Avoiding pitfalls when renting in Malaysia! - Retire to Malaysia!

[@lindadorman2869]

No matter where you are, the landlord-tenant relationship is a business transaction. You can't take it personally. There are no little things that don't matter. I've been incredibly lucky. I rent a live/work space that was completely gutted and updated in 2018 and my landlord keeps the building well-maintained. He hasn't raised the rent in 6 years, even though I no longer have a written lease and technically rent month-to-month. No deposit (only a move-in fee they keep) and I pay the rent on time!

[@CocoVonKokonut]

Advice I need, Taylor, as I plan on coming from the Philippines to Malaysia soon ... Thank you!

[@terrycavender]

You should try renting in Mexico, it's even worse! I agree, take pictures, and, if you find something broken after you move in, report it immediately. Do that in a text, or email form, no in person, or phone calls, that way you'll have a record if needed for court.

[@Dr.Mzungu]

Absolutely, take a video before you move in and after you've removed everything and are moving out. Landlords size renters up before renting out. Rental, lease agreements are one-way, you either accept or look for another place. Agents don't help either. They'll just say oh it's standard agreement and sort of push you into signing as quickly as possible. I had one landlord who told me he didn't care and just would not return my deposit because I was a expat. He was a strange guy, one time he showed up with his family without informing me and he had the nerve to ask me to take them out for lunch. Yes he had me pay for lunch, him, wife and two kids. It was a eye opener for me. I was upset but told myself I would never let that happen again.

[@PeaknikMicki]

Having been in KL for a year now I heard about quite a few bad land lords. Especially as it comes to returning the deposit. I am bit concerned as I am planning on moving in a few months. Just another tip that I don't think was mentioned, check where the local mosque is and aks yourself if you want to be woken up before sunrise.

[@teatree6228]

What about being a long stayer at a 5 star resort hotel?

[@andrewtaylor4558]

😂

[@teatree6228]

I actually have good American friends- retired couple- who stayed long term at a five star resort style hotel In Kl and they changed suites regularly. Full service and top facilities too. Gym comes with beefy trainers. They were expats in Kl and they decided to never return to USA. Reasons- Malaysian hospitality, warm climate, first class facilities if you have money.

[@NoFakeNewsPlease]

I am a M'sian, I had a bad experience with a my last landlord, a young M'sian couple, both of them seemed to be doing well at that time. It happened some years ago, the total deposit was like RM2.5k. I took them to the Small Claims Court, it was too far for them, over a 100 km away, so they lost by default. Unlike in the US, it's worth filing a claim in M'sia if you think you have a strong case. Filing fee was only RM10 or something like that, over 10 years ago. And if you lose, the defendant can't make you pay legal cost unlike in the US. Good luck, Taylor.

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Good advice, thanks! ☺️

[@johnwong5521]

Another informative video that underscores why I only watch your channel for my research before moving to Malaysia. Keep up the good work.

[@paulhefner2813]

Taylor, this is asia. This game is done all over asia primarily to expats. That is why I factor losing that money into the rent. I still save over 20k dollars per year from just rent living here versus in the states so I accept the aggravation. The best I found were a couple places in china where I signed a contract with a rental agent. I paid a fee but the agent fixed problems and returned my deposit immediately. Been in asia for 16 years and getting money back is often a problem with many people. I am a landlord in the usa abd only once have I held a deposit of 3,000 dollars as the damages cost me over 8,000 dollars. Twice I had horrible tenants in the states who caused severe damage and I almost think that it was intentional. Having a good tenant like you is what landlords appreciate. Have a great day and thanks for the video.

[@teatree6228]

I would stay long term at a good hotel

[@paulhefner2813]

@@teatree6228 that may be nice. It really depends on your needs. I like to stay in hotels for 3-4 weeks. They do the cleaning. Good ac and breakfast. Usually, laundry shop is nearby. No need to cook. Having pets makes that lifestyle impossible. Enjoy!

[@hypermageran1110]

So bad, the more richer human being, the meaner they will be obviously.. Tho its not all cases, but most. Money n wealth alwys makes people crazier n left their humanity side.

[@northernbohemianrealist]

Without a legal recourse, I suggest going to the local weightlifting club and hiring a tall, silent, beefy guy to accompany you when you visit to get the balance. Teach him to stare and flex. You'll get your money.

