Canadian’s Viral Post Slams Sky-High Bengaluru Deposits: ‘I Could Buy A Thar Instead!’

When Canadian expat Caleb Friesen decided to find a place to stay in Bengaluru, he probably wasn't expecting to have his jaw drop before he even stepped into an apartment. But that's exactly what happened when he came across a listing in the city's upscale Diamond District in Domlur - a 3BHK apartment with a monthly rent of ₹1.75 lakh and a mind-boggling security deposit of ₹19.25 lakh.

To put it in perspective, that's more than the cost of a brand-new Mahindra Thar SUV - and Friesen didn't hesitate to point it out. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he posted a screenshot of the listing and wrote:
"Rs 19 lakh for security deposit! absolutely bonkers what landlords are expecting these days, I could literally buy a new Mahindra Thar for less than this deposit."

The tweet didn't just raise eyebrows - it went viral, racking up over 18,000 views and triggering a storm of reactions from locals and fellow renters alike. Friesen, clearly seeking a more grounded option, added to his post:
"Anyone know of a place in/around Indiranagar with 2-3 months deposit only? Rent price range Rs. 80,000 to 1 lakh."

What followed was a flood of responses - some sympathetic, others sarcastic, and many helpful. Users joked about landlords trying to fund their retirement plans through deposits, while others shared practical tips, recommending neighborhoods like Mahadevapura and urging him to consult local brokers who might help cut through the chaos.

Bengaluru, often dubbed the Silicon Valley of India, has long been infamous for its steep rents and even steeper security deposits - typically ranging from 6 to 10 months' rent. Friesen's experience, though, pushed that narrative to a whole new level.

While many agreed with his astonishment, his tweet also reignited conversations around rental reform, tenant rights, and the struggles faced by newcomers - whether from other cities or countries - in navigating the city's fiercely competitive housing market.

So if you're house-hunting in Bengaluru and see a price tag that could rival a new car, you're not alone - even Canadians are gasping at the deposits.