Property
Homes in Penang: renting, strata, short-term rental rules, bills, repairs and what home jobs cost.
Guides
A neighbour is running an Airbnb in your building in Penang: what you can do
Tell your building's management body (the JMB or MC, the owners' body that runs it) in writing, then complain to your city council (MBPP on the island, MBSP on the mainland). If the management body does nothing, you can take it to the Commissioner of Buildings.
Can I rent out my condo short-term in Penang? Airbnb, homestay and the 2026 by-law
On Penang island a residential strata home (an ordinary condo, apartment or flat) cannot get a short-term rental licence. Elsewhere you need a licence from your city council, and a strata building's owners must also vote to allow it; approved by-law changes are expected from 1 January 2027.
Short-term rental licence in Penang: steps and fees (lesen TIP)
To rent out a home by the night in Penang you apply to your city council with an RM50 fee. Under the August 2026 gazette the licence (lesen TIP, Tempat Inap Persendirian, Malay for private accommodation) then costs RM1,000 a year for up to three rooms plus RM1,800 a year for each unit, and approved changes are expected from 1 January 2027.
Locksmiths in Penang: who says they work 24 hours
Three locksmiths whose own websites say they cover Penang, with the phone, shop hours and 24-hour claim exactly as each publishes it on 17 October 2026. None publishes a price for opening a door, so here is what to ask before they come.
Assessment tax (cukai taksiran) in Penang: due dates and late charges
Assessment tax is billed twice a year, in January and July, by MBPP on the island or MBSP on the mainland. Pay the first half by the end of February and the second by 31 August, or a notice charge follows. How it is worked out, how to pay, how to object, and what relief exists.
Condo and strata living in Penang: JMB, MC, the Commissioner of Buildings and the tribunal
In Penang, each city council houses the Commissioner of Buildings (COB), who oversees condo management bodies under the Strata Management Act 2013. What the JMB or MC does, how maintenance charges and the sinking fund work, and where to complain, from the COB to the Strata Management Tribunal.
Dengue and mosquitoes in Penang: report a breeding site, fogging, who to call
To report a mosquito breeding site, complain to your city council (MBPP on the island, MBSP on the mainland); the councils and the state Health Department both work on Aedes control. The numbers, what each office does, how fogging works and where to see dengue hotspots.
Home internet in Penang: checking fibre at your address and published plan prices
Check fibre at your exact address on each provider's own coverage checker before you sign anything, and ask the provider to confirm it. Unifi, CelcomDigi and Maxis publish home fibre plans; here are their speeds and monthly prices exactly as each publishes them, with contract terms where stated, and the route for complaints.
Moving in: power, water and other accounts in Penang, step by step
Moving into a Penang home means putting electricity (TNB) and water (PBAPP) in the right name, and for owners, telling the council, Indah Water and the land office. A checklist for renters and owners, with the forms, deadlines and refunds each agency publishes.
Quit rent (cukai tanah) in Penang: due date, how to pay and the 2026 revision
Quit rent is a yearly land tax paid to the Penang state land office, due from 1 January to 31 May. Pay it on the PgLAND portal or at any district land office counter. What changed with the new 2026 rates, the rebate, instalments, appeals and the late fees.
Stray dogs, snakes, bees, monkeys and crows in Penang: who handles what
A snake, hive or wild animal that puts anyone in danger is a 999 call; stray dogs go to your city council; monkeys and other wildlife go to PERHILITAN on 1-800-88-5151. What each agency in Penang handles, with the numbers they publish.
What aircon servicing costs in Penang
A general service costs RM50 to RM130 per wall unit and a chemical wash RM100 to RM200, as Penang aircon businesses publish them. Prices for a gas refill and fitting a new unit, what pushes the price up, and what to ask before you book.
What home cleaning costs in Penang
A part-time home cleaner costs about RM18 to RM25 an hour, as Penang cleaning businesses publish their rates.
What movers and lorry hire cost in Penang
Penang movers publish starting prices of RM120 to RM300 for a 1-tonne lorry and RM250 to RM400 for a 3-tonne lorry. Crossing the Second Penang Bridge costs a two-axle, six-wheel lorry RM30.50 in toll.
Which bill is which in Penang: power, water, sewerage, assessment and quit rent
A Penang home can bring up to six different bills. Who sends each one (TNB, PBAPP, Indah Water, your city council, the state land office and your condo's management body), how often it comes, how to pay it and who to call about it.
Renting a home in Penang: stamp duty, utilities and what to keep
A tenancy agreement for three years or less must be stamped within 30 days of signing. The tenant pays the duty, which is RM1 for every RM250 of one year's rent on a term of one year or less.