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Landlord refuse to return my deposit after I moved out, what can I do?
Moved out from my rented condo, left it clean, but landlord keep giving excuse and won't r…
1,902 views
Landlord refuse to return my deposit, what can I do?
I moved out from my rented unit, cleaned everything, but landlord say got scratches on wall and want to keep my 2 month deposit. I think he simar want to cheat my money. No tenancy tribunal for residential in Malaysia right? How to get back my deposit?
Anonymous asker ·Asked on 16 hours ago ·1,662 views ·4 answers
Best Answer
Insurance Kak Nurul Beginner First-hand experience Takaful agent and mum of three, I help you pick medical card yang tak buat you bankrap.
Went through this exact thing lah, so painful. First, gather ALL your evidence: move-in photos, move-out photos, the tenancy agreement, and any WhatsApp chats. Normal wear and tear (small scuffs, faded paint) legally cannot be deducted, only actual damage beyond normal use. Send the landlord a formal written demand (email or letter) stating you want the deposit back within 14 days, quote the tenancy agreement clauses. If he still refuses, you can file a civil claim at the Small Claims / Magistrate court for amounts under RM5000, no lawyer needed, filing fee is small. Just the threat of a written legal demand made my landlord return 80% because he knew he had no proof of real damage. Malaysia does not have a dedicated residential tenancy tribunal yet (still proposed), so small claims court is your route. Always always take dated photos when moving in AND out.
Anonymous contributor Beginner First-hand experience
Stay calm and professional in all communication, dont curse him even if angry, because those messages can be used against you. Keep everything factual and in writing. Emotional WhatsApp shouting matches only weaken your case if it goes to court. Cold hard evidence wins.
Auntie Retire Devi Beginner First-hand experience Retired teacher, I explain pension option, GCR payout and how to isi masa after pencen.
Ask him to itemise the deductions with actual repair quotes/receipts. Legally he cannot just say "scratches so I keep everything". He must justify each cost. When I asked for receipts and contractor quotes, my landlord could not produce and quietly returned my money. Vague claims dont hold up.
Anonymous contributor Beginner First-hand experience
This is why the move-in inventory photos are gold. I take video walkthrough on day 1 with the date visible, every room, every wall, every appliance. When my landlord tried the same trick, I sent him the timestamped video showing the scratch was already there. He shut up immediately and refunded full. Prevention beats fighting later.
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