![[AskGuru] As A Newly Employed Single Woman Looking to Rent in KL, What Should Be My Priorities?](https://img.iproperty.com.my/angel/1110x624-crop/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/07/136022499_m.jpg)
Q: Hello! I’m a 25-year-old woman from Kota Kinabalu who will soon start a new job in Kuala Lumpur. I’m considering renting a place and have been exploring condominiums in the Klang Valley, but the abundance of options is overwhelming.
Could you advise me on what to look for when renting a home and recommend safe areas for a single woman like me? My office will be in the KLCC area, and I’ve heard that rental rates there are pretty high. Your advice would be greatly appreciated!
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Hello! Congratulations on your new job, and thank you for trusting us to help you with your renting journey!
Renting might not be as significant a milestone as buying your property, but it is still a major financial commitment. Once you sign a tenancy agreement, you will be living on the property for the duration of the contract, so make sure you choose the most suitable property for your needs.
There are a few things you need to consider before renting a property, and as you are just starting your career, the most important one will be your budget. Living alone and working in KL, you should consider your safety and accessibility too. Let us look at each item in detail.
1. Budget- Deposits, Utilities, Monthly Commitments etc
First, you must decide how much you can afford to pay for rent. It would be best to consider this before even looking for places because rent is a monthly commitment, and you do not want to spend a big chunk of your salary on it.
As you will be living alone, you won’t need such a large space so that a one-bedroom apartment might be enough. You will also spend less time cleaning your house with a smaller space!
Finally, always try to negotiate the rent! What’s the worst that can happen? If you are lucky, you might get a lower price than your budget!
2. Fully furnished vs. unfurnished?
One of the things that will affect the rental price is whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished. For properties of similar sizes, unfurnished ones typically cost less to rent, but there are pros and cons to unfurnished units.
If you already have furniture such as a sofa, dining table, bed, and mattress, renting an unfurnished unit would make more sense. Moving the furniture takes some work, but you can customise the space to your preference.
For someone just starting and working in the city, you probably won’t want to deal with the hassle of buying or moving furniture. Therefore, renting a fully furnished unit will be a better option, even though you will pay slightly more for rent.
What’s more, you don’t want to be stuck with heavy furniture until you are sure that you like your job and the company you are working for. Moving to another rental unit will make it easier if you decide to change jobs.
Remember to factor in the upfront costs and deposits you need to fork out before moving into the property.
3. Safety- Do You Feel Comfortable?
Being a lady living on your own, your safety is a priority. Choosing a strata property (condominiums, apartments, or gated and guarded housing areas) will be a better choice as these properties have security guards at the entry and exit points.
Before renting a condo or apartment, you should also check the building’s facilities. Ask to see the allocated parking space to see if you would need to walk through any dark walkways to get to your unit.
Check the common facilities (entry points, car park, lifts) to see if CCTVs are installed. Additional features in the rental unit, such as smoke detectors, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers, will help keep you safe at home.
Another thing you can do is to wander around the neighborhood of your potential rental property, both during the day and night, to get a feel for the community and gauge your level of comfort with the surroundings.
4. Accessibility- Is Public Transportation Available Nearby?
The other thing you want to look at is the accessibility of your rental property. Is public transportation available nearby? Is there an easy connection to major highways?
If you plan to take public transportation, it’s best to select a property within walking distance of an MRT, LRT, or bus station. Last-mile connectivity is a major issue in the Klang Valley, and you could spend more time trying to get to the station.
If you are driving, consider the route you would be taking to get to work. If you can easily access major highways, commuting to your office in KL will be much easier. Assess the traffic condition in the neighbourhood during peak hours, especially if you are opting for a condo or apartment and there are other high-density properties nearby.
Looking for a room near LRT/ MRT?
5. Location- City Centre VS Suburban?
Choosing where to stay is another important consideration when renting a property. Renting a place in the city centre makes it easier to get to work, but rental prices can be quite high compared to suburban areas.