[@andrewtaylor4558]

😂

[@teatree6228]

I keep the beefy guy and refund your bond plus tips too.

[@tiomanferry]

Looks like landlords squeezing extra revenue by unfairly having tenants pay for wear and tear and keeping the deposit is a business model in this neck of the woods. If the risk of getting ripped off is as high as the comments suggest, I suggest having your deposit cover your last month(s) rent. That way, the landlord has no deposit to appropriate.

[@Valhalla369]

Sorry to hear of your bad experience! Thanks for sharing them. It is a good lesson for the rest of us. You take care..

[@RayMak]

Thank you! You’re amazing

[@teatree6228]

Both of you are

[@andrewtaylor4558]

❤️

[@valentinoasalvatore]

Taylor, you have just exposed the good and the ugly truth about landlords in Malaysia. I bought up a few nice properties in different places all over Malaysia because I don't want to deal with dishonest and difficult landlords as one main reason.

[@Photojouralist123]

As an expat I never had these issues why I bOUGHT the place I own my condo😊

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Good plan 🤗

[@snoopy13946]

They need a system like Australia where the rental bond deposit is kept by an independent government body ( the landlord is never allowed to keep the bond). At the end of the lease if the landlord wants to make a claim they have to apply to the authority with proof. The tenant is allowed to also contest anything with proof and only then is money paid out after independent consideration. Fair wear and tear is never a reason for the landlord to claim.

[@teatree6228]

That is why the rents and insurance are so very high in Australia, mate

[@snoopy13946]

@@teatree6228 Lol. That is not the reason and you know it. The bond authority has been around for decades.

[@teatree6228]

@@snoopy13946really I dont have any thing to rent out anyways

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Sounds good!

[@kwhatten]

GREAT idea!

[@abelpavel9674]

I'm sorry to hear that!!! My, my, my!! Visiting Malaysia in a few weeks! 😂🎉😊

[@abelpavel9674]

Arriving Sep 28

[@CKology]

Great insights as always

[@davidlum3048]

👏 You are absolutely CORRECT! My experience was with Singapore landlords. I had 1 super bad Singapore landlord where she gave me a filthy place, but then nit-picked a clean place when I left. My 2nd place was very professional and the landlord was excellent. But like you, I also created a "move-in" condition photo & video library to prove pre-existing conditions. Upon move-in, both Singapore and Malaysia landlords do an inventory list, not an existing conditions list; that is the catch/trick. Unfortunately, some Singapore landlords use the conditions as a way to make extra $$$ from the renters.

[@clarenceandre9315]

Are you sure it's only singaporeans? I think that mindset is also quite prevalent in malaysia. There are cultural similarities :)

[@FarhanChoudhry-n5t]

Hi Taylor, thanks for sharing, it will help us in our next move

[@tbbarabara]

What's the name of the apartment you liked in Penang? Any suggestions on finding a good landlord in Malaysia?

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Alila Horizon.

[@SpeakingTheTruth888]

Taylor, great shot of Malaysia sunshine ☀ skyline 🥰 BTW, you should have rented an abode in good condition. That tells you whether the landlord cares about the property. It is the same in any other country. LOL

[@andrewtaylor4558]

True 😂

[@daryllim4826]

U r right,take pic, lot of pics My previous Samsung leasing, they took over 1000 pics during unit handover, from 9am to night fall. My agent couldn't stand n left at 5pm, I couldn't stand n left at 7 pm. Really crazy this Samsung HR staff, trying to impress their boss?

[@andrewtaylor4558]

😂

[@cgteacher4251]

This was a very timely video for me as I'm retiring from Scotland to KL in around 6 weeks time. Luckily my son already lives there and is arranging for me to rent an apartment in the same building as him but you can be sure I'll be following your advice and photographing everything before I move in. I'd love to meet up with you at some point and treat you to lunch by way of appreciation for all your wonderful vlogs.

[@ranjit_kaur]

Becareful with landlords. Mine was a nice n honest chinese lady 👍👌.

