You should not have any problems renting property as landlords are desperate for tenants and there are no legal restrictions as far as I know when it comes to foreigners renting - its the preference of the owner.

I am under 50 and did visa runs for several years before securing MM2H under the previous gov't. So long as you are a white westerner and are not abusive e.g. always hoping over the Thai/Singapore border and coming right back, it might take as long as 2 years before they start to "notice" all the stamps and ask alot of questions.

Keep in mind I would visit my home country for a 1+ months twice a year with travel to DIFFERENT countries (trips lasting a few weeks) in between and on those visits and I ALWAYS had an onward ticket (sometimes on different airlines as airline check in people are supposed to scrutinise you). I never left on the 89th day - maybe at the 2 or 2 1/2 month mark - and always have a clear story about why you are here (e.g. thinking of MM2H b/c you work online, you have a local Chinese GF etc....)

ONE BIG WARNING: Never ever go to a line with a female immigration officer if you can avoid it - that's how you get sent to a back office to be asked more questions and then have to report to an office (or worst, immigration enforcement) in Putrajaya/Damasara - Get in a line where there is a young guy working

Keep in mind there is a new government (MM2H applications can also take several months or more and then there are the bank hassles - so factor that into your thinking) and they may be cracking down harder now - some westerners "living here" really are abusive/blatant and they actually are also working illegally. Also, you better have onward tickets to show airlines / immigration. I know Taiwan people (hardly 3rd world!) now will not be allowed to enter if they don't show an onward or RT....

 

Hi. Although this is an old post, I'm curious to know whether you were able to sign a lease on an apartment and do multiple visa runs in Malaysia? I'm retired and am thinking about doing exactly the same, with the addition of buying a motorbike. Surprisingly there are very few answers to these questions online.

 

Hi Mike,
Welcome to the region! Penang is a great choice — the food, culture, and pace of life make it quite appealing, especially for digital nomads and expats testing the waters.
About leasing a property:
Leasing for 12 months as a foreigner is generally not a problem. Landlords are used to dealing with expats, especially in areas like Tanjung Tokong, Batu Ferringhi, and George Town. Just make sure the lease agreement is in writing and clearly outlines early termination clauses, deposit (usually 2–3 months), and maintenance responsibilities. If possible, work with a reputable agent — they can help filter properties with clear ownership and proper paperwork.
Caution points:
Scams: Double-check ownership documents before paying any deposit.
Hidden costs: Some condos charge hefty maintenance or utility fees separately.
Internet speed: If you’re working online, check the building’s internet setup beforehand.
Tourist visa considerations:
As a Brit, you get 90 days visa-free per entry. However, frequent re-entries can raise flags, especially if border officers think you’re residing without a long-term visa. That said, many people do “visa runs” — flying out for a few days and re-entering — but it’s not guaranteed and depends on the discretion of immigration. Be polite, have your Singapore business documents ready, and ideally show a return ticket or proof of onward travel.
Also, note that Malaysia is becoming more aware of long-stay tourists using this approach, so eventually you might want to look into a long-term , even the Digital Nomad DE Rantau visa, which might suit your profile better than MM2H.
If you’re financially secure and transparent about your situation, it’s likely to go smoothly — just avoid overstaying or pushing too many border runs close together.
Hope this helps, and enjoy your time in Penang!