Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about connecting with your jiran through JiranLink

🤝 Semangat gotong-royong untuk komuniti yang lebih erat

1 What is JiranLink and How Does It Work?

What exactly is JiranLink?

JiranLink is a non-commercial community project that connects Malaysian neighbors directly for housing, parking spaces, and community services. Think of it as bringing back the kampung spirit to modern apartment living - where jiran helps jiran without any middleman taking a cut.

100% community-driven, maintained by volunteers

How does the platform work?

For Property Owners/Service Providers: List your available rental units, parking bays, or services (cleaning, repairs, etc.) with your own prices and terms.

For Property Seekers: Browse listings in your building or nearby buildings, view real neighbor profiles, and contact owners directly.

Direct Connection: Once you find what you need, contact the neighbor directly via WhatsApp or phone - no platform interference, no commission fees.

What can I find or offer on JiranLink?

🏠

Housing

Rooms, units, homestays

🚗

Parking

Monthly parking bays

🔧

Services

Cleaning, repairs, tutoring

Is JiranLink a business?

No! JiranLink is a community project built on the Malaysian spirit of gotong-royong. We don't charge fees, take commissions, or profit from transactions. Our goal is simply to strengthen neighborhood connections and help Malaysians save money by connecting directly.

Philosophy: "Jiran tolong jiran" - when neighbors help neighbors, everyone benefits. No corporate profits, just community spirit.

2 Safety and Trust Questions

How do I know if someone is trustworthy?

Building Verification: All users must verify they live in or own property in the buildings they post about.

Real Profiles: Users provide real contact information and building details - no anonymous listings.

Neighbor Network: Since you're connecting with people in your building or nearby, there's natural accountability through the community.

Direct Communication: You can chat with potential tenants/landlords before committing, just like you would with any neighbor.

Pro Tip: Meet in the building lobby or common area first, just like you would when meeting any new neighbor!

What if I have problems with a transaction?

Since JiranLink connects you directly with neighbors, any agreements or issues are handled between you and them, just like normal neighbor interactions. However:

Always get a proper tenancy agreement for rentals (we can provide templates)
Keep records of all communications and payments
Report any suspicious activity to building management
Contact us to remove problematic users from the platform

Is my personal information safe?

Yes! We take privacy seriously:

Your contact details are only shared when you choose to connect with someone
No personal data is sold or shared with third parties
You control what information appears in your profile
All data stays within Malaysia

What about scams or fake listings?

Building-Based Verification: Since all listings are tied to specific buildings, it's easy to verify legitimacy.

Community Reporting: Neighbors can report suspicious listings or users.

Regular Monitoring: Our volunteer moderators review listings and remove anything suspicious.

Red Flags to Watch: Prices too good to be true, requests for advance payment before viewing, unwillingness to meet in person.

3 Fees and Costs (There Are None!)

Does JiranLink charge any fees?

RM 0

Forever and always

JiranLink will never charge users any fees. No listing fees, no contact fees, no commission on successful rentals, no subscription fees. This is a community project, not a business.

Why no fees? Because neighbors helping neighbors shouldn't cost money. That's not the Malaysian way!

How much can I save compared to traditional agents?

Traditional Agent Fees

Commission (1-2 months rent): RM1,500-3,000
Administrative fees: RM200-500
Total Cost: RM1,700-3,500

JiranLink Direct

Platform fees: RM0
Commission: RM0
Total Cost: RM0

What about the legal documents and agreements?

While we don't charge for platform access, you'll still need proper documentation for rentals:

Tenancy Agreement: RM200-500 (lawyer fees) - we provide free basic templates
Stamp Duty: Based on rental amount (government requirement)
Utility deposits: Depends on unit (directly to TNB, Indah Water, etc.)

Will JiranLink ever start charging fees?

Never for basic neighbor-to-neighbor connections. This is our commitment to the Malaysian community.

Future Possibilities: We might offer optional paid services like professional photography for listings or premium legal document preparation, but the core platform will always be free.

4 How to List Properties and Services

How do I list my property or service?

1

Create Your Profile

Basic information about yourself and verify your building residency

2

Choose What to List

Rental unit, parking bay, or service (cleaning, tutoring, repairs, etc.)

