I have a condo unit in Cheras and I have a potential tenant interested in the unit.

rental rate everything ok but comes to deposit.

they request for 1month rental deposit + 0.5 month utilities deposit. usually standard market rate is 2.5 months where 2 months rental deposit + 0.5 utilities deposit.

Is 1 month rental deposit normal?

is up to you one la.
all my rental is just 1 month deposit. put 2 month deposit want rent out waited for like 2 months also no take up.
put 1 month deposit already rented 3 rooms out.
so you think la yourself. nego with your tenant.
for me if you picky and dont need the money, then hang on to your 2.5 months. if renter dont want then let go and wait for next one.

Security deposits are negotiable and up to both to agree.

Sometines a 2 month deposit cannot cover for the damages.

no, unless u want to take risk that ur tenant silently get out on 2nd month didnt pay the rental.

even 2months also got this risk, but at least u already kick them out on 2nd month, so you wont lose much.

also, most people request 2 months, due to need to pay agent the commission as well, normally 1 months worth.

if the norm around there is 2 months, then tell the tenant as it is norm here, you're not going to con him.

if he insist, then listen to their side of story then nego

he's just trying his luck, it's pretty much market practice to go with 2 months.

ask to pay the 2nd month deposit in 10 month

Ask the tenant to try luck via speedhome. Zero deposit there. Good luck.

Subjective but I'll have tendency to decline the tenant.

thanks for the pointers and opinions guys.


why decline the tenant ya?

Totally up to u since your condo

2.5 Depo very difficult to get tenants

u can do

1 month rental + 1 month utilities. play around a bit

state clearly if they delay 1 month then straight away get an eviction notice. No chance

One month rental deposit may not be able to cover the potential damages for my cases. On your case, you have to look into the potential repair / damages for the most frequent damages like the following:-

1) Clogged kitchen sink
2) Clogged water closets.
3) Broken door knobs & door ( tenant forced open the when the door knob jamb).
4) Broken loose furniture & appliances / spoiled TV ( if you don't provide, you don't have to consider it in).
5) Hand writings & stickers on the wall - cost to repaint the wall.
6) Damaged sliding door / glass.
7) Dirty unit open returning to landlord.
8) Malfunction light bulbs / ceiling fan.

The above are just a few common issues arising when you are getting back your unit. If you lease out basic unit, you can disregard the cost for item 4.

However, the final decision is still up to yourself if you can tolerate the risk.

it depends on the property.

some even collect one month utility deposit instead of 0.5 month

my experience telling me those cannot come out with more deposit is risky

i rather give half month discount for the last month rental to make my property more competitive.