AOD launches Residential Tenancy Act Campaign

Architects of Diversity has officially launched its campaign advocating for the implementation of a Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) in Malaysia, marking a significant milestone in the fight for housing justice and equitable renter protections. The campaign seeks to address long-standing issues faced by tenants, particularly those from marginalised communities, including discriminatory rental practices, lack of legal recourse, and insecure tenancy arrangements.

With Malaysia’s rental market largely unregulated, tenants often find themselves vulnerable to sudden evictions, unfair deposit withholding, and even racial or religious discrimination. The absence of a comprehensive legal framework disproportionately affects low-income renters, students, and young people trying to gain a foothold in urban housing markets. AOD’s campaign aims to change that narrative by pushing for a law that outlines clear, enforceable rights and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords.

4 demands under the enforcement of the Residential Tenancy Act:

1. Establishment of a Rental Tribunal to impartially resolve disputes between landlords and tenants

2. Clear eviction conditions that help protect tenants from unfair eviction, and the landlord's right to repossess their property with reasonable cause

3. The Non-Discrimination Principle against tenants which provides a guarantee that all tenants are treated equitably

4. Clear guidelines for landlords and tenants, covering obligations related to maintenance, rent payment, and overall use of the property

Our Call to Action:

Sign our petition

2. Write a letter to your MP (use our template)

3. Share your experiences as a tenant here

Learn more about the campaign at https://www.fairrental.my/.