@ Drishya, I have scouted these areas for 1 and 2 BHKs and, I've never come across a house where the landlord was willing to accept deposit that's anything below 10 months of rent. To an extent, I think it also depends on the age of construction and how well the house is furnished. The 1 BHK house I currently stay in, was a brand new apartment when I had moved in, so I ended up paying a deposit of 1 Lakh (~12 months' rent) and the amount was non-negotiable.@ Drishya, I have scouted these areas for 1 and 2 BHKs and, I've never come across a house where the landlord was willing to accept deposit that's anything below 10 months of rent. To an extent, I think it also depends on the age of construction and how well the house is furnished. The 1 BHK house I currently stay in, was a brand new apartment when I had moved in, so I ended up paying a deposit of 1 Lakh (~12 months' rent) and the amount was non-negotiable.

I'm sure there are these exceptions depending on the location and valuation of the property and partly on how flexible the landlord is. Mine wasn't ready to negotiate at all. But I think it's a good idea to aim for a deposit that's not more than 10 months of rent. That seems to be the standard across the city.I'm sure there are these exceptions depending on the location and valuation of the property and partly on how flexible the landlord is. Mine wasn't ready to negotiate at all. But I think it's a good idea to aim for a deposit that's not more than 10 months of rent. That seems to be the standard across the city.