NEWS of the surge in rentals this year has sparked concern among Klang Valley residents.
A resident, who only wished to be known as Junaidi, said his landlord had not indicated that he would raise the rent.
Junaidi, however, admitted that any increase will undoubtedly pose a challenge for tenants.
"If there is an increase, it will definitely raise my cost of living.
"We already have many new taxes, including digital tax, to pay. If we buy stuff online, we will have to pay tax (low-value goods tax) and some services are already experiencing price hikes.
"So, I might spend more time at home if there is this additional cost of higher rent," said the 27-year-old, who is a writer.
Junaidi, who rents a property in Subang Jaya, said he was paying RM1,700 a month for his house which he has been living in for the past two years.
Siti Nur Najiihah Baharudin, 26, said a rent hike would compel her to adjust her monthly spending.
She is, however, relieved that her landlord has not signalled any possible rent hike.
"I would be disappointed if there is an increase in my rent as I have been renting here for two years.
"Such an increase will affect my savings and increase my commitment.
"So, I would have to readjust my financial spending every month," said the F&B worker who pays RM350 a month for a room in Bangsar.
Siti Rasyidah Zainuddin, 25, said her landlord had increased the rent, but the amount was bearable since she was renting a home in Kampung Datuk Keramat with six other tenants.
"I am lucky that the increase is not a lot, only RM100, but still it increases my monthly spending bill.
"But I'm not really affected that much because we could split the bill if the rent goes up," said the anti-money laundering analyst.