Rental Unit Refurbishment Cost
in Malaysia (2026)

All prices are indicative 2026 Klang Valley ranges. Actual cost depends on unit condition, size and scope — WhatsApp ClickBina for a quote or use our renovation cost calculator →.

Refurbishment tiers and cost ranges

Landlord refurbishment scopes fall into three tiers, each with different investment levels and returns:

Most Klang Valley landlords refurbishing between tenants fall in the standard refurb tier — a full repaint, all defects cleared, and any worn fixtures replaced. The full mid-range upgrade makes sense when the unit has not been refurbished in 7–10 years or the kitchen and bathrooms are visibly dated.

Item-by-item cost breakdown

Here are indicative 2026 Klang Valley RM ranges for each refurbishment line item:

Scope comparison: basic turnover vs standard refurb vs full upgrade

Choosing the right scope requires matching investment to likely return. This comparison table makes the trade-offs explicit:

Painting cost for rental units

Repainting is the highest-impact, lowest-cost item in a rental refurbishment. The return on a full repaint is almost always positive.

• A full 2-coat repaint (walls, ceilings, trim) for a condo costs RM1,800–RM3,500; a terrace house RM3,500–RM6,000.
• A touch-up (patches, scuffs, one visibly stained wall) costs RM400–RM900 for a condo. This is sufficient if the unit is less than 2 years old and the previous tenant was clean.
• Use washable emulsion (e.g. Nippon Vinilex 5000, Dulux Wash & Wear) for rental units — it allows light scuff marks to be wiped down during tenancy without repainting.
• Always include at least a touch-up of the car porch gate — the first thing a prospective tenant sees.

For a detailed painting scope and pricing, see our home renovation cost guide →.

Deep cleaning cost

A professional post-vacancy deep clean before the new tenancy typically costs RM300–RM700 for a condo unit and RM600–RM1,200 for a terrace house. This covers:

• Grout scrubbing and tile steam cleaning in bathrooms and kitchen.
• Inside kitchen cabinets, drawers and appliances.
• Air-conditioning vents and return-air filters.
• All window frames, grilles and fly screens.
• Balcony and utility area (washing machine area, drying rack).

For detailed pricing and scope, see our deep cleaning cost guide →.

Common repair costs between tenancies

These are the most frequently encountered repair items during a Klang Valley rental unit turnover:

• Dripping taps: RM80–RM200 per tap (washer or cartridge replacement). Always fix — tenants notice instantly.
• Running cistern: RM100–RM250 (usually a float valve or flapper replacement). Left unfixed, it wastes significant water and increases the water bill.
• Blocked floor trap: RM80–RM200 (clear blockage, replace trap cover if cracked).
• Dead electrical socket: RM80–RM350 (diagnose and repair; may need new socket or wiring behind).
• Stiff or squeaking door: RM80–RM200 (hinge replacement or realignment).
• Cabinet hinge replacement: RM100–RM300 for a set of kitchen/wardrobe hinges.

See our full turnover repair guide → for a complete scope list and how to decide what the landlord vs tenant pays for.

Fixture and appliance replacement costs

Some fixture replacements have an outsized impact on tenant perception relative to cost:

• Toilet seat (RM80–RM200): If discoloured or cracked, always replace. The cost is negligible; the impact on first impressions is disproportionate.
• Instant water heater (RM350–RM650 installed): Replace if over 8 years old or showing rust. Failure mid-tenancy creates urgent calls and poor tenant experience.
• Basin tap / kitchen tap (RM120–RM350 installed): Replace if limescale-encrusted or dripping. A new tap looks clean and signals a well-maintained unit.
• LED bulbs (RM8–RM25 per fitting): Replace all blown bulbs consistently (cool white 6500K is standard for rental); mixed bulb colours make a unit look neglected.
• Shower hose and rose (RM80–RM200): Easy win — a new shower set is cheap and transforms the bathroom feel.
• Kitchen hood filter (RM80–RM250): Grease-saturated aluminium mesh or carbon filter replacement. Cheap and eliminates the most common kitchen odour complaint.

ROI: does refurbishment pay?

The ROI of a rental unit refurbishment depends on the rental rate, void period avoided and rent uplift achieved. Here is a realistic worked example for a Klang Valley condo at RM1,800/month:

For units where the rent gap is wider (e.g. a dated unit that can achieve RM300/month more with a mid-range upgrade), payback is faster. Use our renovation cost calculator → to run your own numbers.

Pre-refurbishment planning checklist

Before engaging a contractor, work through this list to define the scope clearly:

How to choose a rental unit refurbishment contractor

• Ask specifically about rental unit turnover experience — landlord-facing contractors understand the cost/return balance and work to tighter timelines than full home renovators.
• Request an itemised quotation — painting, cleaning, plumbing repairs, electrical repairs, fixtures listed separately.
• Confirm a single-mobilisation approach: all trades in one visit to minimise void days.
• Ask for photos of recent rental unit work — not just high-end residential renovations.
• Confirm the scope is covered by public liability insurance — required by most strata management offices.

Sources & official references

• Contracts Act 1950 (Act 136) — applicable to tenancy agreements in Malaysia (no dedicated Residential Tenancy Act in force as at 2026).
• CIDB Malaysia — Construction Industry Development Board; contractor registration and standards reference.
• Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) — public works cost benchmarks used as reference by licensed quantity surveyors.
• National House Buyers Association (HBA) — landlord and tenant rights guidance.