First-time landlord: what should you do before handing over keys?
Before you hand over keys, you need a priced listing, screened tenant, signed and stamped tenancy agreement, documented payment, inventory photos and clear utility responsibility. A first-time landlord's biggest risk is treating the rental like a casual favour instead of a documented handover of an asset.
Five steps before move-in
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Price the unit | Compare current listings by building, size, furnishing and parking |
| Prepare the unit | Fix safety, leaks, locks, air-conditioning and visible defects |
| Screen tenant | Verify identity, income, occupants and move-in funds |
| Sign agreement | State rent, deposit, repairs, notice, utilities and inventory |
| Handover record | Photograph condition, keys, access cards and meter readings |
What must be in the tenancy agreement?
At minimum: landlord and tenant details, property address, rent, due date, tenancy period, deposit or Zero Deposit status, utilities, repair responsibilities, notice period, early termination terms, inventory, house rules and default process.
Stamping and evidence
A stamped tenancy agreement is your strongest written proof if a dispute escalates. Do not rely on WhatsApp alone. Keep receipts and signed documents in one folder.
Stamp duty runs on the Finance Act 2024 scale — RM1 / RM3 / RM5 / RM7 per RM250 of annual rent depending on lease length, with the old RM2,400 exemption gone since January 2025. For a typical RM1,800/month one-year tenancy (RM21,600 annual rent), that's about RM87, paid through e-Duti Setem on MyTax. Skipping this step doesn't void the agreement between you and the tenant, but an unstamped TA can't be used as evidence in court, so a first-time landlord who never stamps is one dispute away from finding out the agreement they relied on isn't admissible.
Utility and maintenance mistakes
Clarify who pays TNB, water, Indah Water, internet and management-related charges. For repairs, separate fair wear and tear from tenant-caused damage. Record the unit condition on day one so both sides have a baseline.
How SPEEDHOME helps
SPEEDHOME helps by structuring listing, screening, agreement and payment workflow. It does not remove the need to read your own terms, but it reduces the chance of a first-time landlord missing a basic control.
FAQ
Should I stamp the agreement?
Yes. It improves evidentiary strength and should be treated as standard practice.
Can I set any deposit amount?
Use market-standard terms and write them clearly. If using Zero Deposit, confirm listing and tenant eligibility.
Should utilities be under the tenant's name?
It depends on the property and service provider process, but responsibility must be written clearly before handover.