{"id":32532,"date":"2021-08-01T23:26:29","date_gmt":"2021-08-01T15:26:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/?p=32532"},"modified":"2026-04-30T11:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T03:00:00","slug":"what-is-a-serviced-residences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/what-is-a-serviced-residences\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is A Serviced Residences in Malaysia?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A serviced residence in Malaysia is a residential-style unit in a building that often includes condo-like facilities and may sit on commercial or mixed-use land. For renters, the practical question is simple: compare the tenancy terms, utilities, parking, building rules, and total monthly cost before treating it like a normal apartment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Serviced residence vs apartment: what is the difference?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/An-infographic-comparing-land-titles-utility-rates-and-facilities-between-serviced-residences-and-standard-condominiums-in-Malaysia-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"An infographic comparing land titles, utility rates, and facilities between serviced residences and standard condominiums in Malaysia\" class=\"wp-image-56557\" srcset=\"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/An-infographic-comparing-land-titles-utility-rates-and-facilities-between-serviced-residences-and-standard-condominiums-in-Malaysia-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/An-infographic-comparing-land-titles-utility-rates-and-facilities-between-serviced-residences-and-standard-condominiums-in-Malaysia-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/An-infographic-comparing-land-titles-utility-rates-and-facilities-between-serviced-residences-and-standard-condominiums-in-Malaysia-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/An-infographic-comparing-land-titles-utility-rates-and-facilities-between-serviced-residences-and-standard-condominiums-in-Malaysia-390x205.jpg 390w, https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/An-infographic-comparing-land-titles-utility-rates-and-facilities-between-serviced-residences-and-standard-condominiums-in-Malaysia.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The difference is usually building categories, facilities, management rules and cost structure.<\/strong> A serviced residence can feel like a condo, but the underlying title, utilities, density and operating rules may differ significantly by project.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><!-- SH:BLOGIMG:2026-04-28:steps:55285 --><\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Item<\/th><th>Serviced residence<\/th><th>Apartment \/ condo<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Land title<\/td><td>Often commercial or mixed-use<\/td><td>Usually residential<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Facilities<\/td><td>Often condo-like (pool, gym, concierge)<\/td><td>Varies by project<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Utility billing<\/td><td>May be commercial-rated (higher tariff)<\/td><td>Residential tariff (lower)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Location<\/td><td>Often near commercial areas, city centre<\/td><td>Residential or mixed areas<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Management rules<\/td><td>May have stricter building policies<\/td><td>Depends on JMB<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Parking<\/td><td>May not be included in rent<\/td><td>Varies \u00e2\u0080\u0094 usually 1 bay included<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-close-up-visual-of-a-Malaysian-utility-bill-highlighting-commercial-tariff-rates-commonly-found-in-serviced-residences-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up visual of a Malaysian utility bill highlighting commercial tariff rates commonly found in serviced residences\" class=\"wp-image-56558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-close-up-visual-of-a-Malaysian-utility-bill-highlighting-commercial-tariff-rates-commonly-found-in-serviced-residences-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-close-up-visual-of-a-Malaysian-utility-bill-highlighting-commercial-tariff-rates-commonly-found-in-serviced-residences-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-close-up-visual-of-a-Malaysian-utility-bill-highlighting-commercial-tariff-rates-commonly-found-in-serviced-residences-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-close-up-visual-of-a-Malaysian-utility-bill-highlighting-commercial-tariff-rates-commonly-found-in-serviced-residences-390x205.jpg 390w, https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-close-up-visual-of-a-Malaysian-utility-bill-highlighting-commercial-tariff-rates-commonly-found-in-serviced-residences.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The utility billing difference is the most common surprise. Some serviced residences are metered at commercial TNB rates, which are significantly higher than residential rates. Always confirm the tariff structure before signing \u00e2\u0080\u0094 ask to see a recent utility bill from the unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who should rent a serviced residence?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-lifestyle-graphic-depicting-the-target-demographic-for-serviced-residences-in-Malaysia-including-young-professionals-and-expats-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"A lifestyle graphic depicting the target demographic for serviced residences in Malaysia, including young professionals and expats\" class=\"wp-image-56559\" srcset=\"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-lifestyle-graphic-depicting-the-target-demographic-for-serviced-residences-in-Malaysia-including-young-professionals-and-expats-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-lifestyle-graphic-depicting-the-target-demographic-for-serviced-residences-in-Malaysia-including-young-professionals-and-expats-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-lifestyle-graphic-depicting-the-target-demographic-for-serviced-residences-in-Malaysia-including-young-professionals-and-expats-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-lifestyle-graphic-depicting-the-target-demographic-for-serviced-residences-in-Malaysia-including-young-professionals-and-expats-390x205.jpg 390w, https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-lifestyle-graphic-depicting-the-target-demographic-for-serviced-residences-in-Malaysia-including-young-professionals-and-expats.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Serviced residences suit renters who value location, facilities, security and convenience over lower monthly outgoings.<\/strong> They tend to work well for young professionals, expatriates, couples and renters with short commutes who are willing to pay for a hotel-adjacent lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><!-- SH:BLOGIMG:2026-04-28:comparison:55286 --><\/p>\n\n\n<p>They are less ideal if you want: lower density and a quieter environment, a family-oriented neighbourhood with schools nearby, or the lowest possible monthly cost. Always compare the exact building rather than the label \u00e2\u0080\u0094 some serviced residences are indistinguishable from standard condos in practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What should you check before signing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-rental-inspection-checklist-for-serviced-residences-featuring-parking-internet-and-utility-tariff-verification-steps-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"A rental inspection checklist for serviced residences featuring parking, internet, and utility tariff verification steps\" class=\"wp-image-56560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-rental-inspection-checklist-for-serviced-residences-featuring-parking-internet-and-utility-tariff-verification-steps-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-rental-inspection-checklist-for-serviced-residences-featuring-parking-internet-and-utility-tariff-verification-steps-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-rental-inspection-checklist-for-serviced-residences-featuring-parking-internet-and-utility-tariff-verification-steps-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-rental-inspection-checklist-for-serviced-residences-featuring-parking-internet-and-utility-tariff-verification-steps-390x205.jpg 390w, https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-rental-inspection-checklist-for-serviced-residences-featuring-parking-internet-and-utility-tariff-verification-steps.