Higher rents hit credit-restricted and gig workers

Abstract cardboard house, glass magnifier on cubes with the word rent. The concept of home search, the legality of the transaction. Close up.

In Malaysian cities, the rental market is grappling with a widening gap between what tenants can afford and the prices landlords are asking. Renters who have been house hunting lately may find themselves under more scrutiny than usual.

Adding to the pressure, factors like credit limits and inconsistent income streams not only limit how much households can pay but also force landlords to rethink their pricing strategies.