Tenancy agreement for condos: the maintenance checklist

Read Tenancy Agreement for Condos (part 1) and (part 2).

In the first part of our discussion regarding my tenancy agreement, I outlined the tenant’s responsibilities, which included deposits, re-entry rights and early termination of the tenancy.

In part two, we covered the landlord’s obligations such as the opportunity for renewal, interest for late payments, sale of the premises with the tenancy intact, destruction of the premises and other pertinent clauses. In short, we have provided a comprehensive view of the landlord/tenant agreement.

The detailed maintenance checklist at the end of my tenancy agreement affirms that all facilities within the premises have been inspected and accepted in satisfactory/good condition. Furthermore, it lists the repair works that both parties have mutually agreed upon.

As Malaysia has no standardized tenancy agreement yet, the terms and conditions in each tenancy agreement may differ.

Landlord’s responsibilities

(1) Air conditioner (replacement of parts and chemical cleaning)

Note: The inclusion of chemical cleaning was an error in the agreement. Due to the unit’s design, this exercise cannot be done without cutting a big hole in the ceiling to remove the indoor unit. It can cost up to a few thousand ringgit to clean properly.

(2) Water heater, flush system, shower head (including replacement of parts)

(3) Refrigerator (replacement of parts)

(4) Ventilation fan (replacement of parts)

(5) Water supply system (water filter and piping system)

(6) All electrical items (short-circuiting, leakages in electric current, wiring issue)

(7) Drainage system (major plumbing works, drain, pipes, bursting of sanitary pipes, water leakage)

Tenant’s responsibilities

(1) Clean the apartment

Once the tenant leaves the property, the agent or landlord can schedule a thorough cleaning of the property, including steam cleaning of all curtains, sofas and mattresses. The laundry service will also be provided for washing bed sheets, pillowcases and mattress protectors.

(2) Air conditioner

It is recommended that all air conditioners are serviced regularly, at least once every six months. If the tenant has not conducted regular maintenance, a comprehensive service can be performed after vacating the premises. Or remind the tenant to service regularly.

(3) Lighting (replacement of fuses, bulbs)

(4) Drainage system (clogging and leaking)

(5) Hinges for wardrobe, cabinet & kitchen cabinet (replacement of screws, maintain in good condition)

(6) Curtain/blind/roller (cleaning of curtains)

(7) Electrical and plumbing

Ensure all electrical items & plumbing systems are in good working condition (except normal, wear & tear and damage by fire).

(8) Cooker hood (replacement of cartridge), replacement of filter cartridges for drinking water and washing machine.

(9) Pay all utility bills, including water, sewerage, electricity and gas, until the termination date of the apartment lease. (The termination date should be not earlier than the expiry of the tenancy. Sometimes, tenants extend for a few months after the expiry date before they leave the country or perhaps move to another premise.)

NOTE: My tenancy agreement states the tenant’s responsibilities if they terminate the tenancy.

The tenancy agreement should be an impeccable document that cannot be disputed. It should be thoroughly examined to ensure that all the details are precise and clear, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

If you have any doubts regarding your tenancy agreement, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a legal counsel.