[@teatree6228]

If i were your LL, i will pay you to be my tenant and refund all your bond money too with lots of ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@clarenceandre9315]

I think you might be a bit vulnerable as a westerner but I think you should fight tooth and nail for everything because there's a tendency for some to see "niceness" and decency as a weakness as unscrupulous landlords are always seeking to take advantage. You need to understand the prevailing ethos.

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Thanks ☺️

[@tg988]

Yup! Disadvantage of renting. If long term, permanent stay better to purchase so you won’t get ripped off. For short term stay do your best and consider it write-off.

[@williamfoong5783]

Very good morning to you Taylor Disruptive tenants, unpaid rent, and property damage are common fears for landlords.

[@CL-mt3mn]

Couldn’t agree with you more. I have never been a tenant but a landlord to a landed property in Pg. My tenants were local people and each of them did not follow the tenancy agreement. They did not pay rent for several months and left with utility bills unpaid to the thousands of dollars. Most of them left a lorry load of old dirty furniture and other items that could only be cleared with the help of professional garbage disposal service. On top of that, repairs of fixtures and repainting of walls and ceiling needed to be done of which the last tenant costs me over RM8k. It has never been an easy task considering the high cost of investment in a landed property and sometimes it is better to leave one’s savings in the bank to earn interest.

[@booklover555]

With only 30% occupancy does the building feel eerie at all? I already know you are an excellent tenant. The problem with that is that we good ones are often taken advantage of by the shady landlords. The view from your rooftop perch in the video was stunning. I look forward to a full tour of your new place. From what I can see in the videos your decor is again top notch. I love your taste in furnishings. Love hearing your voice 😊

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Thank you so much 😊

[@robmarks6915]

Realtors and Psychologists will both tell you that moving home is equal in stress to a relationship break up and buying and selling a home is equal in stress to a death in the family. Just pace yourself mate and appreciate your information.

[@asplandinternational]

Thanks Taylor - really loving your videos. Good luck on getting your money back - hope we have a conversation sometime about KL Bob Aspland

[@jaynehopcraft2890]

Love the view stunning !! Great advice thank you Taylor

[@amyooi884]

I'm landlord. Rent jb To malay woman who from hometown sabah. Rent medium apartments to them. Whole house everything spoilt etc. Run away. Recommend friends. Bring more. 10 people stay ( foreign workers) in house. Repair all cost more $10.000. Never trust this bad tenant. Ask other pass keys back.instead of her. Good owner. Very bad tenants.

[@AWSC88]

Hey Taylor, there is a small claims court in Malaysia which hears cases for claims which are under RM5000. The process is fairly simple if you want to go through the hassle.

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Thanks 🙏

[@gerekbasikal1]

Some landlord dont want to give back your deposit becoz they have used your deposit😢😢😢

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Yep

[@xxxyyyzzz74552]

Same exact situation in Singapore. And landlords do it to all tenants not just western. It is a shame there is no standard for these things. Absolutely agree no concept of fair wear and tear that will happen even if apartment is locked. I have seen cases where parquet varnish painting etc is also asked. Same with asking for new aircon which is utter shameless ness on landlord side.

[@samfromvalleycenter4848]

Wow, the urgly side of renting in Malaisia or the whole Asia, maybe? Im so sorry to hear about your sufferings, Andy... Maybe I should find a fortune teller to let me know ahead of time on where to find good landlords or just stay in hotel/motel, instead? LOL.

[@turfnsurf9367]

I will be heading your way this November. My experience with short term rentals are, you are more likely to get dinged than not. Most common issue is plumbing/water damage. Video the place before and after, make sure the landlord/agent sees you doing it. Same thing with renting a scooter and vehicle.

[@john99776]

Maybe it would be good to explain your past troubles a bit and then refuse to pay a large deposit. "You seem honest but I've had too much trouble with this. If I break anything I'll pay for it." There's a lot of vacancy, so maybe they'll forgo a large deposit to get it rented.

[@jcmontecarlo6123]

Greetings from the island of Palm Beach FL, this weekend!

[@amyooi884]

Thank you sir for sharing. You was right. Not every owner are kind one. Money is king. 😂

[@teratakdigital8133]

I never had my deposit back. most of the time the landlords will just give me a "free" month and thats it. wait.. its not most of the time.. its all the time LOL. rest assure that there's no ill intent towards expats or foreigners. Locals are experiencing the same thing when it comes to renting. Good advice there.. document everything and also read the lease agreement.

