He proposed. You’re ecstatic. You both announce your marital plans to your family and friends and one of the questions you’re bound to receive in the midst of all the “Congratulations” and “So happy for you!” is “So, do you guys have a place to stay already?”
Now if you both already have a property in hand purchased during the earlier years of your relationship then good for you! But the reality is property prices have escalated to insane prices to the point where ordinary people like you and me are simply not earning enough to afford a property in the Klang Valley. Here’s where you consider renting a property. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, a couple on the brink of marriage or a family looking for a larger home for your growing little ones, finding a place that fulfills your requirements differs from one person to another.
Make a checklist of your needs. Is security and proximity to your workplace important to you? Do you wish to keep pets? If yes, then you only have landed property options. What about facilities and security? Are you the sort who wants an empty or fully furnished lot? These criteria can help your agent shortlist a property that is better suited to your needs.
The internet has made it easier than ever to connect property owners and potential buyers. Unless you prefer a weekly trip to your local convenience store for noticeboard updates, there are plenty of property websites in Malaysia such as iProperty, realestate, thinkproperty and hartanah to get you started. On top of that you can also view images of the property and check out its wherabouts on Google Maps. Do plenty of research of the area and think long term as most owners want their tenants to rent for a minimum of one year.
So you’ve found a few properties that catches your fancy, are they really as good as they look or sound? You call up the agent, make and appointment and you’re down at the property. Look around and inspect carefully. Are there any damages that may inconvenience you such as a leaky roof, broken taps and an autogate that just won’t shut after you? All these details can be overlooked when you’re overwhelmed over to bigger picture (e.g: nice location, colorful walls, etc.).
Always make sure that you’re paying a fair price for rental. Do research and check out the prices for other units in the area. Note down the condition of the property as well as inventory before moving in and draft out a contract between you and the owner or agent. Also you might want to rent properties with the option to purchase a few years down the road should you like living there in the long run.
If you’re sharing a property with others, choose your housemates carefully as this will determine the quality of your life in the next year. Also work our a budget if you’re all sharing the bills and have a set of house rules. Finding your dream home is no easy task and there will be many hiccups along the way but always clarify and negotiate to ensure you get your fair rights as a tenant. Happy house hunting!