If you have a car and don’t mind the commute (and potential traffic jams), consider areas outside the city, such as Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Cheras, or even Cyberjaya.
If your job requires long hours, paying a bit more to stay nearer to your workplace might be worth the time saved on commuting. As a compromise, you can choose a smaller unit (one-bedroom or studio apartment) for a lower rent.
To live in the city without spending too much on rent, you can also consider renting a room instead of the whole apartment.
4 Areas to Rent a Property/Room in Klang Valley
There are many areas in the Klang Valley that you can consider renting, either in the city itself or in one of the many suburbs around Kuala Lumpur. Below are some of the more popular areas for those looking to rent.
1. KLCC
Since you will be working in KL, KLCC has a variety of condos and serviced apartments to choose from. You can walk to work if you select a property close to your office.
If not, several MRT and LRT stations in the KLCC area and the neighbouring Bukit Bintang make getting around without a car convenient. While properties in this prime commercial area are expensive, there are options for one-bedroom and studio apartments for rent.
Advantages:
- Easy accessibility to offices and commercial areas either by foot or public transportation
- There is KLCC Park, which offers a wide-open green space for recreation
- A wide variety of shopping malls, retail spaces and food options available in the area, which means you won’t have to travel far to get your daily necessities
Disadvantages:
- Higher rental means that you have to compromise by choosing smaller units
- Traffic in the city centre is heavy during peak hours, and there could be crowds on weekends, especially at tourist attractions
5 Condos to Rent Near KLCC
Sky Suites @ KLCC
Sky Suites is within walking distance of the PETRONAS Twin Towers, so you can easily walk to the KLCC LRT or Persiaran KLCC MRT stations.
Sky Suites is within walking distance of the PETRONAS Twin Towers, so you can easily walk to the KLCC LRT or Persiaran KLCC MRT stations.
Jalan P. Ramlee
RM945 – RM5,000
The Panorama KLCC
With 1-bedroom units available, this property is suitable for single working adults and within walking distance to LRT and MRT stations.
With 1-bedroom units available, this property is suitable for single working adults and within walking distance to LRT and MRT stations.
Persiaran Hampshire
RM1,150 – RM6,680
ViPod Residences
Located near the KL Convention Centre, this area is less busy than the main KLCC areas. The Raja Chulan monorail station is about a 10-minute walk away.
Located near the KL Convention Centre, this area is less busy than the main KLCC areas. The Raja Chulan monorail station is about a 10-minute walk away.
Jalan Kia Peng
RM2,450 – RM16,500
Marc Residence
Within walking distance to the KLCC LRT and Persiaran KLCC MRT stations, studio units are available in this property for below RM3,000.
Within walking distance to the KLCC LRT and Persiaran KLCC MRT stations, studio units are available in this property for below RM3,000.
Jalan Pinang
RM2,000 – RM20,000
Persiaran Hampshire
RM 2,700 – RM10,000
2. Cheras
Cheras is a thriving, mature township that has seen many new developments in recent years. The MRT Kajang Line, which runs through a few locations in Cheras, has contributed to its growth.
Advantages:
- It is a stone’s throw away from the KL city centre, and the MRT Kajang line offers a convenient way to travel to the city
- Rental prices are lower than prices in the city, with more varied options
- Cheras is a foodies’ nest, and there are plenty of options for good food
Disadvantages:
- Cheras is also notorious for its traffic jams, and this increases your commute time if you are driving
Plaza 393
Mostly consisting of 3-bedroom apartments, the rent here is quite affordable if you want a bigger space. It is located next to NSK Trade City and is a commercial area, making buying groceries and getting food convenient. Within walking distance to Cochrane MRT.
Mostly consisting of 3-bedroom apartments, the rent here is quite affordable if you want a bigger space. It is located next to NSK Trade City and is a commercial area, making buying groceries and getting food convenient. Within walking distance to Cochrane MRT.
