We’ve all been there. Newly graduated, fresh from the flurry of examinations and hostel parties, we embark upon a quest to move out of our parents’ place and to find a home to call our own.
Before you know it, 20-somethings turn into 30-somethings and the dream of buying your own house seems to drift further away than your dream of being adopted by the Sultan of Brunei.
But worry not, you can still rent your own place. To get out of your parents’ hair place, we’ve prepped a list of potong stim moments you should watch out for, and how to deal with them.
1. When landlords ask too many questions
One of the most potong stim moments that could happen is when a potential landlord asks too many seemingly irrelevant questions. You can only manage an “Uh-oh, here we go again” before they bombard you with questions about your family, workplace and if you’re seeing anyone. Sometimes they’re also concerned if you’re of a particular race or not.
How to deal with this: Be honest and upfront. Landlords, be nice-lah. Whether the potential tenant is single or not shouldn’t matter, yes?
2. When the rent is cheap but the deposit is steep
Scanning through rental listings, you may stumble upon a deliriously cheap house or apartment only to be disappointed later when the deposit demands are a bit too steep for your bank account.
How to deal with this: Negotiate with the landlord. You may also offer to take better care of their property and/or do repairs… anything to lower the deposit into something more affordable without having to resort to Maggi mee for the rest of the month.
3. When the rental listing says “Pictures are for illustration purposes only”
Beware, looks can be deceiving.
How to deal with this: There are no two ways about it. Call and make an appointment to view the place you want to rent, and make sure everything is in order before you get excited enough to sign on the dotted line.
4. When it looked so big on the outside
I do NOT have hobbit genes, okay? ;__;
How to deal with it: A studio unit is a studio unit, it’s going to be small, so accept it. Besides, it’ll be fun and cost-effective to furnish!
5. When you think you’re moving into a “quiet” neighborhood…
Life is like moving into a zoo, ‘cause you never know if you’re moving next to a party animal.
How to deal with this:
a) Two words: ear plugs; or
b) Seven words: if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.
6. When the swimming pool is … meh.
We’re not asking for an Olympic-sized pool but something bigger than a soup bowl would be nice, thank you. And don’t get us started on pools that are forever “under maintenance”.
How to deal with it: If the importance of the swimming pool is second only to life and death, obviously don’t rent one with subpar condition. Also, check out our post about top KL condos and serviced residences with the best swimming pools.
7. When “partially furnished” means a mattress on the floor.
You’d be lucky if you got there before the fleas do.
How to deal with it: Rent a place that comes fully furnished with all the stuff you need to move in. If you’re pressed for money and space, an air mattress might just be what you need: it’s affordable and can be kept away easily.
