RealtyKart scams tenants - unethical rent hikes. Review on Zenify

*RealtyKart** was what I believed to be a professional agency that would solve the problem of dealing with unprofessional brokers etc. in Bangalore in my search for a rented house. The model  they work on: Lease out property from NRI owners after negotiations. They then manage and sublet  these properties to tenants.

I was prepared to pay the premium brokerage and service taxes/charges.(Well I assumed them to be a legitimate professional organization, big mistake). Their rent demand was way above market rates, but went ahead anyway. The brokerage was one month rent+ service charges. They even charge 250 for rent agreement and 250 to deliver it!

Problems:

1) They try to milk each agreement every 11 months. The stamped rental agreement(still a legal document in our country I assume) states a 10% increase. Hard to swallow, but that usually the "norm" whether market is up or down. Now, like most of you, I was looking at beyond 11 months( unless paying brokers every 11 months is a hobby). So I prepped my financials and said ok. signed the agreement. Just over a week before renewal, **they demand an outrageous over 20% increase.** First citing market value, and then blaming the owner's demand for more( this not realistic considering  their business model)

2) If I do not renew, I **stand to spend money on movers, more brokerage, and RealtyKart deducts money for painting from your deposit(mandatory even if your apartment is perfectly fine). All this loss in 10 months.*

3) **RealtyKart, therefore at your expense and at the expense of the next tenant, make brokerage, deductions, service taxes and inflated rents every 11 months. So its in their interest that you either pay up the illegal ask or move on.** I doubt the owner is seeing any of this money. The poor guy may have negotiated for a much lower payment.

This time I decided not to take it lying down, and considering engaging legal services on my behalf. Meanwhile all I can do is warn unsuspecting home hunters:

*Dear potential RealtyKart clients, beware of dealing with this unethical company. I would prefer brokers after my experience. Far from professional. Avoid the grief and frustration*

NRI home owners, if you have a heart for ethics and are against exploitation, maybe you should avoid this company. My legal agreement as a tenant is not honoured by RealtyKart. Hope yours is.