Over 56,000 RENs in Malaysia: How Clients Can Verify an Agent
Figures from the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers (BOVAEP) show more than 56,000 registered real estate negotiators (RENs) nationwide. Police also warn that rental scams often impersonate agents. Inviting clients to verify you is the first step in building trust.
Industry numbers
The Star on 4 November 2026 cited BOVAEP figures: more than 56,000 registered real estate negotiators, over 4,000 probationary estate agents and more than 3,000 registered estate agents. With so many in the market, clients need to know who is registered and which firm they belong to.
Scammers often pose as agents
Bukit Aman's Commercial Crime Investigation Department said in January 2026 that rental scams often use fake agent or owner profiles to advertise cheap units, avoid viewings and demand deposits first; police advise dealing only with registered agents. Being verifiable is therefore a competitive advantage.
Agent insight: give clients what they need to verify you
This is agent analysis. At first contact, provide your name, REN number, the agency's name and registration number, and the office address and phone. Keep ads and name cards consistent. Tell clients they can check you through BOVAEP's public search, and that deposits should go to the firm's or lawyer's official account, not a personal account.
For team leaders
Check team members' registration status and renewals regularly, standardise REN and firm details in ad templates, and set a rule that client payments only go to the firm's account. This works better than handling complaints afterwards.
FAQ
How can I tell if an agent is registered?
Ask for the REN number and firm details, then check them through BOVAEP's public search.
Can I pay a deposit to an agent's personal account?
Not advisable. Pay into the agency's or lawyer's official account and ask for an official receipt.
An agent’s follow-up message
Hello, I am a registered real estate negotiator. For your peace of mind, here are my REN number and agency details, which you can check on BOVAEP's public search. Any deposit will go to the firm's or lawyer's official account. Feel free to ask me anything.