As a new arrival, it’s likely easiest to find an apartment, condo, or house through the use of an agency, such as Property Link, who will match your requirements and budget and find some suitable properties. When you find a place to rent, the normal procedure is to pay one month’s rental as an earnest deposit. This will ensure that no one else takes the place. This payment will become your first month’s rent. At the same time, you usually sign a letter of offer.
Within seven days, you will be required to conclude the Tenancy Agreement and pay the balance of the upfront payments. This includes two months’ rental as a security deposit, which will be returned at the end of the tenancy agreement. In addition, you will be required to pay a deposit for the utilities which will usually be RM1000.00 (in some cases, half a month’s rent). Stamp duty is usually paid by the tenant, but the agents fees are paid by the landlord.
Most tenancy agreements in Malaysia are for a period of two years and often include the option to renew for another one or two years, providing notification is given by a specified date. Make sure the agreement clarifies who pays for minor repairs incurred during the agreement. Most leases specify that the landlord pays for normal wear and tear but the tenant pays for any damage they cause. At the end of the lease, there may be a requirement to restore the place to its former condition. This may require touch up or repainting, which will be deducted from your deposit. It’s a good idea to have the landlord check out the place around two or three months before the end of the lease to try and reach agreement on what has to be done to repair any damages.
This allows some leverage with the remaining rental payments if necessary. Most leases have what is often called a “diplomatic clause”. This allows expats to terminate the lease early if they are transferred out of the country, or if their work permit is terminated for any reason. If this is not originally included, it is a good idea to insist on it being part of the lease agreement. Usually this can only be exercised in the second year of the lease and requires the tenant to give two months’ notice in writing of their intention to cancel the lease.
Within seven days, you will be required to conclude the Tenancy Agreement and pay the balance of the upfront payments. This includes two months’ rental as a security deposit, which will be returned at the end of the tenancy agreement. In addition, you will be required to pay a deposit for the utilities which will usually be RM1000.00 (in some cases, half a month’s rent). Stamp duty is usually paid by the tenant, but the agents fees are paid by the landlord.
Most tenancy agreements in Malaysia are for a period of two years and often include the option to renew for another one or two years, providing notification is given by a specified date. Make sure the agreement clarifies who pays for minor repairs incurred during the agreement. Most leases specify that the landlord pays for normal wear and tear but the tenant pays for any damage they cause. At the end of the lease, there may be a requirement to restore the place to its former condition. This may require touch up or repainting, which will be deducted from your deposit. It’s a good idea to have the landlord check out the place around two or three months before the end of the lease to try and reach agreement on what has to be done to repair any damages.
This allows some leverage with the remaining rental payments if necessary. Most leases have what is often called a “diplomatic clause”. This allows expats to terminate the lease early if they are transferred out of the country, or if their work permit is terminated for any reason. If this is not originally included, it is a good idea to insist on it being part of the lease agreement. Usually this can only be exercised in the second year of the lease and requires the tenant to give two months’ notice in writing of their intention to cancel the lease.
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