What is SPEEDHOME and how does it work for tenants?
SPEEDHOME is a Malaysian rental platform where tenants search verified listings, book viewings, apply for eligible Zero Deposit units, and sign a tenancy through a structured digital process — reducing the risk of scam listings and unverified landlords. It is most useful when you want a clearer, evidence-backed rental path instead of random chat listings.
| Step | What you do | What SPEEDHOME does |
|---|---|---|
| Search | Filter by area, budget, room type, furnishing and move-in date | Surfaces verified listings with real photos |
| Shortlist | Compare rent, Zero Deposit tag, and building location | Shows ownership-verified units only |
| View | Inspect unit condition, parking, building access, defects | Enables in-app viewing appointment scheduling |
| Apply | Submit required tenant details for screening | Runs background and income verification |
| Sign | Review the tenancy agreement online before paying | Generates a signed digital TA and stores it |
| Move in | Pay first month's rent and any required charges | Records handover evidence in-app |
What does Zero Deposit mean for tenants?
Zero Deposit replaces the upfront cash security deposit for eligible units; it is not a blanket waiver of all pre-move-in costs and not every application is approved. You still need to pass screening, pay rent on time, and follow the tenancy agreement in full.
| What Zero Deposit changes | What it does not change |
|---|---|
| Replaces the 2–3 month cash security deposit for eligible units | You still pay a utility deposit and first month's rent |
| Reduces upfront cost at move-in | You are still responsible for damage beyond fair wear and tear |
| Eliminates the risk of deposit non-return disputes (no cash held) | Your tenancy agreement obligations remain fully in force |
Read the full Zero Deposit guide for tenants before assuming your unit qualifies.
What should tenants check before booking a viewing?
Run the real-cost calculation before you fall for the photos. Total the rent, utility deposit, parking, internet, access card fee, commute cost and any agent or admin fee. Your move-in budget is often 2× to 3× the monthly rent even on a Zero Deposit unit.
During the viewing, take dated photos of every defect — scuffs, stains, broken fittings — and note them in writing so you are not charged at move-out. Ask what will be fixed before handover and get the answer in writing.
Before the viewing, check the commute route at your actual travel time — not mid-afternoon on a Saturday. MRT and LRT transit times in the Klang Valley change significantly during peak hours. Check whether the building car park is covered or open, whether visitor parking exists, and whether the unit faces a main road (noise and heat matter for day-to-day liveability).
During the viewing, open every tap, test every switch, check the water heater, look for water stains on ceilings, and inspect the windows and sliding doors. Defects you miss before signing become disputes at move-out.
Check house viewing red flags for a full checklist of problems to look for before signing.
Browse all SPEEDHOME rentals and shortlist at least three units before applying.
What screening does SPEEDHOME do on landlords and listings?
SPEEDHOME verifies ownership before a listing goes live, which removes the most common category of rental scam — fake listings by non-owners. Tenant details are also screened before the landlord accepts an application.
| Check | Who it covers | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership verification | Landlord | Confirms the listing owner can legally rent the unit |
| CTOS / income check | Tenant (applicant) | Assesses rental payment ability |
| Background screening | Tenant (applicant) | Rental history and identity |
Scam-free is not the same as problem-free — ownership verification prevents fake listings, but it does not guarantee the unit is in perfect condition or that the landlord will be responsive to repairs. Do your own due diligence during viewing, get commitments in writing, and make sure the TA records who is responsible for what repairs and in what timeframe.
Read how SPEEDHOME tenant screening works and how to identify red flags before signing.
What does the SPEEDHOME tenancy agreement cover?
The SPEEDHOME-generated tenancy agreement records rent, term, payment channel, house rules, maintenance duties, permitted subletting, and move-out obligations. It is a legally binding contract; read it before signing.
Key clauses to check before you sign:
- Monthly rent amount, due date and accepted payment method
- Tenancy start and end date and renewal terms
- Deposit terms (cash or Zero Deposit) and conditions for deduction
- Who pays for what repairs and how quickly faults must be fixed
- Rules on guests, subletting, pets and alterations
- Early termination notice period and associated costs
Do not sign until you understand every clause. If anything is vague — for example, if the repair responsibility clause is unclear — ask for it to be written in plain language before signing. An ambiguous TA becomes a dispute waiting to happen.
See essential clauses in a Malaysian tenancy agreement for a full reading guide.
Costs tenants should budget for
Budget for at least two to three months' rent upfront even on a Zero Deposit unit — first month's rent, utility deposit, access card, and stamp duty can add up quickly. Confirm each cost before viewing so you are not surprised at signing.
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First month's rent | 100% of monthly rent | Due at signing |
| Utility deposit | RM200–RM500 | Held by landlord or SPEEDHOME |
| Access card / fob | RM50–RM200 per card | Building-dependent |
| Stamp duty on TA | Scales with rent | Required by law; SPEEDHOME assists |
| Zero Deposit fee (where applicable) | Check current terms | Replaces security deposit |
Stamp duty on a tenancy agreement is a legal requirement in Malaysia. SPEEDHOME assists with e-stamping through Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN).
What tenants must do at move-out
Your move-out obligation starts at move-in — the handover photos you take on day one are your best defence against unfair deductions. When the tenancy ends, return the unit in the same condition as received (less fair wear and tear), provide proper written notice, and attend the move-out inspection.
| Move-out step | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Give written notice per the TA | Required notice is usually 1–2 months; verbal notice is not enough |
| Clear all arrears and utility bills | Outstanding charges will be deducted from the deposit or claimed separately |
| Attend the move-out inspection | Your presence lets you dispute unfair deductions on the spot |
| Return all keys, access cards and fobs | Missing items will be charged; keep receipts for returned items |
| Take dated photos at handover | Comparison against move-in photos protects against inflated damage claims |
Disagreements over deductions go to the landlord first. For unresolved disputes on amounts below RM5,000, the Magistrates' Court small-claims procedure is available without a lawyer.
FAQ
Is SPEEDHOME only for Zero Deposit units?
No. Some listings are Zero Deposit eligible and others operate on conventional rental terms. You can filter by Zero Deposit tag when searching.
Do I still need a tenancy agreement even on SPEEDHOME?
Yes. The tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract that records rent, term, house rules, payment timing, repair duties and move-out obligations. SPEEDHOME generates a digital TA and stores a signed copy for both parties.
What happens if my Zero Deposit application is rejected?
The landlord or SPEEDHOME may require a conventional deposit for units where your screening result does not meet Zero Deposit eligibility. You can still proceed with a cash deposit on those units.
How do I book a viewing on SPEEDHOME?
Through the listing page in the SPEEDHOME app or website. The platform auto-creates a confirmed appointment and sends both parties a reminder. Bring your NRIC and take dated photos of any defects during the visit.
What if there is a dispute with my landlord after move-in?
Contact SPEEDHOME support first. For unresolved disputes over deposit deductions or arrears below RM5,000, the Magistrates' Court small-claims procedure allows you to file without a lawyer. SPEEDHOME's in-app records (handover photos, payment history, messages) are useful evidence.
Is SPEEDHOME available for rooms as well as whole units?
Yes. SPEEDHOME lists both whole units and rooms. Filter by room type when searching. Check whether the listing is for a master room, medium room or small room and confirm what is shared.