Whether you’re moving out of your family home or looking for somewhere closer to where you study or work, you’ll search for property to buy or rent.
Depending on where you are in life – in terms of finances and stability – buying and owning a property might be slightly out of reach because of the hefty amount that’s required upfront. Hence, the next best alternative would be to rent a place first while you save for a house!
Be it a room for rent, an apartment or condominium, or even a double-storey terrace house, view the place you’re interested in renting beforehand to confirm it has everything you need. Here are some things to consider when checking property for rent.
P/S: Remember, you don’t need to pay anything to view a property or to make an appointment to view it. If someone requests a deposit before allowing you to view it, it’s a scam!
Important Things To Check When Renting Property
1. The price of the property
When renting property, the very first thing to identify is the price and how much you’re willing to pay. Your rental should not take up too much of your monthly paycheck, as you need it for food, transportation, loan repayments, and other living expenses.
Besides that, bear in mind the cost of utilities and car park fees for the rental property. Include that in your budget, and compare available rentals across properties of the same type and in similar locations to get a rough average price. If you do not drive a car, check the average ride cost from the property to your daily destination and vice-versa.
2. The property’s location and surrounding amenities
The area where the property is must suit your requirements and be convenient. For example, if you’re looking for property for rent near the LRT/MRT/KTM, the property should be within a short walking or driving distance.
Don’t forget the essential amenities you’ll need, like supermarkets, 24/7 clinics or emergency services, banks, petrol stations, restaurants, laundromats, places of worship, and more. If it’s in a new location you’re unfamiliar with, spend some time around the area to get to know the place better.
3. The area around the property
Besides the location and its basic amenities, some other factors to note are things like the direction the property is facing, who your neighbours or housemates are, and the connectivity of the place.
For instance, if your property directly faces a stadium, it can get noisy during events. Knowing who you’re living next to also plays a part, as all-night musicians might not get along with early-sleepers. Above all, the property should be well-connected to major highways and expressways for suitable travel.
4. Property furnishings
Property for rent in Malaysia comes either fully furnished, partially furnished, or as an empty unit. Before you rent, decide if you want a place with all the furnishings ready or if you prefer a DIY home makeover. For the latter, calculate the costs of buying furniture and plans for it.
For short-term rentals between 1-2 years for unfurnished units, purchasing affordable secondhand furniture is a good option as it helps reduce cost whilst providing what you need. Should you choose to move to a new house later on, you can resell the furniture to someone else in need.
5. The condition of the property
When viewing a property, inspect the unit thoroughly for any water stains, signs of mould, corrosion, wall cracks, sagging ceilings, or pests. These can cause health and safety risks, so highlight this to the landlord and if it can be fixed.
Moreover, check that all the doors and windows of the unit open and close fully and can be locked securely. If the unit is furnished or has shared appliances, ensure everything works and anything broken is fixed before you move in.
6. Test the power outlets, switches, and water
A simple way to test the power is to bring an electrical test pen and plug it into all the power outlets to see if they work. When you enter, leave the switches on for a while (especially for fans, lights, and air-conds) to confirm the electricity does not trip. Let the tap run to gauge the water flow rate and pressure.
7. Tenancy Agreement terms
Once you’ve decided on a property to rent, review the Tenancy Agreement so that nothing is out of place and the terms are as agreed between you and the landlord. This includes the monthly rental, the security deposit, who will bear the stamp duty and other fees, and the duration of the tenancy.
Apart from that, align with the landlord on who shall handle the repairs or services of the rental property, like if your air-conditioner needs servicing. Be aware of the dos and don’ts of a tenant, as breaking any of the terms could result in a forfeit of your security deposit – or worse, the Tenancy Agreement getting terminated.
Properties For Rent
Inspecting the property before you rent is vital so that you, as a tenant, are prepared for what needs to be done before moving in. Perhaps you’ll need to buy furniture, or the afternoon sun shines directly into your room, thus the need for tinted windows or heat-absorbing curtains.
If you’re looking for property to rent or to compare rental property prices, search on Mudah.my and use our helpful filters to narrow your search! From monthly price filters to various locations, home types, and helpful services, find property for rent in Malaysia across all states and types of properties just a click away.