How to Rent an Apartment in China as a Foreigner

Finding a place to stay is one of the biggest challenges for foreigners moving to China. Whether you're planning a long-term stay or settling in for work, this guide covers everything you need to know about renting an apartment.

Where to Find Rental Properties

China has a well-developed rental market with many agencies offering online platforms and mobile apps. You can search for properties based on location, rent, apartment type, and condition. Some popular platforms include:

• Lianjia / Beike (链家/贝壳) — One of the largest real estate platforms

• Anjuke (安居客) — Popular for rental listings in major cities

• Ziroom (自如) — Managed apartment rentals, popular with young professionals

You can also visit a rental agency's physical store and work with an agent in person.

Signing a Rental Contract

• Negotiate terms — Discuss the rental period (usually 1 year), monthly rent, deposit (typically 1–3 months' rent), and repair responsibilities.

• Sign a contract — We strongly recommend a bilingual contract (Chinese + English) with one language specified as the governing language.

• Pay fees — Typically, you'll pay the deposit plus the first month's rent upfront.

• Register with property management — Report to the property management office to complete move-in.

Typical Rental Costs

Things Foreigners Should Know

• Police registration: By law, register your address with the local police station (派出所) within 24 hours of moving in.

• Payment terms: Most landlords require "押一付三" (deposit one month, pay three months upfront).

• Utilities: Clarify whether water, electricity, gas, internet, and property fees are included.

• Agent fees: Typically one month's rent, split between landlord and tenant.