My landlord in Bangalore is asking for a month and a half’s rent as maintenance when I move out. I’m worried they’ll charge a lot for painting and other repairs, even though I’m out of my contract. I’ve heard it’s illegal in Karnataka. Can you confirm if this is true?

In Karnataka, landlords cannot charge for routine maintenance like painting beyond a reasonable wear and tear. However, they can charge for damages caused by the tenant exceeding normal wear and tear. It’s advisable to have a detailed inventory with photos taken at the beginning and end of your tenancy to avoid disputes.