Why Bengaluru landlords are banning paan-chewers in rental agreements

Rental agreements in Bengaluru are becoming increasingly specific, with some landlords now including clauses that prohibit tenants from chewing paan. Alongside familiar restrictions like “no pets” or “no bachelors,” the inclusion of “no paan-chewers” reflects growing concern over hygiene, property damage, and maintenance costs in residential buildings.

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Paan, a traditional chew made from betel leaf, areca nut, lime paste, and sometimes tobacco, leaves behind stubborn red stains when spat on walls, stairwells, or corners of shared spaces. These stains are often difficult and costly to clean, especially on freshly painted surfaces or marble flooring.

Landlords in multi-storey buildings and apartment complexes have reported frequent damage from paan stains in common areas, forcing them to repaint or replace tiles at their own expense. This has led to stricter rental conditions aimed at preserving cleanliness and reducing upkeep.

In some rental contracts, chewing paan is grouped with other restrictions like smoking or cooking strong-smelling foods, particularly in gated communities where shared spaces are governed by detailed resident rules.

While rules for maintaining shared property are commonly accepted, extending such restrictions into private living spaces may raise concerns about enforceability and tenant rights. Still, more landlords are opting to include these terms as a preventive measure.