A tenant in BTM Layout, Bengaluru, shared his experience on Reddit after losing his job just hours after paying a ₹78,000 security deposit for an apartment. Following his layoff, he requested a refund from the landlord, who allegedly deducted charges for one month's rent, a token amount, and agreement fees, despite no formal contract being signed. This incident has sparked discussions about the legality of such deductions in Bengaluru's rental market, where token payments are common but lack clear legal definitions. Legal experts emphasize that tenants should conduct thorough due diligence before making token payments, as these amounts can be forfeited without a signed agreement. The Model Tenancy Act 2021, while aiming to standardize rental practices in India, does not specifically address token money, leaving tenants vulnerable to potential disputes.