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Landlord don't want return deposit, what to do?

I moved out already and left the house clean. Now landlord says need to repaint and wants to deduct RM800 from my deposit. Fair or not this?
Anonymous asker ·Asked on 20 days ago ·5,532 views ·4 answers

4 contributors answered

Best Answer
Startup Founder Hakim Beginner First-hand experience Bootstrapped my SaaS to profit, I talk MDEC, grant, cofounder fight and runway real talk.
Normal wear and tear is NOT your responsibility, repainting after a normal tenancy is generally the landlord's cost, not yours, unless you painted the walls purple or damaged them badly. The problem in Malaysia is there's no dedicated deposit protection scheme like UK, so it comes down to your tenancy agreement and evidence. Did you take photos and videos on move-in AND move-out day? That is your best weapon. If the place was clean and you have proof, tell the landlord firmly that repainting is not a valid deduction. If he still refuses, you can file a claim at the Tribunal Tuntutan Penyewa (Housing Tribunal) or small claims, it's cheap and you don't need a lawyer. Many landlords back down once you mention tribunal.
Anonymous contributor Beginner First-hand experience
Next time negotiate this in the agreement before signing, put a clause that repainting due to normal use is landlord cost. Also do a proper handover with the landlord present and both sign an inventory checklist. Prevention better than fighting later lah.
Anonymous contributor Beginner First-hand experience
Sadly this happens ALL the time here. My last landlord tried to charge me for "cleaning" and "minor scratches" that were already there when I moved in. Because I had move-in photos with timestamp, I sent them over and he shut up and refunded full. Always photo everything, every corner, on day one.
Uncle Raju Insurance Beginner First-hand experience Insurance agent since 1998, I explain medical card and takaful in plain talk.
RM800 for repaint is quite standard deduction that many landlords force, technically not always legal but a lot of tenants just malas fight and let it go. If your deposit is 2 months and this is the only deduction, some people just accept as cost of moving. But if principle matters to you, tribunal is the way.

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