[@WhatWhoWhere11]

Thank you for sharing. Keep up the good work.

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Thank you, I will 🤗

[@mecando888]

Nasty and nitpicking landlords are very common in Spore.

[@pameladarling5497]

Yes, excellent advice. Moving is the pits so adding all those potential is a very real burden. If we don't stick up for ourselves no one else will. I think you've made your new digs so very attractive. Hope you can enjoy that.

[@johnsherman833]

All You Need is an infantry list two copies of one for yourself one for the landlord everything is itemised including cups and saucers two sections in front of each item consisting of number of items condition of items and any comments a scratch cracked or faded you sign one copy the agent or landlord signs the second one you keep his sign copy and he keeps yours problem solved

[@janetbrown216]

in 2018 we rented a partially furnished house in Kedah state. The owners were just ordinary people (ethnic Chinese). They had not rented out this house previously. They had lawyers draw up the lease agreement... when I went to sign it... I read it very carefully... which was just as well, because there were mistakes in it. This was not the owner's fault, it was the lawyers fault. The lawyer had the corrections made to the lease before I agreed to sign it

[@sejengkalsehasta3211]

It's better to buy a property in Malaysia...in other towns instead of KL...especially in Ipoh...you can get one acre of land and a big bungalow...

[@FLYNOW-zs7jq]

Take advantage of "westerners" May or may not play a role here, although please note that exactly the same situation happened to me several times while renting in the U.S (western landlord, western tenant), in other words this can happen anywhere in the world. Greetings from an expat in Vietnam!

[@zaharuddinhamid7454]

I overstayed for 2 days and Lost all my deposit😅

[@andrewtaylor4558]

😩

[@hlimkb]

if your landlord is good,dont change unless no choice

[@ThisnametaKenny]

You can file a case at small claims court in Malaysia. No lawyer needed. Cost RM20. Claims limited to RM5000.

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Thanks 🙏

[@decTac]

Thanks for sharing Andrew 👍

[@sueteh4759]

Photos/vidoes speaketh a million words😁. Yea, photos before, after and during tenanted period especially landlord or agent stop by for a suprise visit. Landlord always keep master keys. What you hold are copies keys made by locksmith.

[@WendyGigi228]

Thank you for the advice! You are so lovely to share this with us!

[@andrewtaylor4558]

You are so welcome!

[@suzannes783]

This is excellent advice! Thank you very much!!!

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gerekbasikal1]

Tell the landlord “you will not become rich, I am not become poorer with the deposit. You will face a lot difficulties in your live by taking my deposit the wrong way” If the landlord is a muslim, he will fear of his god. Just remind him

[@teatree6228]

Anyways, when i visited Penang, and KL last year, i concluded that religion does not dull the love of money. After all money is what buys many things including food and shelter. The Malaysians of all ethnic races and religions were all friendly and beautiful people. Hot guys too

[@seaeagle758]

good video and yes, there are good landlords and bad landlords. and it isnt only foreigners who get ripped off by the bad ones. ive spoken to malaysians who had many problems with their landlords and ive spoken to landlords who had problems with their tenants, both local and foreign. what i do personally is look at a lot of different units before deciding and then go through the tenancy agreement with a fine tooth comb and negotiate changes. the agents invariably try to resist any changes, claiming everything in the ta is standard, but in fact the ta’s are written in favour of the owner and it is always in your own interest to go through it and negotiate where terms and clauses are unreasonable. i also make sure it is totally clear that the earnest deposit will be paid back within 7 days if the deal falls through for any reason at all other than you just walking away for no good reason. and i ensure the offer letter makes clear the landlord will pay compensation if they pull out, in addition to paying the deposit back. then, on handover day, photograph even the smallest scratch or stain and check every appliance, including that the aircon is cooling properly and on handover day always point out defects to the agent. in fact, i always test the aircon and hot water etc when first viewing, rather than waiting until moving in and raise it as an issue at that time. the first thing i do the minute i walk in is turn on the aircon and the water heater etc. moving out is always going to be stressful but so far ive been treated fairly, perhaps because its the dishonest landlord type that i tend to avoid in the first place as they may be the ones who are initially the most unlikley to agree to fair terms and conditions anyway. at the same time, i treat my rented condos well, pay the rent on time and generally try to be a good tenant.

