Indian Real Estate

Breaking 8 Myths of Renting a Home


30, January 2026

Everything in life is judged at some point, but who would have guessed that one of them would be how you put a roof over your head?

Rentals (and the people who live in them) may draw negative attention. Both owning and renting a home have numerous advantages and disadvantages, but the disadvantages of renting appear to be more vocalized, making the argument a little more one-sided.

So, let's clear some of the popular myths about renting that we've all heard and (hopefully) open up a more realistic dialogue and present an informed perspective to help you decide which is best for you.

Top 8 Myths of Renting a Home

Let's decode some of the major myths of rending a home and gain clarity about facts of the real estate market and on the matter of renting a home in India. Here are the top 8 myths of renting a home that needs breaking:

  • You're wasting money

  • You have no negotiating power

  • It isn't easy to get out of a lease

  • If you do not pay your rent as per the agreement, your landlord may give you a month's notice to vacate the property

  • A landlord has full access to the property

  • If you do not pay your rent as agreed, your landlord has the following options

  • If your deposit is not returned, it is up to the landlord to decide

  • If you owe money to your landlord, they may hire bailiffs to come after you

Let's decode them in detail!

Ranav Tranquil Haven

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#Myth 1 - You're wasting money!

Many people believe that paying rent is the same as wasting money. Yes, even in India! While you may not be building equity in your home, you are paying for a place to live, which is not the same as wasting money. Let us not overlook the importance of not having to pay for household maintenance. Most rentals include maintenance and repair services, and some even include utility costs.

Furthermore, buying a home may not be a wise financial decision for you right now. Maybe you live in a high-priced area or don't have enough money saved for a down payment. Put, renting may be your most cost-effective option.

Several tools are available to help you determine whether renting or owning is the more financially feasible option for you.

#Myth 2 - You have no negotiating power

The landlord has complete control over the tenant-landlord relationship, according to a common misconception.

Contrary to popular belief, Renters have a great deal of bargaining power when signing a lease. If you're thinking about buying a house soon, ask if you have a mortgage clause. Inquire about the possibility of a job relocation provision as well. All you have to say is, 'Can you work with me?' Every resident is authorized to do so. The most important thing is to properly read the lease to ensure that you understand what you're signing. If you notice any terminology that needs to be changed, don't be afraid to ask.

#Myth 3 - It isn't easy to get out of a lease

Another common misconception about renting is that it is difficult to break a lease.

Though signing a long-term lease when you know life may change is not a good idea, life can throw us a curve ball at times. Whether you're relocating for a job or your roommate moves out, breaking your lease is sometimes necessary.

One option is to sublet your apartment. Check with your landlord or property management company to see if subletting is permitted, and get everything in writing from both your landlord and the new tenant. Working with your property management company to find available apartments in a sister complex or even another state is another option if you're relocating.

Speaking with your property management and discussing your situation will always help you find the best option for you. Naturally, regardless of how you do it, there may be fees associated with breaking your lease, so plan accordingly.

#Myth 4 - If you do not pay your rent as per the agreement, your landlord may give you a month's notice to vacate the property

The majority of people thought a landlord could evict you in a month — one even though a tenant could be evicted in a fortnight.

While you may pay rent on a month-to-month basis, if your landlord wishes to evict you, he must give you at least two months' notice.

They achieve this by fostering the law, which provides tenants with two months' notice before eviction.

To do so, however, the tenancy must be Assured Shorthold, the deposit must be appropriately secured, and any fixed-term agreements must have expired.

#Myth 5 - A landlord has full access to the property

Many of the people we spoke with were aware of this widely held belief, but one person believed the landlord could enter the home if they were owed money.

It is, in fact, illegal for a landlord to enter a tenant's home without their permission!

On the other hand, the landlord has the right to reasonable access to perform repairs that are their responsibility– but even then, they must notify the renter at least 24 hours in advance.

#Myth 6 - If you do not pay your rent as agreed, your landlord has the following options

Although one of the people we spoke with thought this was true, most knew that they had additional rights. Even if you are the worst renter on the planet, a landlord cannot legally evict you without first going through the courts.

If a landlord decides to evict you before the end of a fixed-term lease, he must obtain a court order to reclaim the property, which typically takes four to five months.

Even if you haven't signed a long-term lease, it will take a landlord two months to obtain a possession order.

#Myth 7 - If your deposit is not returned, it is up to the landlord to decide

The majority of those we spoke with were aware that a third party was holding the deposit, but they still believed the landlord had the final say on whether the money was returned.

Of course, the landlord has a say in whether your deposit is returned, but so do you.

All deposits paid under Assured Shorthold Tenancies have been required by law to be held and protected by a third party since 2007. The landlord must keep your promise within 14 days, and a third-party organization determines the amount you receive.

#Myth 8 - If you owe money to your landlord, they may hire bailiffs to come after you

Many people believe that your landlord will contact a third party to repossess your property if you do not pay your rent on time. This is where commercial and residential tenancy rules diverge because if a commercial tenant fails to pay their rent, the landlord has the authority to order bailiffs to remove goods from the premises for storage or sale.

However, in the case of residential leases, the landlord does not have this option. As a result, no matter how far behind your rent you fall, your television and hair straighteners will be safe.

The most important things to remember when taking out a tenancy are to ensure that the landlord properly safeguards your deposit, that you read and sign a leasing agreement and inventory, and that you take pictures of the property's condition when you move in.

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That's it, folks. We have decoded some of the major myths about renting a home. Hoping all your doubts have been cleared. So, Happy Renting!

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shiva21, November 2021
Hi Good Morning! I read the blog and it found helpful. Thank you for sharing and it was very helpful.
y@shiva Hi Good Morning! I read the blog and it found helpful. Thank you for sharing and it was very helpful.

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