Proposal for foreign tenants to get JMB approval before renting needs further study, say reps

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): The proposal for foreigners to get approval from the joint management body (JMB) or management corporation (MC) of condominiums before they can rent a unit needs further study, say past and present residents' body representatives.

They welcomed the idea but felt that an in-depth study is needed, including its effect on the rental market and the existing property overhang scenario.

Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin (pic) said Sunday (May 19) that her ministry is planning to introduce a policy requiring foreigners to get approval from the JMB or MC before they can rent a home, especially involving stratified residential dwellings, to prevent crimes involving foreigners and improve safety.

She said this would also help the JMB or MC to monitor the presence of foreigners and their activities at these places.

Residensi Infiniti 3 JMB chairman Amiruddin Sahudi said while the proposal was worth considering, it is also important to get feedback from the people, owners and developers.

"As we can see, right now the supply of dwellings exceeds demand. Condominiums are springing up like mushrooms after rain but many units are still unsold,” he said, adding that implementing the proposal might add to the woes of the property market.

Former Desa Putra Condo MC chairman Stephen Lim welcomed the proposal but shared Amiruddin's concerns.

Lim suggested the ministry consider compelling foreigners to get a “certificate of good conduct” from reputable people such as homeowners, other JMC/MC, religious leaders, judges and Justices of the Peace.

"This certificate will allow the foreigner to find a place to rent as the owners or JMB/MC will know the person is reliable and will behave the same way to keep his or her certificate for their next property to rent.

"This certification process is not discriminatory but is on a reference basis," he said.

Villa Wangsamas MC chairman Ashraf Azraie said the proposal by the ministry is a good move to help check crimes involving foreigners in stratified residences.

"To me, it is a good proposal to enable us to check the status of prospective tenants, whether they are genuine or have ulterior motives,” he said.

Former Villa Wangsamas MC secretary Amirussyahri Ahmad also shared Ashraf's opinion, saying it would give an additional scope to the functions of MC to ensure the harmony of condominium residents. - Bernama