India, May 3 -- In Bengaluru, a tenant's claim that his landlord plans to raise rent by 15% at the time of lease renewal has sparked a wider debate on rental norms and legality in the tech hub. The issue, highlighted on Reddit, reflects growing anxiety among renters as landlords push for steeper hikes amid strong demand and tight housing supply. But are there any rules that limit how much rent can be increased? Here's what tenants need to know.

The tenant, whose lease is up for renewal, said the proposed hike felt excessive compared to the commonly assumed 5-10% annual increase. "My rental agreement in Bengaluru is up for renewal, and my landlord is asking for a 15% rent increase. I was under the impression that typical rent hikes are ar...