INSIDE COLIVING’S SECOND COMING

Demand is too strong for investors to let go, but can startups deliver this time?

- Samiksha Goel

When 21-year-old Vaibhav Ganeriwal moved to Bengaluru for his studies, a coliving space seemed like the perfect choice: affordable rent, modern facilities and a prime location close to campus. His expectations were high.

A typical coliving space, meant for young professionals and students, has private or shared rooms with access to common kitchens, lounges and work areas. Basic setups cover essentials such as WiFi, electricity, housekeeping and security, while premium ones add gyms, game zones, and curated community events. Rents usually range from ₹10,000 for simple accommodations to ₹30,000 or more for fully furnished, amenity-rich spaces in prime locations.

The reality was far less rosy for Ganeriwal who moved into coliving startup Colive's property in the Bommanahalli area. Broken geysers, daily electricity cuts despite the promise of 24-hour backup, and endless service delays gave him headaches. But the real nightmare began after he moved out.

Ganeriwal says he followed every checkout rule, vacated early, and was assured his ₹9,000 deposit would be refunded in 15 days. Instead, he received a message demanding an extra month's rent over a notice-period technicality. He never got his deposit back. Complaints filed through service tickets, customer care, even consumer forums, went nowhere.

"It was clear before I moved in that only 15 days' notice was required. I gave 30 days and still they refused," he said. "The property manager said there wouldn't be an issue, but the company kept demanding more money."

Ganeriwal's story isn't unique. Online forums are filled with similar tales of withheld deposits, arbitrary deductions, and unresolved complaints against operators such as Colive, Settl and Stanza Living, among others, by clients alleging they have been taken for a ride.

Speaking to Mint, Colive founder Suresh Rangarajan claimed that a few clients sometimes blackmail operators.