Updated August 4, 2020
I’m sure there are numerous reasons to move to China as a long-term expat. For example, maybe you want to experience Chinese culture, maybe just to hone your Mandarin Chinese skills, maybe you want to date Chinese girls, or simply, your new blue-collar job requires your Laowai ass moving to China. So, after a long research, you finally decided to move to China! Congratulations!
Welcome to China, the land of enormous opportunities!
However, did you think of how to rent a Chinese apartment? How you will find an apartment in China? How much are the monthly rental expenses for a long-term expat? Do you prefer to stay on a shared basis in a dormitory or in a separate apartment? Do you just want a studio apartment, suitable for the single dudes? How about the utilities?
Well, one of the biggest issues, for expats living in China, is to find/rent a suitable apartment. When I first landed in China, only a few years ago, I had similar concerns.
However, my China stay has largely been a positive and enjoyable experience, partly because I managed to find a good apartment.
In this blog-article, I’m going to provide you a quick guide to rent an apartment in China.
Let me first tell you how I found my apartment in Shanghai. More details would follow.
How I Found An Apartment In China?
Well, my boss and colleagues were very helpful. When I came to China to work in 2027, my employer provided me a free temporary accommodation. My colleagues took me around the city in a car (free).
I wanted to stay in a studio apartment. So, we explored a variety of studio apartments. The rentals varied between RMB 2,000/month to 5,000/month.
Finally, after wandering for a half day, I rented a studio apartment, in a 25-story building.
Registration At Chinese Police Station
As you may already know, every foreigner in China must register his Chinese address at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival in China. This, of course, applies to the tourist as well. Thankfully, for the tourists, the hotel/hostel will take care of registration.
However, if you are coming to China to work (on Z visa), it’s your personal responsibility to ensure registration at your local police station (after you have obtained a local address). Basically, you have to register your residential address at the police station.
In my case, I paid everything for my apartment rental in cash. The receptionist gave me a booking receipt. I carried the receipt to the police station. Two of my colleagues accompanied me. After the registration at the police station, I got another single-page document issued by the police station, and I handed it to the receptionist of my building.
That’s all!
I never went to the police station again as I still stay in the same apartment/building (I love this place so much).
What Kind of Apartment I’d Rent?
Here are some of the details of my fully serviced studio worth mentioning:
- Monthly rent (2017): RMB 2,400/month (US $1= RMB 7);
- Rental contract duration: for 1 year, renewable;
- Rent increments: the rent increases every year when I renew the contract. As of July 2020, I’m paying about RMB 2,550/month;
- Security deposit: I had to pay two month’s rent in advance;
- Documents required: copies of passport, visa, and seal of employer on a form given by the receptionist (I had to get seal every year, during the contract renewal);
- Fully furnished: including a double bed, bed sheet, air-conditioner, color TV with about 40 channels (free), washing machine, two tables, two chairs, microwave oven, etc.;
- Free room cleaning: once every two weeks, the bed sheet is changed as well;
- Utilities: water+ Electricity: additional RMB 150/month;
- No curfew: I can come/go anytime;
- Attached bathroom/toilet: a water heater is included;
- Guests: no restriction on guests coming/going, guests don’t need to register at the reception;
- 24 hour reception service;
- Security: the building is full of CCTV cameras, there are so many security guards;
- Elevators: 3 elevators in the building;
- Maintenance fee: for general issues in my apartment (such as the washing machine/geyser/bulb nor working, the service is free). As such, I have never paid any money other than those mentioned in this list (rent, security, and utilities);
- Internet ports are available: I bought a Wi-Fi router for RMB 90 (the Wi-Fi plan is separately included in my mobile internet).
It’s worth mentioning that I stay alone. However, even if I stay with one or two more people, monthly rental would be the same. The utility fee, of course, depending on the usage, would be more expensive.
How Can You Rent An Apartment In China?
When you come to China, stay a few days in a temporary hotel/hostel accommodation. Wander in your city. Understand your requirements, for example, what kind of transportation is available to/from your work place.
In fact, before you land in China, ask your boss (via email/WeChat)! Yes, you should ask your boss first about the rentals. He will assign some of your colleagues to help you rent an apartment.
Even if the boss has no say, I think you should first ask your colleagues to help you. That’s the easiest way to find a good apartment in China.
What If Your Colleagues Are Busy?
If your colleagues are busy, ask them if they can take you around the city on weekends. Be willing to pay for taxi, if required.
Further, you can visit apartments personally, ask brokers, or ask expats (they are friendly as well). If you have Chinese friends, that’ll as well be very helpful.
Rental Brokers In Facebook Groups
There are a good number of housing rental brokers in every Chinese city. Cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Guangzhou, etc. are flooded with such brokers. Look for the Facebook groups of your city (Shanghai Expat Facebook Group has over 50,000 members; Beijing Expat Facebook Group). You can also join WeChat expat groups. Many brokers in such groups. They post ads all the time. You may post for rental suggestions. Don’t mention your budget in advance. You will receive many messages. Ask them for the rental ranges. Let them send you photos of the apartments before you schedule a visit.
The broker would charge you one month’s rental.
However, I don’t recommend these brokers. First, they are expensive. Second, they may ask you to pay brokerage every year.
I’m also aware of a good number of expat students involved in brokerage (helping you rent the apartment for some commission).
The students may try to fix you in a vacant room of a partly occupied apartment without signing any agreement. Don’t do it. You must sign a lease agreement!
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Rental Websites
Well, there are website for renting apartments. However, most of the best ones are in Chinese. You can’t probably handle it. If you have Chinese friends, they can certainly help you.
There are also English WeChat groups, and a few English websites. However, the English ads are quite expensive. Not really recommended.
Questions To Ask When You Rent An Apartment In China
- Is there a curfew?
- Are the utility expenses included in the rental?
- Do you have a water heater in bathroom?
- What are the room cleaning schedules?
- Does your building have security guards?
- Are the food delivery guys allowed to enter your building?
- Is there any package collection points nearby (when you do online shopping on Taobao)?
- How far is a convenience store/supermarket/bus and railway stations from your apartment?
Final thoughts
Renting an apartment in China is not difficult if your Chinese colleagues/friends are willing to help. For about RMB 2,500/month, you should be able to find a decent serviced studio apartment in Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou types of cities.
Any question for renting an apartment in China? Give me a shout!
Really interesting post! We’ve recently compiled a China apartment guide, care to contribute a few thoughts?
Thanks. 🙂