A Canadian digital creator living in India has ignited a furious online debate after expressing profound shock over Bengaluru's eye-watering rental norms, particularly the demand for exorbitant security deposits. Caleb Friesen took to X to share a property listing for a 3 BHK apartment in the city’s upscale Diamond District in Domlur. While the monthly rent stood at a hefty Rs 1.75 lakh, it was the staggering security deposit of Rs 19.25 lakh that left him utterly baffled.
"Rs 19 lakh for security deposit! Absolutely bonkers what landlords are expecting these days," Friesen exclaimed in his viral post, adding, "I could literally buy a new Mahindra Thar for less than this deposit." His exasperation resonated widely, especially after he comically turned down a flatmate offer, explaining, "Sadly it's me, my wife, my son, another baby on the way + our maid, so you'd be getting five flatmates in your 2 BHK."
Friesen's post garnered more than 1.5 lakh views and hundreds of comments.
Social media reacts to 'bonkers' demand
Netizens were quick to react with a mix of humour and indignation. Vikas Tiwari (@productpilotbb) quipped, "LOL. Unless they offer a butler, chef, and driver, this isn’t good enough. If I pay, I want three daily massages, a hot shower, and AI playing music throughout the home. My entire home should be like Alexa. My bed should have AI providing minerals to my brain for sleep."
Another user, PowerPoint Guy (@Adi_183), highlighted Mumbai's comparatively 'sensible' deposit culture, despite high rents. Meanwhile, Solan (@sun_never_set) pointed out, "You can buy a brand new one for that much in Kolkata and other tier 2 cities," to which Friesen responded, "Lol! Yeah same in Aizawl where I'm currently living, crazy." A concerned local, Amitosh (@recrsn), criticised the online exposure, fearing greedy landlords, stating, "Actual rent of the flats in the society is less than half of it... But then others will start being greedy and some idiot will actually pay."
Why Friesen decided to move to Bengaluru
In an Instagram post, the Canadian content creator and father revealed that he chose to move to Bengaluru eight years ago and that his decision wasn't based on typical career goals but a desire for "passive growth." He defined this as a kind of personal evolution that "just happens when you change your environment," without needing a specific plan.
He moved from Canada in his early twenties seeking resilience, wanting to be "in a place where growth was unavoidable," and India became that place. He recalls a pivotal 40-day fast on water and air that taught him "When you commit, growth can happen — even without action." This concept shaped his life choices, including moving to India and embracing fatherhood, which he also sees as a form of "quiet evolution." While he moved to Aizawl and is possibly looking to return to Bengaluru, his recent encounter with the city's rental market highlights the significant challenges even those seeking growth face in the city's increasingly unaffordable housing landscape.
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