A screenshot of a conversation between a shop rental agent and a prospective renter has gone viral, stirring heated discussions among netizens.
The exchange, which took place over a messaging app, involved a renter interested in leasing a shop for a hair salon business. Before arranging a viewing, the agent reportedly relayed the shop owner’s requirement that potential tenants must have funds equivalent to four times the monthly rental, amounting to a total deposit of RM3,200.
When the renter questioned whether they could view the shop without having the full deposit ready, the agent responded: “If customers don’t have the money to rent the shop, would you allow them to view it?”
The viral post has drawn mixed reactions online. Some social media users criticised the agent, claiming that such comments reflect a tendency among some agents to look down on ordinary people. Others defended the practice, arguing that requesting proof of financial capability is a standard procedure to ensure serious inquiries and avoid wasting time for both parties.
The incident highlights the ongoing debate over transparency and upfront payment policies in the property rental sector, particularly for commercial spaces where deposit requirements can be significant.
Netizens continue to discuss whether such preconditions are reasonable or unnecessarily discouraging for small business owners hoping to rent commercial premises.
