How to Rent A Room in Malaysia

How to Rent A Room in Malaysia. | If you’re new to room rental and have no clue as to what to do, fret not! We’re here to give you a rundown on what to do, expect and remember throughout your room-renting journey. 

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned veteran who needs some reminders, we’ve got some tips for you. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

How to Rent A Room in Malaysia

1.Choose A Location

 

One of the first things you should do is choose a location. Depending on where you are looking to rent, the average rent price might differ and thus your budget may need to be adjusted. Busy hotspot locations like the heart of Kuala Lumpur or SS15, Subang Jaya might have a steeper price point.

Additionally, you should line out the things you deem important in a location like if you prefer a room for rent near public transport, near your workplace, near affordable food places or in a more quiet residential area. All these things matter in the long run as they affect your budget, mental health and time.

2. Do Research on Average Rent Prices

When you’ve picked your location and what kind of area you prefer, it’s time to do some research on the average rent prices. As mentioned, the price for room rental in Malaysia does differ according to area and location. Knowing the average rental price does help you get a clearer idea of what to expect and may even help you in the negotiation stage later on.

Plus, this decreases the possibility of you getting cheated or scammed. Remember, if the price is too good to be true, then it probably is!

3. Set A Budget

Now that you’re equipped with knowledge about the average rent prices in your preferred areas, it’s time to set a budget. Be sure to set a minimum and maximum budget so you can be a little flexible when it comes to finding the right room. 

Additionally, it is okay to have expectations, but you have to also be realistic about your budget. This is because the lower your budget the harder it will be to find a fully equipped and spacious room that meets your expectations. It may not be impossible to find, but there will be a lot of competition. You’re not the only one looking for a room for rent after all.

4. Get on A Rental Platform

Once everything is researched and you’ve set everything up, it’s time to get on a rental platform. There are tons of online rental platforms you can choose from but one of the most trusted room renting Malaysia platforms is iBilik. They have thousands of listings and will link you directly to agents and homeowners to make the process easier.

Every listing contains detailed information about the rooms, property and nearby areas. The agents and homeowners are strictly vetted by iBilik’s personnel to ensure their legitimacy as well. This way, you can avoid any scammers and fake listings. 

5. Background Checks

When you’ve narrowed down your choices to several listings, be sure to do some background checks to ensure that the place and location exist before you visit. Just a quick search could sometimes help you find out more about the location and place you’re interested in on the listing. 

Furthermore, sometimes reviews of the building or its owners might come up and you could either be assured that it's a great place or be warned that it's not as great as it was made out to be. 

6. Visit The Location

Arguably one of the most important steps on this list, it’s time to visit the location and experience it for yourself! Sometimes the pictures on iBilik don’t do the place justice. When you’re there, take note of your surroundings, the facilities and anything the place has to offer. Typically, the agent or homeowner that you’ve liaised with will show you around and have a wealth of information to tell you.

With permission, you can even take photos and videos of the place to review it again later. If not, be sure to take notes on your phone on your thoughts about the place and any new information you get.

7. Ask A Lot of Questions

It never hurts to ask questions, and this is probably the best time to do so. Leave no stone unturned! Ask your agent about the traffic in the area, if water shortages are an issue, plumbing, parking spots, security and more. 

Your questions don’t have to be limited to the room or property that you’re checking out either. It could be related to the building’s facilities and management as well. Be sure to ask about previous tenants and if you’re with agents, ask them for more information about the landlord itself.

8. Scout The Area

Once you’ve got all the information you need, you can do some scouting of your own within the area. Walk around or drive around to see what’s within walking distance so you can gauge the traffic and environment. Take note of what shops or eateries are available as well as the nearest public transportation line.

Depending on what you value, certain areas might be super busy and loud at night making it harder for you to sleep but convenient overall. Either that or the area could be quiet but it’s harder to find affordable eateries and shops. Make a pros and cons list for all the places you visit.

9. Know About Your Deposit and Stamping Fees

It is really important to know how much the deposit and stamping fees are for your room rental. This way you can budget accordingly and not get scammed into paying more than you should. Typically, stamping fees are RM1 to RM3 for every RM 250 over RM2,400 (annual). The breakdown is as follows:

Tenancy less than 1 year: RM1

Tenancy between 1 to 3 years: RM2

Tenancy above 3 years: RM3

So for a 2-year tenancy with an annual fee of RM 40,000, it would be as follows:

(Annual fee - RM 2,400)/250 x RM2 

(RM40,000 - RM 2,400)/250 x RM2

= (RM37,600)/500

= RM75.20

10. Sign A Tenancy Agreement

When you’re satisfied with everything and have done a thorough check, it’s time to sign a tenancy agreement. Read through the document carefully before signing anything or agreeing. If you’re concerned or need a second pair of eyes, bring a friend or family member to help read through the document as well. If all else fails, ask more questions to clarify with the agent or homeowner.

Note that any homeowner or agent that does not present you with a tenancy agreement to sign is considered a red flag and should be avoided at all costs. The agreement is there to protect your rights and theirs, after all.