Itanagar, April 16:
A recent rental advertisement for a newly constructed two-bedroom apartment (2BHK) in Chimpu has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many residents questioning the rising cost of housing in the state capital.
The listing, which quoted a monthly rent of ₹16,000 along with a security deposit of ₹48,000, drew sharp reactions from users who described the pricing as excessive for the locality. The backlash has since evolved into a broader debate on the absence of standardized rental practices in Itanagar.
Several residents allege that rents are often determined solely at the discretion of landlords, without any clear benchmarks based on location, property condition, or prevailing market standards. This has resulted in noticeable inconsistencies, where similar properties are priced differently, leading to concerns over fairness and transparency in the rental market.
Many residents say that such inconsistencies are evident across nearby localities as well. In social media discussions, one user claimed to be paying ₹10,500 per month for a standard 2BHK in the Naharlagun G Extension market area, while another stated that their family pays ₹10,000 monthly for a similar 2BHK near Bank Tinali in Itanagar. These comparisons have further fueled concerns that rental pricing in certain areas is disproportionately high and not reflective of a uniform market structure.
The issue had previously drawn the attention of a prominent student organization. In 2024, the All Nyishi Students' Union (ANSU) submitted a memorandum to the state government, calling for the strict implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Tenancy Act, 2022. The memorandum, addressed to the Chief Secretary, emphasized the need for effective enforcement of the Act to regulate rental housing and safeguard the interests of both landlords and tenants.
Despite the existence of the legislation, concerns persist over its limited implementation on the ground, with many residents arguing that stronger oversight is necessary to curb arbitrary pricing practices.
The recent Chimpu listing has thus reignited calls for clearer regulatory mechanisms and stricter enforcement of tenancy laws to ensure a more transparent and equitable housing market in Itanagar.
