Recently built condominiums in good areas usually include most of the following - pool, gym, lifts, 24-hour security service, adequate parking, convenience store and landscape gardens. Security is an issue for many tenants as break-ins occur more frequently than they should.

Kuala Lumpur is no different from any other city in the world; location and facilities are all important. The traffic in the city can often be bad, so access to work, educational, and recreation facilities becomes important. There are few natural attractions that make certain areas better for living - being inland, for example, there are no beach-side locations near to the city.

The areas most expats settle tend to be within proximity to the CBD, including areas such as Kenny Hills, Damansara Heights, and the city end of Jalan Ampang where many embassies are located. Other popular areas include Bukit Kiara, Ampang, Bangsar Baru (commonly known as Bangsar) and Taman Tun Dr. Ismail. These upmarket surburbs have long been established and are very well-equipped with plenty of amenities; with the exception of Kenny Hills as its prestige lies in its landscape - built around and along mother nature's own precipices.

Despite being well-known for erratic road traffic conditions, Ampang still attracts many expats as not only is it close to town, but offers plenty of fine dining restaurants of European cuisine to help lessen home-sickness.

Damansara Heights and the many apartments in the Bangsar area have relatively easy access to Bangsar Baru which has many bars, shops and restaurants. Many consider this the "trendy" end of town. In the last few years the Sri Hartarmas area has become popular and there are many apartments there together with shops and restaurants.

Here's some indication of monthly rents in Kuala Lumpur. Modern, three-bedroom condominium, 2,100 sq. feet in Bangsar - RM7, 500 and a two-bedroom condominium, 1,200 sq. feet in Bangsar - RM3, 000. Semi-detached house in central area, RM4,000 to RM6,000 and detached house, central location and pool - RM9,000 to RM15,000

Real estate agents are plenty in Malaysia. Though it's not a must to use them, it helps ease the burden from hunting to shuffling papers to making payments. However, when using an agent, be as specific as possible of the living conditions you require; for example, with built-in cabinets and wardrobes in the kitchen and bedrooms, or a porch or garage that is large enough for 3 cars. You might also want to specify the finishing of the home to suit your taste if you don't intend to bring your own furniture. Housing in Malaysia as with any other country, differs in price according to location and its furnishing.

Rental Types
Fully-furnished: Walk in with your suitcase and you are pretty much set. May need only shop for minor items like bed sheets and curtains unless negotiated otherwise with the landlord.

Semi-furnished: You probably need not buy or bring much of the bulky items like beds, lounge set, wardrobe as it would be included. But check first.

Non-furnished: As it means - practically empty. On occasion, some may have the kitchen cabinets, but that's all.

Most leases are for two years. A sample of a typical lease can be found by clicking here.

After agreeing the terms and conditions of the lease you will be required to pay one months rent as “earnest deposit”. This should be done at the time you sign a letter of offer which will include the basic conditions of the lease. This will eventually be used as the first months' rent. It will also state what additional payments are due and when they should be paid.

Within seven days, you'll pay a further two months' rental as “security deposit” and half a months 'rent as a “utility deposit.” These amounts will be held by the Landlord until the lease expires, at which time it will be refunded less the cost of any damages made to the premises or to settle any unpaid bills relating to the period of the tenancy.

Early termination “Diplomatic Clause”

In Malaysia it is common for company rentals agreements to include a clause which allows early termination of the lease in the event the occupant is reassigned out of Malaysia or the State where he is leasing the property. This is often referred to us as the “diplomatic clause.” It is sometimes required that the tenant show evidence he is leaving such as cancellation of the work permit before the deposits are returned. Usually the lease agreements require that this clause cannot take effect during the first 12 months of the lease. In order to terminate the lease under this clause it is normal to require the tenant to give two months written notice or pay two months rental in lieu of notice.

By international standards, Malaysian housing is cheap. Leases are generally drawn up for yearly renewal. Occasionally, the agent may work out for you a half-year lease. But if you intend to be in town for sometime and your employer allows you to purchase property, it could be a good investment to buy and sell when you leave.

Without going into the vagaries of the property market, people have made good returns from medium to long term investments. Seek professional advice before taking the plunge - a good starting point is www.propertyinmalaysia.com