pay an advance without understanding whether it is refundable and under what circumstances.
- Know your legal options: If a landlord refuses a refund, preserve all evidence and seek advice from a qualified lawyer or the appropriate consumer or legal assistance authority.
