Rent and Deposit

Renting an apartment in China can be a complicated process, and language barriers may lead to communication problems. It is usually necessary to work with a real estate agent to assist you through this process.

Lease Duration

General requirements: The minimum lease term is usually 6 months, and one-year contracts are more common.

Short-term rental: Short-term leases require the landlord's approval, and rent is typically higher than long-term leases.

Rent Payment

Payment method: The rent is usually paid in RMB (Chinese Yuan), either in cash or by bank transfer. If you need to use bank transfer, you will need to open an account with a Chinese bank.

Payment date: The rent is generally paid monthly, usually one week in advance for the following month.

Rent amount: Some landlords may require one month's deposit plus three months' rent upfront. Specific terms can be negotiated with the landlord.

Rental Deposit

Deposit amount: When signing the lease contract, the landlord usually requires a security deposit. The deposit amount is generally 1 to 3 months' rent, and the specific amount needs to be negotiated with the landlord.

Deposit receipt: The deposit receipt is written proof that the landlord has received the payment. Please keep it safe.

Usage & refund: The deposit is primarily used to cover property damage caused by the tenant or handle lease violations. At the end of the lease, once the property is inspected and confirmed undamaged, the deposit will be refunded in full. The refund is usually processed within 7–15 working days after moving out.

Note: If you terminate the lease early before the contract end date, the landlord has the right to withhold part or all of the deposit in accordance with the contract terms.

Property Management Fee

To whom: The property management fee is paid monthly to the property management company of the residential complex where you rent.

For what: The fee covers maintenance of public areas, building security, cleaning services, and use of public facilities.

Fee variations: The specific amount depends on the grade of the complex, building age, and  level of services provided.

Note: Confirm with your landlord in advance who is responsible for this fee, and have it clearly stated in the contract.

Invoices and Taxation

Fapiao (invoices): In China, rental invoices and other consumption invoices are collectively referred to as fapiao.

Requesting an invoice: If you need the rent for company reimbursement or tax deduction, be sure to request a formal invoice (fapiao) from the landlord.

Tax: Please note that issuing an invoice may involve taxes, and relevant agreements should be clearly stated in the contract in advance.

Living Expenses

Electricity: Billed monthly. China uses a standard of 220 volts and 50 Hz. Plug types vary, so it is recommended to bring your own adapters.

Water: Usually billed every two or three months. Tap water is recommended to be boiled before drinking, or you can use bottled water.

Gas: Usually billed every two months, used for kitchen cooking and hot water supply.

Note: The initial meter readings for water, electricity, and gas should be clearly recorded in the contract.

Phone, Internet, and TV: Including mobile phone charges, broadband internet fees, and cable TV fees. Most residential complexes are already connected to cable TV, giving you access to domestic channels. If you need more international channels, you may consider internet TV or satellite TV (subject to local regulations). For broadband installation, you need to contact the service provider—costs vary by package.

Move-in Inspection

Before moving in, ensure the space is clean and all appliances are in working order. Carefully check the move-in inventory list. Any abnormal conditions (such as wall stains, furniture damage, appliance malfunctions, etc.) should be recorded in detail and photographed for documentation, then signed and confirmed by both the tenant and landlord as a reference for move-out.

Key Reminders

1. All parties responsible for costs (rent, deposit, property management fees, utilities, internet, etc.) should be clearly agreed upon in the contract.

2. Keep all payment receipts and invoices.

3. Conduct detailed inspections both when moving in and moving out to avoid deposit disputes.