Finding a place to live is one of the first things you need to sort out when come to teach in China. Renting a house in China can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time navigating the process. But don’t worry! With the right guidance, you’ll find a comfortable and affordable home that meets your needs.
How to Rent a House in China?
When renting a house in China, you have two main options: renting through an agency or using an app.
Renting house through an agency
If you prefer an agency, you can start by walking around neighborhoods where you want to live—there are usually small agency offices around most areas. However, finding an agent who speaks English is not easy if you’re in a smaller city. You could also check out Facebook by searching “rent house in [your city].” This often leads to English-speaking agents or landlords offering direct rentals.
Renting house through an App
Popular house renting Apps
On the other hand, using an app to rent a house is more popular because it’s more convenient and offers more options. Popular apps include Lianjia (链家), Anjuke (安居客), 58.com (58同城), and Ziroom (自如). If you prefer an app with an English interface, Ziroom is the best option, but it’s only available in limited cities for now (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chengdu, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and Suzhou).
House rental Ap-Ziroom
Step-by-Step Process of Renting a House in China
Renting a house in China as a foreigner typically involves several steps and requirements:
Determine your needs:
The first step of renting a house is to decide on the location, budget, and type of house you are looking for. And find a reputable real estate agent who specializes in serving foreigners or use online platforms, such as Ziroom (自如), Anjuke (安居客), Lianjia (链家).
Contact the landlord or agent:
Contact the landlord (or housekeeper for some apps) or real estate agent when you find a suitable house. Tell them your interest, negotiate terms, ask questions, and schedule property visits.
Schedule a visit to the property:
We recommend you visit the house in person, though some online platforms offer virtual tours. When visiting the property, check the walls, ceilings, and floors for any visible damages or cracks. And remember to check the plumbing and water supply to ensure everything can function normally.
Lease agreement negotiation:
If you decide to proceed, negotiate the lease terms with the landlord or agent. Discuss the price, duration of the lease, payment schedule, and any additional clauses or requirements.
Prepare required documents in advance:
The necessary documentation usually includes your passport, visa, and sometimes proof of employment or study in China. Some landlords or agencies may also require a copy of your residence permit or a local guarantor.
Sign the lease agreement:
Read the lease agreement carefully before you sign. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions, including the responsibilities of both parties. After agreeing on the terms, sign the lease agreement with the landlord. After you sign the contract, pay the security deposit (usually equivalent to one to three months’ rent) and the first month’s rent. Some landlords or agencies may also request additional payment for utilities or property management fees.
Register your new residence with the local police station:
Within 24 hours of moving in, you must register your new residence with the local police station. This requirement applies to all foreigners staying in China.
Chinese Terms You Might Come Across in the Lease
When you rent a house, you will encounter many Chinese terms related to the rental process that you may not be familiar with. Here are some common rent-related terms:
● 租金 (zū jīn) – Rent: 租金 refers to the rent you pay the landlord for living in the house.
● 押金 (yā jīn) – Deposit: A refundable amount of money you provide as security to the landlord. It is typically equivalent to one to three months’ rent.
● 中介费 (zhōng jiè fèi) – Agency fee: Real estate agencies charge a fee for helping with the rental process, which is usually a percentage of the annual rent.
● 租约 (zū yuē) – Rental contract: The legally binding agreement between the tenant and landlord, outlining the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement.
● 合同期限 (hé tóng qī xiàn) – Contract duration: The specified period for which the rental contract is valid. The lease term is usually around one year, but it is possible to negotiate shorter lease terms.
● 水电费 (shuǐ diàn fèi) – Utility bills: 水电费 refers to the expenses related to using water and electricity. Sometimes, these bills are separate from the rental amount and paid by the tenant.
What’s the meaning of 押一付三?
押一付三 is a term that appears in the renting process very often. To understand this term, you need to grasp the definitions of 押 and 付 in the context of renting.
“押” (yā) means “security deposit” or “to deposit,” and “付” (fù) means “to pay” or “payment.”
押 (yā) refers to the amount of money the tenant needs to deposit as a security to the landlord. The security deposit is refundable at the end of the tenancy, assuming no outstanding issues or damages.
付 (fù) refers to the act of making a payment. In the context of renting, it represents the rent payment made by the tenant to the landlord. The tenant pays the specified amount of rent based on the agreed terms and frequency (such as monthly) throughout the tenancy period.
Examples:
押一付一 (yā yī fù yī): This term refers to the payment arrangement where you pay a security deposit equal to one month’s rent and the first month’s rent when you move in, which means you should pay two months’ amount of rent at the beginning of your tenancy.
押一付三 (yā yī fù sān): This term means you pay a security deposit equal to one month’s rent and pay three months’ rent in advance when you move in. 押一付三 requires you to pay a total of four months’ amount of rent at the beginning of your tenancy.
In short, take your time during property visits, ask plenty of questions, and don’t be afraid to seek help when needed. Renting a house might seem overwhelming at first, especially as a newcomer, but with the right guidance, you’ll be ready to settle into your new life in China.
If you’re curious about how your salary fits into the bigger picture, check out our guide on Salary and Living Costs for Teaching in China: Is 15,000 RMB Enough?. And to get a better sense of overview for teaching in China, our article on Life as an ESL Teacher in China: What to Expect will give you a closer look at salaries, working hours and support for teachers.
