A City that makes women feel at home

In the second of our four-part series on women living on their own in the city, MiD DAY finds hunting for a flat on rent is hassle-free with most consultants giving you good service

The city is abuzz with single women, many of them from other parts of the state and the country, even the world. It is home to several young working professionals, students, women taking it easy on extended holidays and some who are here just to try their luck with a particular pursuit.

But with the rapid rise in property rates of the past few years, it is not feasible for most to buy a home. Rented living space sounds like the perfect solution to many.

After the recent rapes and murders that shook the city, MiD DAY decided to find out how easy or difficult life is for a lone woman here. Today, we take a look at what a woman experiences as she looks for rented accommodation.

MiD DAY found the house-hunting process is fairly easy in the city, thanks to a large number of consultants. But you also end up spending quite a bit in consultation charges.

How did we reach our conclusions? We sent two young working professionals, Katya Sychugova from Russia and Sonia Rodrigues, house-hunting, with MiD DAY reporters in tow, to various parts of the city.

Here is what we found, in Sonia's and Katya's own words.

Agency approached: Balaji Consultants

Accommodation seeker: Sonia Rodrigues
Looking for: A bedroom-hall-kitchen flat in Kondhwa

I told the consultant, Gautam, that I was living with a friend for now, but was looking for a flat around Camp as I worked there. I also mentioned that I did not want any interference from neighbours even if I came home late or my friends decided to drop in at night.

But he was reluctant to give me details of available flats, because I was going to stay alone. He looked at me with doubt, but ultimately assured me that he would get back to me the next day. That was some days ago, and I am still waiting.

Result: Cold-shouldered

Agency approached: Clear Dealsu00a0

Accommodation seeker: Sonia Rodrigues
Looking for: A bedroom-hall-kitchen flat in NIBM Roadu00a0u00a0

I told the consultant, Arshad, that I preferred an area near Camp, where my workplace is,u00a0 and made it clear that I did not want objections from neighbours if I came home late or my friends decided to drop in at night.

The man was attentive and keen to do business in spite of my conditions. He explained that it would be difficult to find a flat in a "decent" society in and around Wanowrie with my conditions. "It's better to look for a place in the suburbs, like NIBM Road, where the crowd is mostly working professionals and students," he said. "And there would be no problems from the neighbours too."

His expert opinion: Suburbs are best for single people.

Result: A prompt call the next day with an offer to go and take a look at a flat

Agency Approached: Allied Properties

Accommodation seeker: Katya Sychugova
Looking for: A bedroom-hall-kitchen flat in Koregaon Park

I visited the consultant posing as a student, and said I was desperately in need of a place. The woman there, Bhavna Khandelwal, was polite and confident. She said she could offer me a deal in Koregaon Park, Kalyani Nagar and Dhole Patil Road. It's not difficult to get a flat. The only thing is the budget. If you have the money, everything else can be taken care of. I have to send my passport to the commissioner's office for verification, after which I can sign the agreement. Asked if the process would take time, Khandelwal said there was nothing to worry about if my paperwork was in place.

Result: Ready with flats to be inspected

Agency approached: Aashiyana Services

Accommodation seeker: Sonia Rodrigues

Looking for: A bedroom-hall-kitchen flat in Kothrud

I started my conversation with Gangadri, a consultant with Ashiyana services, with my terms and condition ufffd no difficult neighbours and that I might keep odd hours. After giving me a patient hearing, he said there was a flat available, mentioning there would be other girls staying on the same floor. As far as my conditions were concerned, he advised me that as long as my neighbours were not disturbed by my friends or my coming home late, the society would have no issues.u00a0u00a0

Result: Ready with a flat to be inspected