Renting accomodation - deposits, what is normal?
 

We are moving out in 3 weeks time to KL.
Found somewhere in Dese Park City at last.

Wife is working at a school and our agent works through them so its all kosher from that side. He found us this place.

Rent was fine, pay a little in advance, no problem. 5800RM
Then there was securtiy deposit. 11600RM
Then utility deposit 2900RM
Stamping fee. 579RM

Is this standard?
Also, we have to sign the agreement, then pay it before the landlord signs.

This is a huge amount by UK standards and something doesn't sit right. I certainly won't be sending money out to someone before they have signed an agreement that's for certain!

please reply urgently!! panic.

Re: Renting accomodation - deposits, what is normal?
 

Sounds about right.

We paid a security deposit equiv to two months rental. Utilities dep equiv to half a month rental plus the legal/stamp fees.

Re: Renting accomodation - deposits, what is normal?
 

thank you for replying!! Its so difficult to tell if it is normal. someone else we know said the same so that makes me feel a lot better.

Re: Renting accomodation - deposits, what is normal?
 

No problem, and good luck. I assume your wife will teach at the new International School out that way? Hope you enjoy Malaysia

Re: Renting accomodation - deposits, what is normal?
 

We worried about the same thing, but it is standard practice over here. 2 months rent as deposit, 1/2 months rent utility deposit (the bills stay in the owners name because it would take so long for them to change them), plus stamping duty.
Other thing you need to prepare yourself for is the cost of buying or renting a car...ouch! Everything else though is comparatively cheap.
Good luck with the move!

Re: Renting accomodation - deposits, what is normal?
 

thank you.

you no its not a scam or anything but alarm bells do ring!

Re: Renting accomodation - deposits, what is normal?
 

As you have gathered this is standard practice in Malaysia. I find landlords here are not as fussy as European ones when it comes to handing back the keys and the review of the property. You may even be able to use the security deposit for last two months rent prior to leaving, but check first.