Jalan Peel, Taman Maluri
RM1,800 – RM 2,500
V Residence Suites @ Sunway Velocity
Public transportation is convenient, with the Cochrane and Maluri MRT stations within walking distance. It is located right next to Sunway Velocity Mall.
Public transportation is convenient, with the Cochrane and Maluri MRT stations within walking distance. It is located right next to Sunway Velocity Mall.
Jalan Cheras
RM800 – RM4,400
Arte Cheras
A fashion-themed development, units here have a split-level loft layout. You can get a 2-bedroom for less than RM3,000 a month. It’s a 20-minute walk to the Taman Midah MRT station, and the Lotus’s Cheras hypermarket is just next door.
A fashion-themed development, units here have a split-level loft layout. You can get a 2-bedroom for less than RM3,000 a month. It’s a 20-minute walk to the Taman Midah MRT station, and the Lotus’s Cheras hypermarket is just next door.
Jalan Midah 2
RM1,000 – RM3,400
Saville @ Cheras
Located a bit further from the city centre, this property is accessible from the Cheras-Kajang Highway. It connects directly to the Sri Raya MRT station via a pedestrian bridge.
Located a bit further from the city centre, this property is accessible from the Cheras-Kajang Highway. It connects directly to the Sri Raya MRT station via a pedestrian bridge.
Persiaran Sri Raya, Taman Sri Raya
RM550 – RM2,300
J.Dupion Residence
This is another option for easy access to public transportation as this property is connected to the Taman Pertama MRT station via a covered walkway.
This is another option for easy access to public transportation as this property is connected to the Taman Pertama MRT station via a covered walkway.
Jalan Sembilang, Taman Tenaga
RM1,750 – RM4,800
3. Petaling Jaya
Petaling Jaya has been rapidly developing over the years, especially since the Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP) and SPRINT Highway were built. The highway has contributed to the growth of townships such as Sunway, Bandar Utama, Mutiara Damansara, and Kelana Jaya. The LRT Kelana Jaya Line, MRT Kajang Line, and MRT Putrajaya Line run through PJ, so you can easily find properties.
Advantages:
- Good connectivity to major highways
- Access to public transportation on the LRT Kelana Jaya, MRT Kajang and MRT Putrajaya lines
- Good options for shopping and retail, from major shopping malls such as 1Utama and Sunway Pyramid to smaller neighbourhood malls
Disadvantages:
- Rapid development has led to more traffic, especially during peak hours, so driving to KL will take you longer
I Residence @ Kota Damansara
Located within a residential area in Kota Damansara, the Kota Damansara MRT station is a short walk away. Shopping malls such as Tropicana Gardens Mall, The Curve and Ikea are a short drive or train ride away.
Located within a residential area in Kota Damansara, the Kota Damansara MRT station is a short walk away. Shopping malls such as Tropicana Gardens Mall, The Curve and Ikea are a short drive or train ride away.
Section 4, Persiaran Surian, Kota Damansara
RM1,800 – RM2,900
Tropicana Gardens
Consisting of several phases of development (Arnica, Bayberry, Cyperus, Dianthus), the rental here is priced slightly higher but offers excellent accessibility to the Surian MRT Station and Tropicana Gardens Mall.
Consisting of several phases of development (Arnica, Bayberry, Cyperus, Dianthus), the rental here is priced slightly higher but offers excellent accessibility to the Surian MRT Station and Tropicana Gardens Mall.
Persiaran Surian, Tropicana Indah
RM2,150 – RM7,500
Pelangi Utama
A short walk to the Bandar Utama MRT station, this property is also within walking distance to the 1utama shopping mall. It offers easy access to the LDP, Sprint and PLUS highways.
A short walk to the Bandar Utama MRT station, this property is also within walking distance to the 1utama shopping mall. It offers easy access to the LDP, Sprint and PLUS highways.
