Moving into a new home isn’t just about packing boxes – there are also important legal and administrative tasks to handle. Whether you’ve bought a property or are renting, make sure you tick off these requirements to stay compliant and avoid future hassles.
If You Bought a New Home (Homeowners)
Transfer Utility and Tax Accounts: After purchasing a subsale property (a resale home), it’s essential to change the name on all utility accounts (electricity, water, sewer) and property tax records to your name. Visit the local Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) office for electricity and your state water provider for water to update those accounts. Similarly, go to your local municipal council to update the assessment tax (cukai pintu) records to reflect you as the new owner. If your property has a separate quit rent (cukai tanah) at the land office, ensure that is transferred as well. These changes ensure that bills and official notices reach you, and that you are legally responsible for the charges going forward.
Ownership Documents: Typically, your lawyer will handle the formal transfer of ownership. Still, confirm that all ownership documents (Sale & Purchase Agreement, deed or strata title) are properly registered in your name. Keep these documents and receipts of stamp duty or registration in a safe place. If your home is a stratified property, notify the developer or management of the change of ownership so they update their records (for example, to issue new access cards or maintenance invoices under your name).
Inform the Building Management: For stratified properties (condominiums, apartments, gated communities), inform the management or Joint Management Body (JMB) that you are the new owner. Many condos require new residents to register and update the maintenance fee account to your name. The management may ask for a copy of your NRIC and the Sales & Purchase Agreement to update their records. This step is important to ensure you receive notices, can access facilities, and are aware of any resident rules. It also transfers any refundable deposits (for access cards, renovations, etc.) into your name.
(Permits for renovation or moving are usually handled under building management rules – see Article 8 on high-rise moving.)
If You’re Moving in as a Tenant (Renters)
Tenancy Agreement & Stamp Duty: Make sure you have a written Tenancy Agreement signed by both you and the landlord, and pay the stamp duty to have it officially stamped. A stamped tenancy agreement is admissible in court and protects both parties. (The stamp duty is usually paid by the tenant and is relatively small.) Once stamped, keep a copy of the agreement. It outlines your rights and obligations, so ensure you understand the key terms (duration, notice period, deposit conditions, etc).
Update Utility Billing Arrangements: As a tenant, clarify how utilities will be handled in your new rental. Some landlords keep utility accounts in their name and will forward you the bills, while others expect you to transfer accounts to your own name. There’s no one “right” way legally, but the arrangement should be clear to avoid confusion. If you need to open new utility accounts under your name, be prepared to pay the required deposits and have the accounts terminated when you move out. If utilities remain under the landlord’s name, ensure you pay each bill on time as agreed to prevent any service interruption (this is often mentioned in the tenancy agreement). You should also check if the building management needs to be informed of a new tenant; in many condos, landlords must register their tenants with management or security.
Update Your Address on Your IC: By law, Malaysian citizens should update the address on their IC (identity card) within 90 days of moving to a new permanent residence. You can do this at any NRD (JPN) office; it involves filling out a form and you’ll get a sticker with the new address for your IC. Having an updated IC can be useful for banking, voting, and other official matters linked to your address. (You may also update your address for your driving license and vehicle registration with JPJ to ensure any notices or summons reach you, though these are more about convenience than strict legal necessity.)
In summary, moving into a new property comes with some paperwork: transferring utility and tax accounts, ensuring contracts are properly executed, and updating relevant records. Tending to these legal requirements early will safeguard your rights as a homeowner or tenant and help you settle into your new home with peace of mind.
reference:
Anda pembeli rumah subsale? Buatlah pertukaran nama terhadap 3 perkara ini
MY – EN
Singapore
Indonesia