Mumbai’s rent crisis highlighted by viral post on Rs 45,000 1-bedroom flats

PTC News Desk: In a striking reflection of Mumbai’s escalating rental crisis, a viral post has brought attention to a one-bedroom apartment (1BHK) in Matunga East, provoking widespread outrage over the city’s exorbitant living costs.

The post, shared on X (formerly Twitter), features a flat described as having an “old vibe,” which includes a small living room, bedroom, and kitchen, along with a staircase leading to a loft for extra storage. However, it is the asking rent of Rs 45,000 that has incited significant backlash across social media platforms.

The post, which reads, “They are renting out an old chawl for Rs 45,000, calling it ‘old school’ or ‘old vibes.’ Capitalism has commodified poverty to the next level,” resonated with many users, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. Chawls, a traditional housing style in Mumbai, are typically associated with working-class families and often feature shared facilities.

purani chawl ko old school/old vibes bolkr 45k rent pr de rhe capitalism has commodified poverty to a next level ???????????? pic.twitter.com/aK5KjRu6OR

— The J. (@thehadesofdead) October 2, 2024

Responses to the post have ranged from incredulity to dismay. One user commented, “45k for a common toilet shared by 200 others? Errr.” Another user candidly remarked, “This looks worse than some government college hostels, tbh.” A third person expressed their discontent by stating, “Mumbai never ceases to disgust,” while yet another noted the stark contrast in affordability, saying, “My first apartment in the US was cheaper…”

Instagram users also joined the fray, questioning the rationale behind such high rents. One user provocatively asked, “Don’t you feel ashamed asking for 45K?” while another quipped, “The rent should be 1 crore,” sarcastically underscoring the skyrocketing prices for even the most modest accommodations in the city.

This incident mirrors a recent uproar regarding an unusual apartment feature: a washing machine precariously positioned above a toilet, which further exemplifies the challenges faced by residents in Mumbai’s cramped living conditions.

The ongoing discussions surrounding these posts reveal a growing frustration with the financial realities of urban living in India’s bustling metropolis, as the demand for affordable housing continues to outpace supply.

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