Best Platforms
1. NoBroker: Excellent for avoiding broker fees. Direct owner contact.
2. Facebook Groups: "Flat and Flatmates [City Name]" groups are very active and
popular with expats.
3. Airbnb (Long Term): Negotiate! If you stay for 28+ days, message the host
and ask for a 30-40% discount off the listed price.
Broker Fees
If you use a broker (real estate agent), the standard fee is 1 month's rent as commission. This is tough to negotiate down. In Mumbai, it renews every year!
Deposits
Bangalore: Insane 6-10 months rent deposit is the norm (though coming down).
Delhi/Gurgaon: Usually 1-2 months deposit. Much more reasonable.