3

Add Details & Photos

Description, price, availability, and clear photos

4

Go Live!

Your listing appears immediately for neighbors to see

What information do I need to provide?

For Rental Units:

  • • Unit type & size
  • • Monthly rental price
  • • Furnished/unfurnished
  • • Available date
  • • Building facilities
  • • Photos of unit
  • • Your contact preference

For Services:

  • • Service type & description
  • • Rates & payment terms
  • • Availability schedule
  • • Experience/qualifications
  • • Coverage area
  • • Photos of work examples
  • • Contact information

Can I list multiple properties or services?

Yes! There's no limit to how many items you can list. Many neighbors list their extra parking bay, offer cleaning services, AND rent out a spare room.

Popular Combinations: Unit owner renting property + extra parking bay + offering occasional cleaning services to other units.

How do I set fair prices?

Research Local Market: Check what similar units in your building are renting for on other platforms.

Consider Your Neighbors: Remember, you're dealing with people who live nearby - fair pricing builds community.

Factor in No Agent Fees: Since there's no commission, you can offer better prices while still earning the same.

Ask Other Residents: Your building's WhatsApp group or Facebook page might have pricing discussions.

What makes a good listing?

Great Photos:

  • • Well-lit, clean spaces
  • • Multiple angles
  • • Show key features
  • • Include building exterior

Clear Description:

  • • Honest about condition
  • • Highlight unique features
  • • Mention nearby amenities
  • • Include transport links

5 How to Find and Contact Neighbors

How do I search for properties or services?

By Building: Browse specific buildings where you want to live or find services.

By Type: Filter by rental units, parking spaces, or specific services.

By Location: Look within your preferred neighborhoods (Kuchai Lama, Taman Desa, etc.).

By Budget: Set your price range to see relevant listings only.

Pro Tip: Start with your current building or nearby ones - you might already know these neighbors!

How do I contact property owners?

📱

WhatsApp (Most Popular)

Click the WhatsApp button to send a pre-formatted message introducing yourself

📞

Direct Call

Call directly for immediate response (be respectful of timing)

💬

Platform Message

Send a message through JiranLink (owner will get notification)

What should I say when contacting someone?

Sample WhatsApp Message:

"Hi! Saya tengok listing awak untuk [unit/parking/service] di [building name] kat JiranLink. Boleh arrange viewing tak? Saya duduk kat [your area] and looking for [timeframe]. Thank you!"

Be polite and introduce yourself briefly
Mention you found them on JiranLink
Be specific about what you're interested in
Suggest a convenient time for viewing/discussion

What if no one responds to my messages?

Try Different Times: Some people prefer morning, others evening. Wait 24-48 hours between attempts.

Use Different Contact Methods: If WhatsApp doesn't work, try calling or platform messaging.

Check if Listing is Still Available: Popular listings get rented quickly.

Broaden Your Search: Look at similar properties in nearby buildings.

How do I arrange viewings safely?

Meet in Common Areas First: Building lobby, management office, or cafe nearby.

Bring a Friend: Especially for evening viewings or unfamiliar areas.

Inform Someone: Tell a friend/family member about your appointment.

Ask for Building Access: Legitimate owners will have proper access cards/keys.

Check Building Records: Management can verify ownership if needed.

6 Building Support and Expansion

Which buildings are currently supported?

Kuchai Lama Area:

  • • Residensi Kuchaimas
  • • Hermington
  • • Lili Apartment

Taman Desa Area:

  • • 216 Residences
  • • GenKL Residence
  • • Abadi Villa

More buildings are added regularly based on community demand and volunteer availability.

My building isn't listed. How can I add it?

1

Check Community Interest

Ask in your building's WhatsApp group or Facebook page - do others want this?

2

Contact Our Team

Email us with building name, location, and estimated number of interested residents

3

Building Profile Setup

We'll work with you to create the building profile with photos and facilities info

4

Go Live!

Usually takes 1-2 weeks to add a new building completely

What information do you need about my building?

Basic Information:

  • • Building name & address
  • • Total number of units
  • • Unit types available
  • • Year built/developer
  • • Management contact info

Photos & Features:

  • • Building exterior photos
  • • Common facilities (gym, pool, etc.)
  • • Nearby amenities
  • • Transport connections
  • • Parking arrangements

Can building management partner with JiranLink?