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Thanks for the advice 😊

[@andreandree4384]

My experience renting in Malaysia, landlords often try to cut down your deposit for one reason or another, they remove whatever costs from the deposit they see fit, I was lucky not to have a landlord who kept the deposit!.

[@garyt7232]

Thank you for sharing your trials and travails on renting. I appreciate you including a photo of Earl Gray. Best wishes.

[@mizzylamydean2936]

Thank you for your advice. I got some of bad landlords too. Local also facing the same thing. So call 'Landlord'...they thing they are so big and mighty. Always try to find fault on tenant. I like to rent empty unit and i didn't paid my last 2 months rent as i experienced, they won't returned it. 🙋‍♀️im a good tenant. I respect my home, as i live in it. Eventhough, it is not my house. Therefore, i will take care as my own. But some landlord, putting so much 'do & don't' requirement as though we want to destroy their place. Maybe thwy had bad experience with previouse tenant but not all tenant are bad. I do agree with you, there are some bad landlord too. Especially if that property is their first property to be rent aka newbie landlord.

[@andrewtaylor4558]

So true!

[@ChefEarthenware]

Mr Taylor, would you please consider mentioning internet access in a video sometime? Do you rely on mobile internet? Or are apartments pre-wired for access? Do people still use their telephone lines for internet or has Malaysia moved over to fibre optic connections? Thanks.

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Fibre optic is very common

[@nt3352]

You are right - not everyone is honest ...

[@ashaw007]

Sorry you had problems getting your deposits back. I can relate to this in both ways. I have a number of properties I rent out. I try to be caring and considerate to my tenants and I hope I am a good landlord. I do also rent as well. My last landlord was unpleasant and wanted to keep the full £2000 deposit and basically made up false statements. I am a very keen gardener and I left that property with some wonderful flower and shrub beds, but he said it would cost him £850 to put the garden right!! And he invented other false things too. Fortunately in the UK the deposit goes to an independent company and I had taken lots of photos before I left. He was awarded £150 Hopefully you now have a good landlord. Always enjoy your vlogs Andrew

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Thanks. So sorry you had to go through that. 😢

[@clarenceandre9315]

I'm sorry to hear your bad experience with some landlords but I'm not at all surprised. Of course they understand wear and tear but they're just plain unscrupulous as the real intention is to keep the security deposit and as you said, recourse to small claims might be hard to come by in Malaysia. I would as a general practice suss out the owners and while it's not 100% fool-proof you'll know after living in Malaysia for awhile the ones who are more likely to give you hell when you leave. You might start to observe a pattern :)

[@rafiqmuhamad8251]

The unfortunate thing in Malaysia is that the rules and regulations to protect the tenant and the landlord are not clear. I was in Australia and we had to pay deposit (bond) for renting and the deposit is held by the real estate company. In this way, the landlord has no right to hold your deposit and also it is not the landlord who inspects your house, but the agent from the company. In this way, we have a fair evaluation for both parties. But in Malaysia, once you give your deposit to the landlord, you are at their mercy. Earlier this year I moved out from my rented apartment. I had been living in the apartment for 6 years. Some wear and tear and some due to poor material use in the furniture which damage easily. I barely got half of my deposit back. But I didn't want to argue with the landlord. But I heard some other tenants refused to pay for the repair which is due to wear and tear and the poor material.

[@VivianNg]

I’m a real estate agent in Kuala Lumpur and I totally agreed with what you have shared! Take photos of the house “wear and tear” 👍 really a great information u r sharing! 👏😍❤️

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Thanks Vivian! 🤗

[@keangwooichoo6138]

Agree, there are good and bad landlord

[@EGO0808]

I forgot to mention: as expats, one should always ask to include the so called expat clause in the lease, in case you rent for more than one year. It means you are entitled to break the lease after the first year, if your personal situation changes (retrenchment, change of job etc.). With that clause in mind it is also possible to terminate and not pay the last two months rent, so you don’t have to ask your deposit back, you balanced it by not paying the last two months rent (deposit is in general two months rent here in Malaysia). This is what we did….

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Good advice!

