Why do single people find it difficult to find a rented apartment?

The renting housing market in several Indian cities, including the top metropolitans, is witnessing an upward trend owing to the growth of employment opportunities. The rise in start-ups and emerging IT hubs in these cities has created a demand for rented homes, drawing several working professionals. In addition, the growth of the educational sector in tier 1 and tier 2 cities has resulted in a significant rise in the student population. Most of the renters coming to these cities are single individuals. While rented homes are available, single individuals, men and women, struggle to find a house on rent. The preference of landlords for families over single people is a prevalent issue most prospective tenants in India face.

On the other hand, the common reason landlords give for choosing a family over single tenants are problems with the property’s maintenance that could arise if they chose the latter. At the same time, there are some misconceptions about single tenants that need to be addressed. In this guide, we discuss why it is difficult for single individuals to find rented homes and some useful tips.

Key challenges faced by single people when renting homes in India

#1. Perceived stability of tenancy with families

Many landlords consider the tenancy to be more stable with families than with single people. They think families tend to stay longer, and this would reduce the costs associated with finding new tenants. On the other hand, single individuals, especially students, might move to another city if they get a new job.

#2. Apprehension about property misuse

Some landlords believe that families tend to ensure proper property maintenance and treat it like their own, while single men or women are believed to be less disciplined when taking care of the property. There is a fear among landlords regarding cleanliness problems and damage to the property with single individuals.

#3. Lifestyle choices of single individuals

In India, the lifestyle choices of single individuals often pose problems for landlords and even neighbours who believe that these tenants tend to be noisy and more into late-night parties, disrupting the peace in the neighbourhood. In some cases, there is fear of such tenants engaging in illegal activities that could create problems for the property owner.

#4. Misconception about the financial situation of single individuals

While not every landlord thinks single women or bachelors are not suited for a rented home, some landlords do not prefer to rent out their property to single individuals due to their past experiences with rent payments. This is common with students who may not have their own income. Hence, landlords tend to avoid choosing such individuals as tenants to prevent the issue of delayed or non-payment of rent.

#5. Gender biases and societal norms

While the mindset is gradually changing, some biases exist in society when it comes to women. Property owners tend to be more careful about their tenant’s safety in the case of women, while they could be a bit more relaxed in the case of families or other tenants. Similarly, it is also true in some cases where landlords are biased towards single men or women due to factors like maintenance issues, delayed rent payments, etc.

Legal rights that single home seekers must know

It is common in India that prospective landlords openly advertise their properties for rent with a preference for families over single individuals. Some housing societies also have strict rules on single occupants. However, prospective tenants should be aware of the rights and responsibilities of tenants in India to ensure they find a rented apartment of their choice and without much struggle.

As per the law, discrimination based on marital status or gender is prohibited. There are several laws to safeguard the rights of unmarried people when it comes to renting a property. For example, the Equal Opportunity Act of 2020 eliminates discrimination and promotes inclusion in all aspects of life, including housing.

In some high-rise societies, there are policies related to involve higher security deposits, additional background checks, etc. As per the Model Tenancy Act 2021, the deposit amount cannot exceed two months’ rent in the case of a residential property.

Tips for single individuals when renting a property

• Finalise a rent agreement: Make sure you discuss all aspects regarding the tenancy, including the rent amount and security deposit, frequency of payment, terms of rent increase, maintenance charges, responsibility for repair and maintenance, terms for termination of the agreement, notice period, etc.
• Keep supporting documents handy: To avoid hassles and any delays in finalising a rented house, prospective tenants should always keep crucial documents handy. These include PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, passport-sized photographs, income proofs, etc. Landlords may ask for these for police verification purposes, which will make the process simpler.
• Know your rights: Prospective tenants should be aware of their rights and the provisions given under various tenancy laws in India. For example, a tenant has the right to ask for basic facilities such as electricity and water supply. Similarly, the landlord cannot enter the house without prior notice.
• Know your responsibilities: Prospective tenants should also be aware of their responsibilities, which helps prevent any possible conflict with the landlords. For example, tenants are required to ensure the basic maintenance of the property, pay the agreed rent amount and adhere to the terms and conditions of the agreement. In case of violation of the contract, the landlord may take action, including eviction, through legal procedure.

Housing.com News Viewpoint

In India, several factors influence the decisions of potential landlords when selecting tenants. In many cases, societal norms and personal preferences lead landlords to choose a particular category of tenants over others. This is why it is a common problem among single individuals to find a rented apartment in big cities. However, there are legal provisions that safeguard the rights of individuals, including tenants. One can approach a lawyer to understand more about one’s legal rights when it comes to renting a house.

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