No boys, no meat, no logic: NRI lambasts Indian-Canadian landlords over ’embarrassing’ rental advertisements

An Indian woman currently residing in Canada recently raised a critical concern about biased rental practices among Indian landlords abroad. In a widely discussed Reddit post, she conveyed her disappointment and embarrassment at encountering housing advertisements that impose exclusionary preferences rooted in caste, religion, native language, or even dietary habits. These discriminatory tendencies, she noted, are distressingly common in rental listings circulating within South Asian immigrant communities.Drawing from her personal experiences, the woman shared how such ads frequently specify conditions like “only Gujarati girl,” “Punjabi-speaking vegetarian preferred,” or “South Indian girls only—no boys allowed.” Some listings even go further, insisting tenants must be strictly vegetarian, barring even outside non-vegetarian food, or stating that only individuals speaking a specific language or following a particular religion will be considered suitable. To her, these expectations felt deeply regressive and out of place in a multicultural, law-governed society like Canada.She didn’t shy away from pointing out how these landlords seem to be ignoring the legal frameworks in place that prohibit discrimination in housing. Her post raised a significant question: Why do some landlords behave as though they’re still operating under informal, unchecked systems from back home, despite living in a country with established human rights laws?

The woman urged that if landlords are so rigid about who they want living in their properties based on language, background, or food habits, they should consider alternative arrangements—like living with family or not renting the space out at all. She argued that being a tenant does not mean one has to match the landlord’s personal preferences. As long as renters respect the lease, pay rent on time, and abide by legal guidelines, their cultural background or dietary preferences should not be a barrier.

The post sparked a flood of responses, many echoing her sentiments. One user shared their experience in Vancouver, advising against renting from South Asian landlords due to recurring issues such as lack of privacy, unannounced visits, and poor communication. They recalled an absurd listing that offered free rent to a woman, provided she cooked daily for five male tenants—an offer that felt more like a bizarre matrimonial ad than a housing opportunity.

Another user recounted being shown a cramped room that had to be shared with a stranger, separated only by a flimsy screen, and said they’ve avoided Indian landlords ever since. Yet, some voices in the thread defended the landlords, claiming property owners have the freedom to select tenants who align with their personal comfort levels.

The debate continues online, highlighting the urgent need for awareness, respect for laws, and a more inclusive mindset within diaspora communities.

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