An investigation of the issues of tenancy management practice: The case of commercial waqf properties in Malaysia

Abstract

This paper concerns the sustainability of the commercial waqf properties (CWP) in regards to tenancy management (TM) since the waqf properties were underperformed due to large rental arrears in some states. The objective of the study is to investigate the issues of tenancy management that limit the achievement of the financial sustainability of CWP. This research adopts the qualitative approach which employing in-depth interviews at seven (7) CWP as a case study that covered the state of Johor, Selangor, Penang and WPKL. Semistructured interviews were conducted with six (6) waqf property managers (WPM) and twenty-one (21) tenants to get their perspective regarding the issues of tenancy management according to TM attributes. From the findings, it was found that the tenancy businesses attribute is the most issues voiced by the tenants and WPMs followed by tenancy agreement, rental determination and enforcement. Meanwhile, tenant selection and waqf property manager attributes are less critical. Hence, the solutions have been proposed to improve the sustainability of CWP while Shariah principles and waqf needs are being adhered to in the full spectrum of waqf tenancy management.