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Learn more about Sublease Agreement in Malaysia

A Sublease Agreement is a legal document that permits a renter to sublease a space that they are already renting. Typically, the sublet agreement is signed by the original tenant and a new renter. Before subletting your property, you must secure it and hold the new tenant liable for any damages. In general, the sublease agreement follows the terms and conditions of the original Lease Agreement between the Landlord and the Tenant, except that the Landlord is not participating in the process. Before a tenant begins the subletting process, the underlying lease agreement must be evaluated to confirm that subletting is permissible, and permission from the Landlord must be requested.

Table of contents


What is a Sublease Agreement?

When a tenant sublets property to a third party for a portion of the tenant’s current lease contract, this is known as subletting. Even if a renter sublets a property, the original tenant is still obligated to fulfill the lease agreement’s obligations, such as monthly rent payment.

Subletting is permitted in Malaysia with the landlord’s approval. The tenant may sublet a portion of the property to a third party if the lease allows it. When a tenant whose name appears on the lease rents a room, a portion of the property, or the full property to another, this is known as subleasing (or subletting). The subtenant is responsible for paying rent and according to the lease terms, but the principal tenant is ultimately liable for the lease.

What is included in the Sublease Agreement?

You are liable for the document since you manage the conditions of the sublease, not the property owner, as you may have assumed.

The following are some of the most critical aspects to include in a sublease agreement:

➤ Names and identifying numbers for both parties
➤ The unit's address
➤ The duration of the sublease
➤ Rent and the day it is due each month
➤ Agreement on a security deposit
➤ Both parties' signatures and dates

Is subletting legal in Malaysia?

Subletting is often not permitted in Malaysian tenancy agreements. However, you may always ask your landlord whether they are ready to let you do so. They are most likely to be understanding. Keep in mind that government housing apartments may never be rented to a third party, although privately held property may. It is still up to your landlord to comment on the matter. To make it easier for them to say yes, persuade them that all transactions with rent or utility payments would still go via you. This saves them time and is also fantastic preparation for being a subletter.

How does a Sublease Agreement protect?

Our paperwork safeguards you against numerous risks and covers you against the risks of subletting. By downloading the contract, you will receive the following benefits:

➤ Protection with a penalty provision in the event that your sub-tenant fails to pay the rent on time
➤ Payment of a security deposit to safeguard you from any damage
➤ The subtenant is responsible for paying the property's charges
➤ Observance of the terms and conditions of the initial rental agreement entered into between the tenant and the owner

You will find terms in our agreement dealing with the period of the rental, the demand and amount of the security deposit, the work that can be done in the property, the application of the conditions of the primary contract between the owner and the lessor…
It is a contract with precise and clear provisions designed to minimize future conflicts and confusion.

What to do before subletting your property?

1. Refer to the terms and conditions of your lease

Most leases will include a language about subletting, and some may also include subletting fees. The terms also paint a picture of the dangers you are taking by subletting. You must also guarantee that the subtenant does not violate any of the rules.

2. Consult with your landlord

Even whether your lease allows or prohibits subletting, you should always consult with your landlord beforehand. You don’t want something to go wrong, resulting in the landlord evicting both you and the subtenant.
A rental arbitrage is a method of earning passive income without owning real estate or other assets. This entails borrowing someone else’s property, furniture, completing a leasing agreement, and collecting rent.

3. Promote your home on real estate platforms

When subletting, finding a decent tenant is critical. If something untoward occurs, you are ultimately responsible. There are numerous places where you can advertise, such as iproperty.com.my. Include all required information, such as rent, facilities, and photos.

4. Create a contract with the subtenant

A formal agreement between you and the subtenant helps to avoid future legal conflicts. If you don’t have a lawyer acquaintance, there are lots of subletting agreement templates available online. Consider requiring a security deposit from your subtenant.

What is MASO?

The Malaysian government recognized the Malaysia Association of Sublet Operators (MASO) as the first sublet room association. They represent operators and landlords who sublet property in Malaysia.

They aim to provide solutions to any subletting conflict and to operate as an organized group for industry-related issues. There are four sorts of memberships available to the management, operator, and anyone running a sublease business:

➤ Ordinary
➤ Associate
➤ Honorary
➤ Lifetime

Is the income from subletting taxable?

There is a common misperception that rental income is considered an investment and hence exempt from taxation. False. Renting out your property generates taxable income. The only distinction is how they are taxed.

Rent is generally considered a non-business form of income and is subject to income tax under section 4(d) of the Income Tax Act of 1967. There is, however, a tax exemption of 50% on the statutory income of Malaysian nationals who live in Malaysia. You can consult the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia’s Income From Letting of Real Property (IRBM).

What if the tenant sublet without permission?

If you violate the tenancy agreement by illegally subletting, the landlord may also evict you! When the situation between a landlord and a tenant becomes complicated, a legal professional may be called in. Landlords can ask a court for a repossession order on their property from a renter. Failure to carry out the tenant’s obligations can easily result in a tenancy agreement breach. Landlords may take legal action against tenants who sublet their property. Depending on the severity of the agreement breach, you may incur penalties or warnings. A lawyer will investigate the legal basis for landlords wishing to take action against sublease tenants.

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