KUALA LUMPUR: As students increasingly seek convenience and flexibility, short-term rentals from online platforms and property management operators are becoming popular choices in Klang Valley.
Offering fully furnished units with essential amenities, these options allow students to enjoy a hassle-free living experience without the constraints of long-term leases.
Shawn L, 21, from Penang, found his ideal accommodation in an Airbnb unit at Neu Suites when he moved to Kuala Lumpur to study accounting.
Avoiding the burden of a long-term lease and buying furniture, Shawn shifted into a ready-to-live-in unit complete with WiFi, utilities, and furnishings.
“I moved in with just my bags, which was much easier than renting a bare room. Initially, I booked for three months, but I liked it so much I extended for another semester,” said Shawn, a SEGi College student.
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“The location is ideal, close to public transport and my campus. Choosing a unit managed by a property management company means I don’t worry about issues like WiFi problems or repairs –they’re sorted quickly.”
Shawn noted that while hostels may be cheaper, the inclusion of Internet, utilities, laundry and meals made his current setup more cost-effective.
He said the unit offers the comfort and flexibility of a serviced condominium, providing privacy and a conducive study environment, making it feel like a second home.
Similarly, Cassandra Lee, 21, from Melaka, chose a Cobnb unit for its safety and comfort over a typical hostel. Cobnb is property management operator in Malaysia.
Now residing at Novo Ampang while studying finance and investment at UCSI University, Lee shared her positive experience.
“The environment is clean, and the building has proper security. I’ve been here for about six months. Initially, I planned a short stay to adjust to campus life, but the convenience led me to extend,” she said, adding that she enjoyed the independence the living arrangements provide.
“I like that I don’t have to commit to a long lease. With this kind of unit, I can extend or shorten my stay depending on my study schedule or internship.”
Despite being slightly more expensive than a basic hostel, she said the inclusion of Internet, utilities and furnishings made it reasonable.
“I share the cost with a roommate, so it balances out,” she said.
Shawn and Lee are among many young people who are fuelling the demand for short-terms rentals with all the conveniences.
And companies like Cobnb are meeting this demand by providing leasing and rental options tailored to the student market.
Cobnb managing director Glenn Wong said that student accommodation contributes around 20% to the company’s revenue.
“We generate RM35mil annually, with RM5mil from student accommodation. We offer three to six-month rentals instead of the traditional nine to 12 months,” he told The Star.
A significant draw for students is the assurance of legitimacy and reliability.
“The Malaysian rental market is rife with scams involving non-licensed agents. With Cobnb, students trust us for verification and reliable services, eliminating concerns about deposit refunds,” Wong added.
He also noted that young tenants prefer having an operator handle cleaning and maintenance, along with moving into units equipped with furniture, washers, dryers and WiFi.
For foreign students, short-term rentals offer the opportunity to acclimate to their surroundings before committing to long-term housing.
Additionally, he said cost was a major factor because of the value of the property and the location which helps save on transportation as well as WiFi and buying furniture.
“Our accommodation charges are slightly higher but for three to six months, it is worth the money,” Wong said.
Brandon Goh, founder of Black Swan Property Group Sdn Bhd, said there has been a surge in student accommodations near universities and transport hubs.
“Though demand is high, some owners remain cautious due to scams. To counter this, we conduct thorough background checks to ensure legitimacy,” he explained.
Goh noted that foreign students often prefer Airbnb accommodations, which include comprehensive services.
However, he pointed out that property owners generally avoid short-term rentals due to agent fees and prefer stability.
“While the student segment is attractive, most owners seek long-term tenants. Non-optimal locations might consider short-term rentals, but it’s not the norm,” he said.
