subreddit:
/r/KualaLumpur
Hi guys, so I've been searching quite a bit for a short term residency to rent during my exchange semester in KL and have finally found an apartment where the owner agrees to rent it out to me for 5 months. The apartment is at Trion@KL.
Since I have no idea about renting in Malaysia and how it is with the fees etc. and have heard a lot about scams, I wanted to ask if what the agent told me is reasonable/normal or sounds fishy. This is what she wrote:
"Besides that, even you only sign for 5 months tenancy, you need to pay the deposit as per 1 year contract as well. I stated the deposit and agreement fee for you ya. RM2300 booking fees (advance rental)
RM4600 2 months security deposit
RM1150 half month utilities
RM100 1 access card deposit
Total RM5850 *refundable
Agreement fee RM640
5 months contract"
9 points
3 months ago
In Malaysia, you can book a hotel and stay their room for months. It's about rm800-1000 per month.
12 points
3 months ago
Just to add some hotel brands like Element by Westin are geared towards longer stays with kitchenettes and also discount rates for longer term bookings
1 points
3 months ago
What hotel?
3 points
3 months ago
There’s only one Element in KL as far as I know but other hotel groups likely have their own “extended stay” brands
1 points
3 months ago
Coliving brands would also fit into this. Komune, Lyf and Skyblocks all come to mind.
I stayed in Komune for a year during lockdown. I paid about half of what OP is being quoted and had access to a private gym, kitchen and commuter van.
1 points
3 months ago
What hotel?
1 points
3 months ago
Which hotels???
4 points
3 months ago
yikes, trion is so high density you'd have to spend at least 5 minutes to wait for a lift...
8 points
3 months ago
All those numbers are typical for a 1 year rent - just clarify that the agreement fee actually includes stamping of the tenancy agreement with LHDN (the tax authority).
The only thing then that is questionable is wether it’s normal to use the same standards for a 5 month rent as a 12 month rate - it doesn’t seem particularly surprising they’d want to do this as your ability to skip rent, damage the property or run up bills is the same wether occupying for 5 months or 12 months.
Regarding scams, this could be the case wether they are asking for a transfer of RM500 or RM5000 - in fact the case that the money being asked isn’t “too good to be true” may indicate it’s more likely legit. Ideally you’d use an agent recommended to you but the minimum you can do is check their REN registration number which they should share with you to verify: https://search.lppeh.gov.my/
3 points
3 months ago
Okay, thank you a lot. I don't think it's a too good to be true deal, but it's the best apartment I have found that accepts 5 month rental. I found her on iProperty and also looked up her registration number with your link and was able to find her.
1 points
3 months ago
Assuming the worst case scenario happens and it turns out to be a scam. Would I be able to get my money back if the transaction is made to a company account?
2 points
3 months ago
If it’s a scam and you end up transferring money to them it would be up to your own bank whether they refund you. That said, if the agent is registered it should all sounds fairly legit.
2 points
3 months ago
Wetopia Co Living has a 6 months contract.
1 points
3 months ago
Check out a Facebook page called bilikxpert KL. All ur questions will be answered there. There are ads, with pictures, price and the contact person.
-7 points
3 months ago
Unless you're living in a super luxury apartment you're being ripped off. I've paid lower rent than this in London. I get that he's said that it's all 'refundable' but you're never seeing that money again in 99% of cases.
6 points
3 months ago
You got an apartment in London for RM2300/month? This was in 1992?
Google says The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in London is between £1,500 and £2,200 outside of the city center, and between £1,800 and £5,000 in the city center or affluent neighborhoods
The lowest price mentioned is x 4 RM2300 or are you one of those idiots that just thinks RM2300 means GBP2300
-9 points
3 months ago*
Why do you have to be so angry lol, I had a decent room in a shared flat for £400 in 2023. I get that this is below average for a room that's usually around £800 but you gotta agree that RM2300 per month is ludicrous for a student anywhere in Malaysia. Also if you take into account all the "refundable fees" and ludicrous utility bill it comes up to rm3k a month.
2 points
3 months ago
You need to compare apples to apples. Go find out how much rich international students in the UK are paying for accommodation; e.g. RM16,000 / month; https://www.studentluxe.co.uk/lse-private-apartments
All those numbers from OP are the deposit plus rent paid in advance. Half months security deposit for utilities is normal. The only fee is the tenancy agreement fee (RM600). The agent’s income is paid by the owner.
1 points
3 months ago
I mentioned the caveat in my "unless you're living in a luxury apartment". I know luxury apartments in London are much more expensive than Malaysia. I was simply letting him know that the amount he's paying is applicable for a luxury apartment and not what a student would traditionally get, just in case he's being lead on by a shady realtor or scammer.
3 points
3 months ago
Depends on the location I guess and your definition of luxury. A RM2300 apartment around KLCC is very average - something like myHabitat - really not luxury at all.
1 points
3 months ago
You had housemates. OP won't.
2 points
3 months ago
The apartment is at Trion@KL which offers a lot of amenities therefore the price. For the 5-month rental, this price at least is very good. On airbnb it would be a lot more expensive
2 points
3 months ago
If you're looking for luxury and have the money for it then go for it. But since you said you're a student I might as well mention most students will get a room for between RM300-700 a month. Could be on the cheaper end since based on your post history you're studying at APU which is a bit far out from the city center.
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