Yes! We welcome partnerships with building management companies and JMBs (Joint Management Bodies). Benefits include:

Reduced vacant units (faster rentals through neighbor networks)
Better community engagement and communication
Verified tenant screening through neighbor recommendations
Enhanced building amenities through resident services

What if I move to a different building?

No problem! Your JiranLink account moves with you:

Update your profile with your new building
Keep all your reviews and reputation
Access services in your new neighborhood
Help us add your new building if it's not listed

7 Community Guidelines

What are the basic community rules?

🤝

Respect Your Neighbors

Treat others as you'd want to be treated. Be patient, understanding, and courteous in all interactions.

Be Honest and Transparent

Provide accurate information in listings. Be upfront about property conditions, availability, and terms.

🏠

Keep It Local

JiranLink is for genuine neighbors and local community members. No commercial property agents or large-scale businesses.

💬

Communicate Clearly

Respond promptly to inquiries. If your listing is no longer available, update it immediately.

What's not allowed on JiranLink?

Prohibited Content:

  • • Fake or misleading listings
  • • Discriminatory language
  • • Commercial property agent posts
  • • Spam or duplicate listings
  • • Inappropriate photos
  • • External business advertising

Prohibited Behavior:

  • • Harassment or rude communication
  • • Multiple fake accounts
  • • Attempting to scam users
  • • Sharing others' personal info
  • • Impersonating building management
  • • Using platform for dating/social

How do I report inappropriate behavior?

Report Button: Each listing and profile has a report button - use it if you see violations.

Email Us: Contact our volunteer moderators directly for serious issues.

Building Management: For physical safety concerns, also inform your building management.

What Happens: Reports are reviewed within 24-48 hours. Violations can result in listing removal or account suspension.

Can I leave reviews for other users?

Yes, but only after completing a transaction (rental, service, etc.). Reviews help build community trust:

Good Review Example:

"Excellent landlord - responsive, fair, and genuinely cares about tenant satisfaction. Unit was exactly as described. Highly recommend!"

Poor Review Example:

"Terrible experience, avoid at all costs!!!" - Too emotional, not specific or helpful

What happens if I break the community guidelines?

1

Warning

First minor violation gets a friendly warning and guidance on proper usage

2

Listing Removal

Problematic listings are removed, with explanation provided

3

Account Suspension

Serious or repeated violations result in temporary or permanent account suspension

8 Technical Support

I'm having trouble with the website. What should I do?

First, try these quick fixes:

Refresh your browser page (Ctrl+F5 or Cmd+Shift+R)
Clear your browser cache and cookies
Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
Check your internet connection

Still having issues? Contact our technical support team with details about what you were trying to do and what error you saw.

My photos won't upload. Why?

Common photo upload issues:

File too large: Resize to under 5MB per photo
Wrong format: Use JPG, PNG, or WEBP files only
Slow internet: Try uploading during off-peak hours
Mobile data limits: Use WiFi for uploading photos

The WhatsApp button isn't working. What's wrong?

WhatsApp integration troubleshooting:

Make sure WhatsApp is installed on your device
For desktop: WhatsApp Web should be set up
Check if your browser allows pop-ups from JiranLink
Alternative: Copy the phone number and message manually

How can I contact support?

For Technical Issues:

  • • Website bugs or errors
  • • Photo upload problems
  • • Login or account access
  • • Mobile compatibility issues

For Community Issues:

  • • Inappropriate listings or behavior
  • • Building addition requests
  • • General questions about platform
  • • Partnership opportunities

Response Time: Technical issues are usually resolved within 24-48 hours. Community issues are handled by volunteer moderators within 48-72 hours.

Is JiranLink mobile-friendly?

Yes! JiranLink works great on all devices:

📱

Mobile Phones

Optimized for iPhone and Android

💻

Tablets

Great for browsing and photos

🖥️

Desktop

Full features and easy typing

9 Malaysian-Specific Concerns

What are my rights as a tenant in Malaysia?

