Just days after a quirky property listing featuring a washing machine placed above a toilet in a cramped Mumbai apartment or we can also say chawl went viral, another unusual rental has surfaced, capturing the internet’s attention once again. This time, a one-bedroom apartment in Matunga has become the center of discussions over skyrocketing rents and space constraints in the city.
The apartment, advertised as a 1BHK, includes a small living/drawing room, a bedroom dominated by a bed, and a compact kitchen. An intriguing feature is a small staircase leading to a loft area, which can serve as additional storage space. Despite its size, the monthly rent for this property is a staggering ₹45,000.
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
An Instagram video showcasing the apartment was shared with the caption: “Old vibe 1BHK on rent only 45K,” emphasizing its location in the Matunga East neighborhood of Mumbai. However, this description has sparked considerable controversy.
The video quickly went viral, drawing attention not only to the rent but also to the misleading description of the apartment as “old vibes.” Many viewers criticized the advertisement, suggesting that it deceptively referred to an aging chawl—a type of residential building unique to Mumbai, typically characterized by small, single-room apartments arranged along narrow corridors.
A post on X (formerly Twitter) encapsulated the outrage: “Purani chawl ko old school/old vibes bolkr 45k rent pr de rhe capitalism has commodified poverty to a next level.” This sentiment highlights the perception that the rental market is exploiting the city’s housing crisis.
Chawls were originally built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to accommodate the influx of migrant workers drawn to Mumbai for jobs in mills and factories. Today, these multi-story structures are often viewed as a representation of the city’s struggle with affordable housing.
In the comments section of the Instagram post, viewers expressed their disbelief at the asking rent, with many taking to sarcasm. One user quipped, “Don’t you feel ashamed asking for 45K?” while another joked, “The rent should be 1 crore.”
As the dialogue continues, this latest property listing shines a spotlight on the persistent issues of affordability and space constraints in Mumbai’s ever-evolving real estate landscape.