Jalan Masjid, Bandar Utama
RM780 – RM2,400
Lagoon View Resort Condominium
Sunway is a bustling township, and the Lagoon View Resort is a stone’s throw away from the SunMed BRT station, allowing easy connectivity to the LRT Kelana Jaya line. A popular rental location for students, there are many listings for room rental.
Sunway is a bustling township, and the Lagoon View Resort is a stone’s throw away from the SunMed BRT station, allowing easy connectivity to the LRT Kelana Jaya line. A popular rental location for students, there are many listings for room rental.
RM 680 – RM4,500
Megah Rise
This relatively new development is located within the mature Taman Megah residential area and is built on top of a retail mall. Surrounded by a commercial area, there are many options for food, and the Taman Bahagia LRT station is within walking distance.
This relatively new development is located within the mature Taman Megah residential area and is built on top of a retail mall. Surrounded by a commercial area, there are many options for food, and the Taman Bahagia LRT station is within walking distance.
Jalan SS 24/11, Petaling Jaya
RM3,100 –
RM5,000
RM5,000
4. Cyberjaya
Despite its distance from KL, Cyberjaya is becoming popular due to lower property prices. Developed as Malaysia’s technology hub in the late 90s, Cyberjaya has the advantage of space and more organised town planning. The broader roads and open spaces offer a more relaxed living environment.
Advantages:
- Rental prices are lower here, so you can save on rent or go for a bigger unit if you prefer
- With lower density compared to the more mature townships, the living pace in Cyberjaya is more relaxed
- Access to public transportation via the MRT Putrajaya line
Disadvantages:
- Longer distance to KL means you have a longer travel time if you drive to work
- Fewer options for shopping and retail compared to places like PJ and Cheras
- With buildings more spaced out between each other, you would most likely need a car to travel around Cyberjaya
Sky Park
Located near the Cyberjaya MRT station, the 1-bedroom units are suitable for single occupancy, and the rental prices are quite affordable.
Located near the Cyberjaya MRT station, the 1-bedroom units are suitable for single occupancy, and the rental prices are quite affordable.
Jalan Teknokrat 1
RM400 – RM2,000
The Place @ Cyberjaya
Catering to students at the nearby Limkokwing University, the 1-bedroom units here are affordable and are located near the Cyberjaya City Centre MRT station.
Catering to students at the nearby Limkokwing University, the 1-bedroom units here are affordable and are located near the Cyberjaya City Centre MRT station.
Jalan Teknokrat 1/1
RM900 – RM1,300
Tamarind Suites @ Cyberjaya
Tamarind Suites is located within the Tamarind Square commercial area. It consists of studio and loft units, offering convenience for dining and shopping. The small units are suitable for single occupancy.
Tamarind Suites is located within the Tamarind Square commercial area. It consists of studio and loft units, offering convenience for dining and shopping. The small units are suitable for single occupancy.
Tamarind Square
RM850 – RM2,000
Lakefront Homes @ Cyberjaya
The 3-bedroom units here offer plenty of space at an affordable rental. Facing a lake offers tranquility, but you would probably need a car to get around.
The 3-bedroom units here offer plenty of space at an affordable rental. Facing a lake offers tranquility, but you would probably need a car to get around.
Persiaran Sepang, Cyber 11
RM1,100 – RM2,600
Cybersquare Soho
Located near many offices in Cyberjaya, this property’s 2-bedroom and studio units are catered to young working professionals with affordable rentals.
Located near many offices in Cyberjaya, this property’s 2-bedroom and studio units are catered to young working professionals with affordable rentals.
Jalan Teknokrat 4, Cyber 5
RM850 – RM2,000
It might seem like there are many things to consider just to rent an apartment, but the rental property will be your home for a few years, if not longer. Take the time and effort to research before renting so that you will find a place that meets your needs and feels comfortable.
We wish you the best of luck in finding your new home in KL!
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