Hidden costs and clauses in Ghaziabad rentals

Not proud of this but I almost signed a rental agreement without properly checking the clauses when I moved to Nyay Khand last month. Yahan rents jo badhe hain na, especially in areas like Vasundhara and Indirapuram, it's crazy. Mera 2BHK ₹18k se seedha ₹25k ho gaya within a year. Landlords are asking for 2-3 months deposit, which feels excessive. Finding direct owners is tough; brokers control sab kuch. They charge full month rent as commission. Kisi ka experience hai with landlord refusing to return deposit ya maintenance ka issue? Ya koi tips to avoid these broker charges?