TENANT GUIDE (BEFORE YOU MOVE IN)

Looking for property to rent? Where to rent? How do I do it? 


I am no expert but having been in the real estate industry as a Senior Real Estate negotiator for 4+ years now, I do have some tips to share on real estate. There will be a series on Landlord guide, Tenant guide, or relevant information on real estate in Malaysia. Follow me on my blog if you want to know more. Feel free to leave your comments if you need me to respond to your queries. I'll try my level best to answer your queries.


(Note : All contents shared are my personal observations & experiences,  without prejudice to my rights).

Check list before you move in:

Considerations & questions you need to ask yourself :

• LOCATION ? Where would you like to rent? Near your workplace, college or near amenities like eateries, public transportation, school for children, etc. Think of the costs incurred if you live too far away from your work place/college - fuel, tolls & parking, etc.
• FACILITIES? Does the condo/house have facilities that meet your expectations? Eg, gym, swimming pool or nursery. If it is within a golf course, is rental inclusive of golf membership? If not, what is the membership fee like and how do you go about applying for it? For house, is it gated and guarded community? How much do you need to pay for the services? Does it have enough rooms for all your family members including one for the maid? Will the owner install air-conditioner/ washer/fridge? Any extra rental cost incurred if you ask for a new washer/fridge?
• AMBIENCE ? Is the place quiet? Is it near a busy street or opposite a playground? Is your condo unit just above the swimming pool? Can you put up with the noise?
• FACING DIRECTION? Does it face West where the afternoon sun shines into the master bedroom which will make it warm in the evening? Does the main entrance match your fung shui direction?
• SECURITY ? Does the unit has grilles? For condo - special access card to your level only? Does it have CCTV? Parking bays brightly lit? Surveillance TV at parking lots. Is the house installed with alarm system? Does it have an autogate? Will you install an autogate?
• NO. OF PARKING BAYS? How many parking bays allocated? If you need more, how do you go about getting the extra bay? Is it on permanent rental basis or adhoc? Parking bays for visitors - any restriction on duration? FYI, some condo's near colleges allow visitors' parking from 7am to midnight only. Thereafter, the vehicle would be clamped. 
• REPAIRS ? Is the unit move-in condition or does it need to be repaired. If so, when and duration of repair works needed?  
• RENTAL ? How do you make your remittance? Directly to landlord's bank or will landlord come to collect it on monthly basis? Will you get a receipt for each remittance? If not, ask landlord or agent, how to proof receipt of payment? I had a case whereby the tenant did not have a record for remittance and the landlord being a busy man did not track the rental payments. Now, landlord is deferring refund of deposits as he needs tenant to proof his remittance which was done by his late wife. Case is still pending. It is best to get some sort of assurance of remittance, even an email should suffice.
• DOWNPAYMENT & DEPOSITS? How much do you need to pay before you can move in? Can you pay the earnest deposit first and pay the balance on the day you move in? Always get a receipt of acknowledgement on payment made. People cannot remember after a few months. Safeguard yourself and your money!!
• MOVING IN? How soon can you move in?
• CLEANLINESS? Do ensure landlord cleans the place thoroughly before you move in. Else charge the landlord for having to clean the place on their behalf. When you leave, leave the place in the condition you move in or else some landlords will charge you for cleaning the place after you.
• METER READING? Do ensure you read the latest water & electricity meter reading to avoid disputes later on. Ensure landlord or agent sign the acknowledgement to avoid misunderstanding later on. Also, do make sure you get a copy of the latest bills paid-to-date.
• TENANCY AGREEMENT? It is best to draw up the tenancy agreement to safeguard yourself.

That's all I can think of for now. Until the next sharing....

HAPPY RENTING!! Cheeeers!!!