India, May 19 -- A Bengaluru tenant living in the Jakkur-Yelahanka belt for nearly four years sparked an online debate over rental inflation after the landlord demanded a 33% rent hike at the end of the lease term. While the original rental agreement allowed for a 5% increase, the tenant asked whether a landlord can legally demand a steep rent hike.

The tenant, who has been staying in an apartment for four years, wrote that the owner, currently living abroad, justified the steep hike by citing inflation in India.

"We have been renting in Bangalore North (Jakkur/Yelahanka area) for 4 years now. Our lease is up for renewal, the owner is now asking for a 33% increase in rent, stating inflation in India while living in a foreign country," t...