Moving into your new rental

• Get a signed and stamped copy of your tenancy agreement.
• Confirm the key handover date and time with the landlord or agent.
• Give notice at your current home and plan when your deposit there will be returned.
• Book movers or a lorry early, especially at the end of the month.
• Ask the building management about moving rules, lift booking and any moving deposit.

Walk through the home with the landlord or agent before you move your things in, and agree on its condition. Take dated photos and videos, and keep them with your tenancy agreement.

• Walls, floors and ceilings: stains, cracks, damp or leaks.
• Doors, windows, grilles and locks: all keys and access cards work.
• Air-conditioners, water heater, fans and lights switch on and work.
• Taps, toilets and drains: water pressure, no leaks, drains flow.
• Kitchen: hob, hood, sink and any appliances listed in the inventory.
• Furniture and appliances match the inventory list in your agreement.
• Meter readings for electricity and water on the day you get the keys.

• Electricity — in Peninsular Malaysia, supplied by TNB. Ask whether the account stays in the landlord's name or is transferred to you.
• Water — supplied by your state's water operator (for example Air Selangor in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor).
• Sewerage — often billed separately by Indah Water Konsortium.
• Gas — piped gas in some buildings, otherwise gas cylinders.
• Condominium maintenance fees are normally paid by the owner; confirm this in your agreement.

• Check which fibre providers serve the building before you sign — coverage varies by building.
• Ask whether an existing line or router is left in the unit and whose name the account is in.
• Installation can take days to weeks. Book early, or plan to use mobile data for the first week.
• Check the contract length against your tenancy so you're not paying after you move out.

• Your bank, card issuers and insurer.
• Your employer (payroll and EPF records).
• LHDN, if you file income tax.
• Your MyKad address at JPN, if you're moving for the long term.
• Your driving licence and vehicle records.
• Online shopping, delivery and subscription accounts.

• Access cards and car park stickers are usually registered with the management office — bring your tenancy agreement and ID.
• Some buildings charge for extra or replacement access cards.
• Ask about guest registration, delivery rules and quiet hours.
• Save the management office and security contact numbers.

• Keys, access cards and car park access collected and tested.
• Lift booked and protected if the building requires it.
• Meter readings photographed.
• Inspection photos taken before furniture goes in.
• Essentials box: documents, chargers, toiletries, basic tools, cleaning supplies.
• Check your old home is empty and returned as agreed.