What Is PG Accommodation?
A Paying Guest arrangement is a licensed rental setup where a tenant rents a furnished or semi-furnished room — either in someone's home or a purpose-built PG building. Unlike renting a flat, a PG usually means sharing common spaces (bathrooms, kitchen, living area) while sleeping in your own private or semi-private room. Many PGs also provide daily or weekly meals prepared by in-house cooks.
Types of PG Accommodation in Delhi
- Single-occupancy room: Your own private room. Most expensive PG option — typically ₹8,000–₹20,000/month depending on area and furnishing.
- Double-occupancy room: Shared with one other person. A good balance of privacy and cost — typically ₹5,000–₹12,000/person/month.
- Triple/dormitory: Three or more people share a room. Most budget-friendly — typically ₹4,000–₹8,000/person/month.
- Fully-furnished PG: Includes bed, wardrobe, study table, chair, AC, geyser — ready to move in immediately.
- Semi-furnished PG: Includes some basic furniture but may require you to bring your own mattress or accessories.
- Boys' PG / Girls' PG / Co-ed PG: Many PGs in Delhi are gender-specific, especially those managed from residential homes.
What Is Typically Included in Delhi PG Rent?
PG pricing varies significantly based on what's included. Always confirm the following with your landlord before signing any agreement:
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner — or only 2 meals): Adds ₹2,000–₹4,000 to monthly cost
- Wi-Fi / broadband internet connection
- Electricity (some PGs charge separately above a limit — e.g., ₹200 per unit beyond 100 units/month)
- Water charges
- Weekly or bi-weekly housekeeping / room cleaning
- Laundry service (some charge separately — ₹500–₹800/month)
- 24×7 CCTV surveillance and security
- Inverter / power backup during outages
- Parking (for two-wheelers or cars — usually extra)
Average PG Rent in Delhi by Area (2025 Estimate)
| Area | Shared Room (per person) | Single Room | Meals Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connaught Place | ₹9,000 – ₹14,000 | ₹18,000 – ₹28,000 | Rarely |
| Hauz Khas / Green Park | ₹9,000 – ₹13,000 | ₹18,000 – ₹25,000 | Sometimes |
| Saket / Malviya Nagar | ₹8,500 – ₹13,000 | ₹16,000 – ₹22,000 | Sometimes |
| Defence Colony / Lajpat Nagar | ₹8,000 – ₹13,000 | ₹15,000 – ₹22,000 | Rarely |
| Karol Bagh / Patel Nagar | ₹7,500 – ₹11,000 | ₹14,000 – ₹20,000 | Often |
| Rohini / Pitampura | ₹6,500 – ₹10,000 | ₹12,000 – ₹18,000 | Often |
| Dwarka / Janakpuri | ₹6,500 – ₹10,000 | ₹12,000 – ₹17,000 | Often |
| Laxmi Nagar / IP Extension | ₹7,000 – ₹10,500 | ₹13,000 – ₹18,000 | Often |
| Mukherjee Nagar (student belt) | ₹6,500 – ₹9,500 | ₹12,000 – ₹16,000 | Usually |
| Mayur Vihar / Patparganj | ₹7,000 – ₹10,500 | ₹13,000 – ₹18,000 | Sometimes |
Security Deposit & Advance Rent
Most Delhi PG owners ask for 1–3 months of rent as a refundable security deposit, plus the first month's rent in advance. This is a standard practice and is refundable at the end of your stay, subject to deductions for damage or outstanding dues. Get the deposit amount mentioned explicitly in your rental agreement.
Legal Rights as a PG Tenant in Delhi
- You are entitled to a written rental agreement — always insist on one, however informal the arrangement.
- Under the Delhi Rent Control Act, unreasonable rent hikes without notice are not allowed.
- Your landlord cannot enter your room without prior notice except in genuine emergencies.
- Security deposit must be refunded within a reasonable period (typically 30–60 days) after you vacate, minus legitimate deductions.
- Any deductions from the deposit must be justified in writing.
- Discrimination in rental on grounds of religion, caste, or food habits is prohibited under Article 15 of the Indian Constitution, though enforcement varies.
Tips to Find a Good PG in Delhi
- Fix your budget first — decide your maximum monthly spend including all utilities.
- Choose your area based on proximity to your workplace or college — Delhi traffic is severe; even 5 km can mean 45 minutes by road.
- Visit at least 2–3 PGs before deciding — photos can be misleading.
- Ask about electricity billing method — many PGs charge per unit consumed, which can add ₹500–₹2,000 in summer months with AC use.
- Check mobile network signal inside the room — thick RCC walls in older Delhi buildings often block signals.
- Ask existing residents about water supply hours — many areas face water cuts in summer.
- Confirm the notice period before checking out — most PGs require 15–30 days' notice.
- Get everything in writing — even a WhatsApp message from the owner confirming terms is useful.