Last Updated:June 29, 2025, 13:28 IST
Akhil Gupta, Co-founder of NoBroker, advises young Indian tenants to choose practical locations, consider shared living, find side hustles, rent assets, etc.
These things you should keep in mind while becoming tenant for the first time.
Authored by Akhil Gupta, Co-founder & Chief Product and Technology Officer, NoBroker: Leaving the comfort of parents’ home and stepping into adulthood is as challenging as it is exciting. For India’s youth, especially those aged 18 to 24, moving out is a chance to leave to get a better education, move out for a new job or just opt to be independent. The 2021 Census of India report says that 3.3 million people migrate within the country for educational purposes. A large chunk of this migration is seen in tier 1 cities, which are a magnet for both students and job seekers.
The biggest and most common challenge when migrating is finding the perfect rental place. From budget constraints to unfamiliar neighbourhoods, this phase requires smart decision-making. As someone who has closely witnessed the evolution of India’s rental landscape through the lens of a once-home-seeker, here’s a guide for young tenants preparing to navigate this new chapter.
1. Choose the Right Location
It’s natural to be drawn toward popular, upscale neighbourhoods. However, affordability and practicality must be considered over aspiration. While areas like Koramangala in Bangalore, Bandra in Mumbai or Koregaon Park in Pune may seem attractive for their amenities and nightlife, they can strain the budget.
Instead, evaluate real needs: proximity to work or college, access to public transport, safety, and essential amenities. Many emerging micro-markets in Indian metro cities offer better value, cleaner environments, and better connectivity at a fraction of the rent. Real estate platforms like NoBroker provide in-depth locality insights, making it easier to assess livability, commute scores, and rental trends before deciding.
2. Consider Shared Living
One of the most practical ways to reduce costs is to share your rental spaces. Beyond splitting rent, it helps distribute utility bills, housekeeping costs, and groceries. More importantly, it fosters a support system, especially valuable when you’re away from family. This has become much simpler and more accessible with the help of social media groups, rental platforms, and social networking. You can always opt for platforms that offer services at zero brokerage to help save more money.
When sharing living spaces, be sure to know the people you are renting with to avoid future conflicts and ensure a comfortable living environment. Also, confirm that each tenant pays rent directly to the owner, as this is important for claiming House Rent Allowance (HRA) under your own name for tax benefits.
- Try Finding Side Hustles
Urban living comes with unpredictable expenses, from hefty security deposits, maintenance costs, daily expenses, to emergency repairs. Building a financial cushion through a side hustle can offer security and growth.
Remote internships, content creation, part-time teaching, or even niche freelance gigs (like UI design, resume writing, etc.) can help cover your monthly costs while adding credibility to your resume. With ample freelancing platforms, LinkedIn recruitment posts and writing tools, getting a freelancing job from anywhere has become easier now than ever.
4. Buy Less, Rent More
One of the biggest mistakes young tenants make is investing in furniture, electronics, or vehicles too early. Unless certain of staying in one place for a few years, renting assets is the smarter, more agile choice. The rise of subscription-based providers for home equipment, essentials, and even vehicles means you can lead a comfortable life without paying extensive prices and heavy EMIs. It also reduces logistical hassles during relocation, something frequent movers in cities like Bangalore, Pune, or Gurgaon can relate to. However, if you are not planning to go abroad for work or for settling and intend to build your career in India, buying assets makes more sense as a long-term investment.
5. Keep Your Documents Handy
From lease agreements to Aadhaar and college IDs, documentation is essential in a new place. Always keep scanned copies of essential documents stored securely online, put your docs on Google Drive. With rental agreements increasingly moving to digital formats, most proptech companies now offer e-signatures and automated verification processes. Being organised can save you time and trouble, especially during landlord negotiations or police verifications.
6. Rent In Gated Communities
While standalone buildings might offer cheaper rent, they often lack essential services and security. Gated societies, on the other hand, come equipped with 24/7 security, maintenance staff, gym, swimming pool, badminton, tennis and football courts, power backup, and better hygiene standards. For first-time tenants, staying on rent and paying additional for lifestyle can be exorbitant initially.
With increased verified rental listings in gated communities across top cities, young tenants can access a secure, well-managed lifestyle without paying exorbitant rates.
As the Indian rental market matures, young tenants are also getting smarter. They have more tools, platforms, and data than ever to make a calculated move (no pun intended). From hyperlocal rental insights to digital lease management, platforms like NoBroker have made home renting faster, safer, and smarter.
When signing a lease, it is essential to carefully review all the clauses to avoid any surprises later. Key points to check include the breakdown between rent and security deposit, so you clearly understand how much you need to pay upfront versus monthly. Moreover, if painting charges are being deducted, ensure that the house is freshly painted. Sometimes, painting charges can cost up to one month’s rent. Make sure to check a few online painting service apps that can offer lower charges.
Pay close attention to rent hike clauses, which are typically capped at around 5% annually, and get this clarified in advance. Lastly, if your monthly rent exceeds ₹50,000, a 10% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) applies, so be mindful of the tax implications. Being thorough with your rental agreement can help you avoid unexpected expenses and legal complications down the line.
It is authored by Akhil Gupta, Co-founder & Chief Product and Technology Officer, NoBroker.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the stand of this publication.
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst…Read More
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst… Read More
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