First-Time Renter? 5 Clauses You Must Check Before Signing that tenancy agreement

Moving into your first rental home is a huge milestone. You’ve probably spent weeks scrolling through property listings, viewing units, and imagining exactly where your furniture will go. But before you get the keys, there is one boring (but dangerous) hurdle left: The Tenancy Agreement.

Most first-time renters just glance at the monthly rent amount, nod, and sign whatever document the agent or landlord puts in front of them. This is a mistake.

The “standard” free template that most landlords use is often heavily biased against you. It creates hidden traps that can cost you your deposit—or your peace of mind—months down the road. Whether you are renting a studio apartment or a landed house, here are 5 specific clauses you must check before signing, and how our Pro-Tenant Agreement Packs protect you.

1. The “Job Transfer” Protection (Early Termination)

Life is unpredictable. You might get transferred to a new job in a different state, or face unexpected medical hardship.

  • The Trap: Most standard agreements are strict “fixed-term” contracts. If you sign for 12 months and leave after 6, you are usually legally liable to pay the remaining 6 months of rent as a penalty—even if you have a valid reason for leaving.
  • What to Check: Look for an Early Termination Clause that accepts valid reasons for ending the contract.
  • The DIYa Difference: Our Pro-Tenant Agreement specifically covers job relocation, transfer, medical hardship, or serious unforeseen circumstances. If you can provide reasonable proof (like an HR letter), you can end the tenancy early without paying a compensation penalty.

2. The “Privacy” Number (Right of Entry)

You’re paying rent, so it’s your home, right? Well, the landlord still owns it, and they will want to inspect it.

  • The Trap: Some aggressive agreements allow the owner to enter with just 12 hours’ notice, or worse, “at any reasonable time” without defining it. Imagine waking up on a Saturday morning to your landlord knocking on the door to “check the walls.”
  • What to Check: Look for Section 7: Right of Entry. You want to see a requirement for at least 48 hours’ written notice.
  • The DIYa Difference: We believe in your right to “Quiet Enjoyment”. Our Tenant-Edition agreements strictly require a 48-hour written notice period so you never face surprise visits.

3. The “Future Rent” Trap (Renewal Caps)

You love the place. You stay for a year. Then, the landlord says, “Rent is going up by RM500 next month.”

  • The Trap: If your renewal clause says “at prevailing market rate” without a cap, the landlord can increase the price as much as they want, effectively forcing you to move out if you can’t afford it.
  • What to Check: Look at the Renewal Section. Does it have a specific percentage cap?
  • The DIYa Difference: Our templates include a standard protection clause limiting any rent increase to no more than 10% of the current rent. This secures your budget for the future.

4. The “Aircon” Ambiguity

In Malaysia, air-conditioning is essential. But who pays when it leaks or stops cold?

  • The Trap: Many agreements are vague, leading to fights over who pays for chemical cleaning vs. gas top-ups vs. motor repairs. You might be blamed for a broken unit just because it wasn’t serviced “recently.”
  • What to Check: Look for the Maintenance Section. Does it specify exactly who pays for servicing and how often?
  • The DIYa Difference: We remove the guesswork. Our agreements specify that servicing must be done by a qualified technician at least once every six (6) months. This clear timeline protects you from being blamed for long-term damage due to lack of maintenance.

5. The “Cash Flow” Saver (Using Deposit for Last Month’s Rent)

Moving out is expensive. You usually have to pay the deposit for your new place before you get the deposit back from your old place.

  • The Trap: Almost every standard agreement in Malaysia says: “Security Deposit cannot be used to pay rent.” This leaves you with a huge cash flow gap during your moving month.
  • The DIYa Difference: This is a premium feature exclusive to our Pro-Tenant Pack. We include a special clause that allows you to elect to use your Security Deposit (rental portion) to pay for the last month’s rent. This means you don’t have to fork out extra cash right before you move.

Take Control of Your Tenancy

A tenancy agreement isn’t just a receipt; it’s a legal shield. Relying on a free, generic template often means you are signing away your rights.

DIY Agreement’s Pro-Tenant Packs are a small investment that can save you thousands in lost deposits and unfair penalties. For a one-time fee, you get:

  • A professionally drafted agreement (Bilingual English & Malay).
  • A comprehensive Guidebook explaining every clause in plain language.
  • Tenant-first protections (like the Deposit Set-Off and Relocation Clause) that you won’t find in standard free contracts.
Buy Pro-Tenant Agreement Pack

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