Hyderabad: The place of origin and religion matter much when one is seeking a flat on rent, if the narration of plight of an IT employee here is to be believed.
“At least eight flat owners have declined to rent out their flat to me,” says Tanveer who is searching for an accommodation for the past few weeks.
A native of Kadapa district, she said she had booked a flat in Begumpet, but the owner declined to give the flat and returned the advance after knowing that she was from Rayalaseema. “This flat-owner was a Muslim, by the way,” she adds.
“Sorry beta, our building society wouldn’t favour a Muslim. A whole day went in hearing this. No doubt, politicians take the citizens for granted,” posted Tanveer in the Spread the Word group on Facebook about her grim experience.
While some sympathised or empathised with her plight, a few pointed out that this was because “Muslims eat non-veg dishes.” She has been flooded with comments by way of comforting words and recommendations, asking her to move to another locality.
“I want a flat in Begumpet and not in Tolichowki. Is it not my right to live where I want? The former is more convenient for me to commute to work and it will be easier for me to take care of my family," said Tanveer. She is living with friends for the past six years and never faced any issue. It’s only now that, when she wants to move her old parents with her, she’s not able to get a flat.
“I was living in a PG, and later moved to a flat with a couple of my friends. That time too, we faced an issue, but the owner said, ‘We are letting you in because you are kids.’ I think I now understand what the owner meant,” Tanveer said, adding that she will not give up her search.
