Bengaluru Renters: Who Pays for Repairs When You Move Out? The Law Explained

• Disputes over repair costs often arise when tenants vacate rented homes, with security deposits frequently becoming a point of contention.
• Landlords can only seek repair costs for damage caused by tenant negligence or deliberate actions, not for normal wear and tear.
• A Delhi High Court judgment reinforces that routine maintenance and repainting due to regular usage are typically the landlord's responsibility.
• The burden of proof rests on the landlord to provide evidence that damage goes beyond normal usage to justify deductions from the security deposit.
• Tenants can challenge deductions by arguing normal wear and tear, questioning evidence, or highlighting inflated repair estimates; clear communication and documentation are key.