[@ShineOfSmiles]

Careful with shady landlord. There are plenty out there. And a big YES to read fine prints that indicates what is/are the responsibility of the landlord and tenants. Highlight that if necessary infront of the landlord and/or agent that present the lease contract, TOGETHER! a BIG YES, take picturesssss of important items ie Aircons, refridgerator, literally any fixed in electronic items. Also paint job and yesss furnitures that comes with the rental. Then send those pictures to the LANDLORD in that same say. That proven it is taken with them around and/or agent.

[@elcidenkorea]

Sorry to say but you always read the lease....especially if you're leasing in a foreign country.

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Yep

[@zachary3603]

How much does it tend to cost your per day for rent, utilities etc? Is it much better than just staying in a hotel room?

[@andrewtaylor4558]

I pay about 24 USD a day for rent and utilities

[@MattBlankenshipPhotography]

Appreciate the information and sorry you're going through this again. Always look out for #1 and try not to step in #2!

[@boyramli]

I lived in Singapore for 5 years in a brand new condo, hardly used the place as I was traveling a lot for work. Never used the kitchen & the spare bedroom was also hardly touched. I paid for a professional cleaner to clean the place up and yet the Landlady was so nitpicking trying to find fault even on the oven / stove that was never used. She basically tried to make money out of me. And I’ve heard many similar cases like that in Singapore amongst my friends and colleagues. Left a bad taste on an otherwise good working experience over there. Enjoy your new home Taylor !

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Thanks ☺️

[@dominicyap5525]

Sorry to hear about your experiences .. but I blame the real estate agent .,. they should have warned u about these little things which could grow big when u are moving out ... befoe u signed the rental agreement ..

[@andyaptc2907]

Thank you, I will recall this when house hunting.

[@OneJuanWon]

Very wise advice to protect yourself - photo/video everything before signing a lease and getting the keys. I heard of a similar story when an expat visiting the Philippines rented a scooter for a couple days. The rental shop tried to charge him for scratches and dings that already existed when he took the keys. It's a cautionary tale expats need to heed.

[@teatree6228]

That ‘s it- remember the condom rule

[@rudyng3469]

There will always be some bad apples in the bucket, speaking from experiences as both a tenant and a landlord. Even owning a place has its challenges too. Unscrupulous repair man for example.

[@user-kz9rp3pq2z]

Great advice Taylor. Thank you.

[@andrewtaylor4558]

You're so welcome!

[@Yasin_Affandi]

Thank you for this video and for sharing some useful insights. Wow, lots of experience, you live to tell. One thing, wherever you live in this world, never take things for granted.

[@Yasin_Affandi]

I've never any experience with a landlord because I've been living in my own apartment until I have to retire early, sell the apartment and moved out of KL. The only experience I had with a landlord was when I was working and living in Mumbai for 3 years. My landlord, originally from Iran, is quite an old man, is a very caring man and my stay in Bandra West, the suburban area of the city. My landlord and his brothers are also the owner of a budget hotel called Lucky and a Lucky Restaurant that serves one of the best briyani in town. I had a part time maid to clean the house and it's ridiculously cheap, even in a big city like Mumbai. I'm glad that those days in the polluted, chaotic city are over.

[@andrewtaylor4558]

Good point!

[@Yasin_Affandi]

@@andrewtaylor4558 From all what you've gone through, you can create your own transitional moving out and moving in checklist for future purposes. A checklist remains the most effective and reliable tool for time management. You've plenty of eventful experience with your days living in several places in Malaysia, your checklist will safeguard your interest and also your dear friends. 😀

[@ronbf01]

It looks like several people are posting their personal experiences and advice, so ill pass and just say thank you Andrew. I still hope to meet you personally when I get to KL in a couple months. Take care.

[@teatree6228]

Always use a professional to take photos and do a condition report just before moving in

[@TYT695]

It is the same with renting a car, there are a few unscrupulous people.

[@pearlchan2484]

This happens every country,make sure you take photos of the house before shifting so that you have proof.put down the date time and date you shift the house.Write down the water and electricity meter reading.Check all the water pressure by putting on the tap.Check hot water.I stayed in a two storey apartment,up stairs is occupied by landlord.Landlord records down all about me,time I work,my visitors time.Even the rubbish I threw .I stay in New Zealand, luckily I went to tenancy tribunal.Take care.