Key Tenant Rights (2025):

Right to habitable property: Landlord must maintain basic repairs, plumbing, electrical systems
Privacy rights: Landlord must give reasonable notice before entering (usually 24-48 hours)
Protection from illegal eviction: Landlord cannot evict without court order, even for late rent
Security deposit protection: Must be returned within reasonable time after lease ends

Note: Malaysia currently has no single residential tenancy law, but multiple acts protect tenants including the Contracts Act 1950 and Specific Relief Act 1950.

What documents do I need for renting in Malaysia?

For Tenants:

  • • IC (MyKad) or passport copy
  • • Employment letter/payslips
  • • Bank statements (3-6 months)
  • • Previous tenancy references
  • • Emergency contact details

For Landlords:

  • • Property ownership documents
  • • Property tax receipts
  • • Fire insurance policy
  • • Building approvals/CF
  • • Bank account for deposits

How much should I expect to pay upfront?

Typical Malaysian Rental Costs:

Security deposit: 2-3 months rent
Utility deposit: 0.5-1 month rent
First month rent: 1 month rent
Tenancy agreement: RM200-500
Total upfront: 3.5-5.5 months rent

Example: For RM1,500/month rental, expect to pay RM5,250-8,250 upfront before moving in.

What about stamp duty and legal requirements?

Stamp Duty (Government Requirement):

Annual rent ≤ RM2,400: RM1
Annual rent RM2,401-RM24,000: RM2 per RM1,000
Annual rent > RM24,000: RM3 per RM1,000

Legal Requirements: While not legally required, it's highly recommended to have a proper tenancy agreement stamped and witnessed. JiranLink can provide basic templates.

Are there any restrictions for foreign tenants?

For Foreign Nationals:

Valid visa required: Work permit, student visa, or long-term social visit pass
Higher deposits: Some landlords may ask for 3-6 months security deposit
Employer guarantee: Employment letter often required for work permit holders
Local contact: Some landlords prefer a Malaysian co-signer or reference

What about cultural considerations when renting?

Malaysian Rental Culture:

Respect for festivals: Be understanding during Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali celebrations
Dietary preferences: Some landlords specify halal-only kitchens or no pork/alcohol
Prayer considerations: Be respectful of prayer times and religious practices
Family preferences: Some buildings/landlords prefer families over singles or couples

JiranLink's Approach: We encourage open communication about preferences upfront so everyone finds the right match for their lifestyle.

10 Volunteer and Community Involvement

How can I help improve JiranLink?

🤝

Spread the Word

Tell your neighbors about JiranLink! Share in your building's WhatsApp groups or Facebook pages.

📋

Volunteer as Building Coordinator

Help us add new buildings and moderate listings in your area. 2-3 hours per month commitment.

💻

Technical Contributions

Developers, designers, or digital marketers can contribute skills to improve the platform.

📝

Content Creation

Help create guides, translations, or community content in multiple Malaysian languages.

What does a Building Coordinator do?

Monthly Responsibilities (2-3 hours):

Review new listings for your building to ensure accuracy
Help resolve any disputes or issues between neighbors
Update building information and photos periodically
Welcome new residents to the platform
Provide feedback to the core team about improvements needed

Recognition: Building Coordinators get special badges and priority support, plus the satisfaction of strengthening their community!

Can my building management partner with JiranLink?

Absolutely! We'd love to work with progressive building managements and JMBs. Partnership benefits:

For Building Management:

  • • Faster unit rentals = happier owners
  • • Better tenant screening through community
  • • Enhanced resident satisfaction
  • • Improved building communication
  • • Professional building profile

For Residents:

  • • Verified building information
  • • Direct management contact
  • • Faster issue resolution
  • • Community event coordination
  • • Enhanced security verification

Is there a community WhatsApp group or forum?

We're planning to launch community discussion spaces! For now:

Join your building's existing WhatsApp groups and mention JiranLink
Follow JiranLink updates through our contact system
Email us to be notified when community groups launch

How can I support JiranLink's growth?

Share & Recommend:

  • • Tell friends and family
  • • Share in community groups
  • • Post positive experiences
  • • Refer other buildings

Active Participation:

  • • Create quality listings
  • • Leave helpful reviews
  • • Report issues promptly
  • • Volunteer your skills

Still Have Questions?

Can't find what you're looking for? Our community support team is here to help. Kami sentiasa bersedia untuk membantu komuniti JiranLink!