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Check the total monthly cost, not only the rental price.<\/strong> Serviced residences frequently have extra costs that standard condos do not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><!-- SH:BLOGIMG:2026-04-28:summary:55287 --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Confirm whether utilities are billed at residential or commercial TNB rates \u00e2\u0080\u0094 the gap can be RM100\u00e2\u0080\u0093300\/month for typical usage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask whether parking is included or charged separately (RM80\u00e2\u0080\u0093200\/month is common in city-centre buildings).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check internet and cable TV arrangements \u00e2\u0080\u0094 some buildings have mandatory building-wide packages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Read the tenancy agreement for repair and maintenance responsibility clauses \u00e2\u0080\u0094 who pays when the air-con fails?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask about access card, move-in and move-out fees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confirm the management office&#8217;s rules on guests, deliveries and short-term subletting (some prohibit it).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is a serviced residence worth it?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>It depends entirely on your priorities and the specific building.<\/strong> Use this decision guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Your priority<\/th><th>Serviced residence fit?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Minimal commute, city-centre location<\/td><td>Strong fit a most are well-located<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Lowest monthly cost<\/td><td>Weak fit for commercial utilities and parking add up<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hotel-like facilities and concierge<\/td><td>Strong fit<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Family with children, school proximity<\/td><td>Neutral depends on the building and area<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Long-term stay (2+ years)<\/td><td>Check lease terms and some limit the stay duration<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>No car, public transit dependent<\/td><td>Strong fit if near MRT\/LRT<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Find serviced residences for rent<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use <a href=\"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/\">SPEEDHOME<\/a> to filter listings by property type and location. Listings show verified photos, price history and direct landlord contact \u00e2\u0080\u0094 no agent fees. Compare the total cost including utilities before shortlisting units to view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQ<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-726be5c2-e17b-43bd-abfc-b55a14d18170\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"false\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-726be5c2-e17b-43bd-abfc-b55a14d18170\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-726be5c2-e17b-43bd-abfc-b55a14d18170\" style=\"color: #000000; \">Is a serviced residence the same as a hotel?<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down open\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-726be5c2-e17b-43bd-abfc-b55a14d18170\">\n\n<p>No \u00e2\u0080\u0094 a serviced residence is a long-term rental unit, not a hotel room. It has a full tenancy agreement, a kitchen, and is governed by the same landlord-tenant rules as any other residential rental. Some buildings also allow short-stay operators, but the standard product is a 12-month tenancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-1-726be5c2-e17b-43bd-abfc-b55a14d18170\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-726be5c2-e17b-43bd-abfc-b55a14d18170\" style=\"color: #000000; \">Are serviced residences more expensive than condos?<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down open\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-1-726be5c2-e17b-43bd-abfc-b55a14d18170\">\n\n<p>The rental price may be similar, but total monthly cost is often higher once you add commercial-rate utilities and parking. Get a full breakdown before comparing headline rent figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-2-726be5c2-e17b-43bd-abfc-b55a14d18170\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-726be5c2-e17b-43bd-abfc-b55a14d18170\" style=\"color: #000000; \">Can families rent serviced residences?<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down open\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-2-726be5c2-e17b-43bd-abfc-b55a14d18170\">\n\n<p>Yes, but check: density (serviced residences are often high-occupancy), proximity to schools, playground facilities, and building rules on noise and guest access. Some buildings suit families well; others are more suited to single professionals.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Vacancy returns \u2014 what now?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your serviced residence tenancy is ending or you are dealing with a vacant unit, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/tenant-rental-lifecycle-malaysia\/\">complete rental lifecycle guide<\/a> for checklists covering notice periods, deposit return and handover documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!-- LINKUP-2026-04-26 -->\n<div class=\"related-guides\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related guides<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/things-to-check-before-renting-a-house\/\">Things to check before renting a house in Malaysia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/tenancy-agreement-in-malaysia\/\">Tenancy agreement in Malaysia: complete guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/maintenance-fee-who-should-pay\/\">Maintenance fee in Malaysia: who pays?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><p>Tenant moves out. The unit needs a refresh. Read the <a href=\"\/blog\/speedreno-rental-fitout-malaysia\/\">SPEEDRENO rental-first fit-out guide<\/a>.<\/p><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A serviced residence in Malaysia is a residential-style unit in a building that often includes condo-like facilities and may sit<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":56556,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"categories":[3,11],"tags":[55],"class_list":["post-32532","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landlord","category-for-tenants","tag-tenant-guide"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-luxury-serviced-residence-interior-in-Kuala-Lumpur-featuring-a-city-skyline-view-and-premium-amenities-symbolizing-the-high-convenience-lifestyle.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"SPEEDHOME Editorial Team","author_link":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/author\/speedhome-editorial\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32532","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32532"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32532\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56561,"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32532\/revisions\/56561"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56556"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32532"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32532"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32532"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}