whybirda

My children start at AISM in October this year and we're looking to rent a reasonably priced house near the school.

We quite like the look of Country Heights as this isn't too far from the school, plus it's a gated community whihc is a must, so I'm just looking for advice or any tips from people who leave in this area or near it.

Also are rental prices negotiable?

Thanks

bakedbean

I think rental prices in Malaysia are very much negotiable from what I hear.

whybirda

I thought as much but just wanted to check, many thanks for your reply

ajw

Congrats on getting the school places sorted for your kids. I don't live out that way but I hear Country Heights is nice. There will probably be plenty of AISM families (and teachers) living around you too. Agree with baked bean - negotiate hard on rentals!

ex reg

I'd say negotiate but be careful.
There is an owner/lessee relationship which will continue for 2 years, maybe longer.
Don't get off on the wrong foot by forcing the owner to do things he's unhappy about but don't be afraid to negotiate :
-a rent reduction to what you believe is fair
-additional furniture or change of things you aren't happy with
- a renovation of the apartment or part reno

Don't forget the owner will hold 2 months deposit and if he thinks he's been screwed at the beginning then he might try to screw you at the end and then things may become drawn out whoever is right.

These kind of relationships are the same the world over not just in Malaysia and just because you think you've been fair at the start of the contract doesn't mean the owner will be fair at the end.
But a good relationship goes some way to making things easier all round.
If you think you aren't getting a fair deal then don't sign and look elsewhere.

ajw

Fair point from exreg, but if you see a lot of properties for rent from the same estate dont be afraid to negotiate down. The internet is a great tool because lends visability to whats on the market and what is being asked.

RedDragon2008

Why are gated commuties a must?

ajw

Security?

Normally I wouldnt go near a gated community but in Malaysia I can understand why they are needed (although you still hear of robberies in gated communities here)...

bakedbean

Same in Thailand too. We used to live in a house on a gated 24 hour manned community, and still you got some break-ins.

It's just an extra layer of security. They don't seem to do this concept in the UK, do they? I guess it would cost too much to do with wages of security personnel.

ex reg

All condos in Singapore have exterior walls or big hedges and a main security gate with a barrier for both cars and pedestrians.
If there is a secondary gate somewhere it will also have security and a barrier or a card entry system.
Lifts in the condo might also have a card which will stop the lift on your floor only.
Doesn't prevent burglaries and can be slightly annoying at times of rush. If we were living in Malaysia now we'd only live in gated although when we lived there 20 years ago we didn't bother.
Most new developments in and around JB will be gated, ditto Penang I'd guess.

RedDragon2008

My inlaws live in a detached house in Bangsar, so my experience is of this not gated communities. I did live in a GC in the states and hated it.

ajw

I've been to several here as a visitor. Some are a lot better than others for sure.

My husband travels a lot and I wouldn't feel particularly safe in a detached bungalow by myself with the kids in KL. Have heard too many horror stories.

You probably know that residents in many areas employ their own guards to sit on the street corner and give the illusion of enhanced security but IMO these guys are fairly useless.

RedDragon2008

True, we have had friends nearby in detached houses suffer being bound/gagged while the gang ransacked their house and took even the family pets.

whybirda

Some of these comments don't fill me with confidence, but anyway I'm sure we'll find somewhere

bakedbean

Surprisingly, not all new houses are gated in Penang.