When you rent a home in Malaysia, you usually pay three deposits upfront, commonly summarised as the “2 + 1 + ½” formula: two months’ rent as the security deposit, one month as advance rental, and half a month as the utility deposit. This guide explains what each deposit covers, how your utility deposit works, and how to get every ringgit back at the end of your tenancy. Quick Answer: Key Takeaways · Malaysian tenants typically pay three deposits: security (2 months),