Renting a home in India has come a long way since the 90s. Back then, finding a rental property was a cumbersome and time-consuming process that involved a lot of legwork and effort. The options were limited, the rental prices were high, and the rental agreements were often unfair and biased toward the landlord.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and the rental market in India has undergone a major transformation. The rise of online platforms, the availability of affordable housing, and the introduction of rental laws have made renting a much more convenient and fair process.
In this blog, we will compare the process of renting in the 90s with that of the 21st century and see how the rental market has evolved over the years.
Renting in the 90s
In the 90s, finding a rental property in India was not an easy task. There were no online platforms or websites that allowed you to search for rental properties in your city. The only way to find a rental property was to visit the area you wanted to live in and ask around for available properties. This process was time-consuming and often yielded little results.
Once you found a property, the next step was to negotiate the rent with the landlord. There were no standard rental prices, and the landlord had complete control over the rental price. This often led to unfair and exorbitant rental prices, especially in areas with high demand.
The rental agreements in the 90s were also heavily skewed in favor of the landlord. The tenant had very little protection and the landlord could evict them at any time without providing any reason. The tenant also had to bear the cost of maintaining the property, which included paying for repairs and upkeep.
Renting in the 21st century
The 21st century has brought about significant changes in the rental market in India. The rise of online platforms like RentOk.com, 99acres, and Magicbricks has made it much easier to find rental properties. You can now search for properties based on your location, budget, and preferences, and contact the landlord directly without having to visit the property.
The availability of affordable housing has also increased in the 21st century. The government’s focus on providing affordable housing has led to the construction of many new housing projects, which are available at lower rental prices. This has made it easier for people to find affordable rental properties in their desired locations.
The rental laws in India have also undergone a major change in the 21st century. The government has introduced several laws to protect the rights of tenants and ensure fair rental agreements. For example, the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, of 1999, and the Delhi Rent Control Act, of 1958, regulate rental agreements and prevent landlords from evicting tenants without a valid reason. These laws have made it easier for tenants to find fair and reasonable rental agreements.
In conclusion, the process of renting in India has undergone a major transformation in the 21st century. The availability of online platforms, affordable housing, and rental laws have made it much easier and more convenient for people to find rental properties in their desired locations. The rental agreements have also become fair and reasonable, providing tenants with adequate protection.