India, June 7 -- From 'my son is returning and needs the house' to plans to sell the property, steep rent hikes, and demands for higher security deposits, Bengaluru tenants say landlords employ a variety of reasons to push out existing occupants. Some claims border on the bizarre, with one tenant alleging they were asked to vacate after the landlord found out they were using a neighbour's home, with permission, to dry clothes.

Bengaluru's rental market has long been known for steep security deposits and periodic rent hikes. But as demand for housing remains strong in several parts of the city, tenants increasingly claim that some landlords are using indirect methods to replace existing occupants with new tenants willing to pay significan...