Understanding tenants’ motivations for co-living arrangements: a case study of Klang Valley, Malaysia

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to fill a knowledge gap by analyzing the motivations of tenants to co-living spaces in Klang Valley, Malaysia as the motives of co-living spaces are related to how well that space supports their needs.

Design/methodology/approach

Tenants’ behaviors were examined using a convergent parallel mixed-method approach, which included a survey and an in-depth interview. A total of 175 respondents were interviewed using purposive sampling.

Findings

The results show that the preference for co-living attributes has changed during the pandemic. User ratings of preference for physical and leasing attributes of co-living spaces are significant in terms of co-living motivations. The findings also revealed that tenants prefer twin-sharing and master bedrooms when choosing a co-living space to stay in.

Research limitations/implications

Identifying the factors that influence such motivations is critical for housing developers and co-living service providers to pay close attention to improving tenants’ living experiences.

Originality/value

There is interest in the co-living spaces that are available for rent. However, very little research is based on an understanding of how the tenants in Klang Valley, Malaysia perceive this type of living arrangement. A better understanding and prediction of tenants’ needs and preferences may lead to a better understanding of the attributes that influence their motivations for using co-living spaces.

Citation

Christy, V. and Tan, T.H. (2022), "Understanding tenants’ motivations for co-living arrangements: a case study of Klang Valley, Malaysia", International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, Vol. 15 No. 5, pp. 1225-1241. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHMA-07-2021-0084