[@EGO0808]

Sound advice as always, Andrew. I hope your old landlord comes to realize he should pay back what he owes you. The deposit is always the tricky one, when moving out, from experience.

[@learnscience4116]

I had similar issue here in the America. Landlord tried to take my deposit. When I moved in I cleaned the whole unit because it was sitting for a while, no renters. When I moved out cleaned again everything but they wanted that deposit so bad 😁. But I was so bad, I didn't leave until I got my deposit back and I wrote a bad review about the whole experience and their business. It seems this is comment everywhere so you need to be careful.

[@DagmarTomerlin]

South facing is the most desirable. Anywhere.

[@eat.live.travel]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience. Thanks for the good advice, though.

[@arlenechin8156]

I had an expat friend with the exact experience. The landlord never gave him his deposit back for normal, wear & tear. I had to hear about the same story from him for months after that. And yup, he had no recourse as well.

[@LeoCruz-v5b]

Excellent advice! I am really thinking to move to Malaysia

[@dry5555]

Since moving to Malaysia, I've stayed in two new buildings. I discovered that new buildings are expected to have "defects". In one apartment the oven didn't work and the hot water heater needed replacing (cold showers). In another, both timber floors needed replacing, the bathroom sink was crumbling, both hot and cold water pipes in the shower broke, it wasn't painted nor cleaned properly, there was a glue stain in one of the bathrooms, etc. New buildings are sometimes rushed or not properly supervised. And some owners are in a rush to rent out their place so they sign off on it even though it needs work. The good news is so far I've received my full deposits back. Yeah, take photos and video, run the shower for ten minutes to make sure the pressure remains stable and the temperature is ok, make sure the floor traps are cleaned before moving in, make sure the timber floors aren't warped, check the oven, and report anything immediately to the owner. I discovered a crack in the ceiling a month after moving in and reported it. Read the contract! It doesn't take that long and you can request changes. Make sure there is language in there that states the landlord must make any repairs within a reasonable period of time. With new buildings repairs should be covered by the building itself; that is, the owner is given 1-2 years to report any defects. So my story is not one of security deposits (so far) but of dealing with defects.

[@lilynyanget338]

Before you move in always remember to take the photos of anything thats not right in that place and show to the landlord and keep all those photos

[@CheCosaTesoro]

It's hit or miss in getting back a deposit in many SEAsian countries. Lots of expats factor in the loss as part of the annual rent. Annoying but a reality.

[@rafiqmuhamad8251]

Not only expat. I'm a local and I already factor that in.

[@MrHyperionmaximus]

Useful Info. Thanks 🙏 Taylor

[@rpasquale195]

Thank you for your great advice. I plan to move to Kuala Lumpur in the future. Renting comes with risks. Take videos, photos, inspect and test all plumbing, appliances, especially the AC. I would even ask for a service and cleaning of the AC units.

[@teatree6228]

The landlords can say no to your applications if too demanding unless u pay a much higher rent That s the risk

[@Jeff_The_Weatherman]

Hi Taylor! So, so sorry you seem to be having a bad landlord experience! However, your ideas and experience will help so many others avoid the pitfalls of renting a place out there, or anywhere for that matter. I hope at least that you live in a quiet section of your apartment complex, given that it is only 70% full. The fear for me is to have a nice place.... but noisy next door neighbors. Then I would have to wear noise-cancelling headsets a lot inside the apartment.

[@andrewtaylor4558]

😂

[@teatree6228]

Plunge pools- love them

[@jakelo1045]

Hi Taylor, as others pointed out there is actually a Small Claims Court in Malaysia. Starting a case there might be helpful and great content to talk about afterwards. As a step before that, I suggest contacting a lawyer. You can only represent yourself in the small claims court, but a lawyer can prepare you for the experience. Also a phone call from your lawyer to the landlord may signal that you are serious about the issue. In addition, a lawyer speaking Chinese or Bahasa is more likely to figure out what is really going on. Maybe the landlord fell on hard times financially and a repayment schedule can be arranged.

[@teatree6228]

Why make enemies in malaysia for a small amount of money? Consider it as charity and enjoy your retirement with your significant other and Earl. Life is short.