How renting a room works in Malaysia

Room types

Listings in Malaysia use three labels. A master room is the largest bedroom and normally has its own attached bathroom. A medium room fits a queen bed and shares a bathroom. A single or small room fits a single bed and a wardrobe. Some units are divided with partition walls to create extra rooms; these are cheaper, but check ventilation, noise and whether the room has a window before agreeing.

Money needed before moving in

For a whole unit the common arrangement is two months of rent as a security deposit, half a month as a utility deposit, and the first month of rent paid in advance. For a single room many landlords ask for less, often one month of deposit plus the first month, but this is set by the landlord and should be written into the agreement. The deposit is returned at the end of the tenancy after deductions for damage and unpaid bills, so record the condition of the room with photos on the day you move in.

The tenancy agreement

Ask for a written tenancy agreement, even for a room. It should state the rent, the due date, the deposit amounts, the length of the tenancy, the notice period and the house rules. An agreement is stamped with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) to make it admissible as evidence if there is a dispute. The stamping cost is usually borne by the tenant and depends on the rent and the length of the tenancy.

Utilities

Electricity, water and internet are handled in one of two ways. Either the rent is inclusive of utilities, sometimes with a cap on air-conditioning use, or the bills are split between the tenants each month. Air-conditioning is the largest part of an electricity bill, and some landlords fit a separate meter to each room for that reason. Ask which arrangement applies and how the split is calculated.

Ending the tenancy

Most agreements run for twelve months, with shorter terms common for rooms. Leaving early usually means losing part or all of the deposit unless the agreement says otherwise. Give notice in writing and keep a copy. When you are ready to look at places, the viewing checklist covers what to inspect, and the areas page helps narrow down where.