How to Rent a Private Accommodation in Malaysia

Renting a private accommodation in Malaysia is usually the second choice for most international students. However, in case you want to rent a private property, here’s a quick guide to doing it in Malaysia. 

Why Rent in Malaysia? 

Most international students usually choose on-campus accommodations due to their proximity to their classes and the convenience it brings. However, did you know that there are also many benefits to renting a private property in Malaysia? These benefits include more affordable living space, more freedom to move around, greater independence and comfort. 

Malaysia, generally speaking, is an affordable place to live in. When you rent and share it with other students, the cost becomes lower. It can even be lower than most on-campus accommodations. When it comes to freedom and greater independence, unlike on-campus accommodations, you don’t need to follow rules, such as curfew or not partying inside the accommodation. In fact, you can almost do anything in a rented property, as long as you still follow Malaysia’s laws.

Lastly, when it comes to space, you have better options when renting. In an on-campus accommodation, you usually don’t have the option to choose which type of room you will get and how many roommates you will have. 

How to Look for Rentals in Malaysia 

There are various ways to look for a place to rent in Malaysia. You can go through an agency, your institution, or do it on your own. 

The advantage of doing it through a real estate agent is having an insight into the local property market. They will help you get the best deal with your budget and what you are looking for in a house. Moreover, some of those agencies specialize in student housing, so those are the ones you should tap.

Another way to do this is by asking for the help of your institution through its international student assistance office. In most cases, aside from on-campus accommodations, institutions can coordinate you with legitimate and safe agencies or private accommodation rentals that are also near the campus. 

Another way to do this is by looking for accommodation on your own. You can do this by going through online ads for student housing, or ads posted on your school’s bulletin board. You can also check the property on your own, to ensure it fits your standards.

Requirements When Renting in Malaysia

In most cases, owners of private accommodations in Malaysia are hesitant to rent out their properties to foreigners due to possible leaving the country on short notice, resulting in an unsettled rent balance. Thus, the best way to rent a private property is by giving enough assurance to your landlord about your stay in the country. To do this, you may have to provide them with some documents certifying how long you will be staying in Malaysia, and if possible, a letter of recommendation from your school. 

After that initial assurance, you just have to sign a tenancy agreement with your landlord and give them a photocopy of any of your valid IDs, such as your student ID or passport. 

Renting a private accommodation in Malaysia is just one of the student housing options international students can choose. To learn more about Malaysia’s student accommodations, check out MSM Unify’s article on Student Accommodation Options in Malaysia.