You do not need to pay for our service. The landlord will pay an agency fee once the lease agreement is signed. In China, But rest assured, despite this arrangement, we always negotiate on your behalf. Most of our business is from existing client referrals and long-term corporate clients. We'd like to keep it that way.
When should I start the home search process?We suggest that you start searching for a place one or two months before your desired lease commencement date. If you start house hunting too early, generally landlords will not agree to hold their properties for you, thus diminishing the chance of negotiating the best lease rates for you. But there's no harm in looking earlier. We'd be pleased to integrate an orientation tour into the property inspection schedule. It's unlikely that you'll be able to select the actual home at an early date, but you can narrow down the options, allowing for a quicker property search later on.
What type of housing is available for rent?Like all major cities around world, properties available in China include apartments, townhouses and villas. There is one particular type of property that differentiates Shanghai, called “Lao Yang Fang” in Chinese or Old Lane House or Old Garden House in English. It is a type of historic building built from the 1920’s to the 1940’s and mainly located in the former French Concession (the center of town). Most Lao Yang Fang have been newly renovated in a charming style, However, the old plumbing or wiring hidden inside the house may cause inconvenience to new tenants. Furthermore, the local environment could seem like an adventure, but it can also be a potential problem in terms of communication, safety and privacy. Try not to stay in Lao Yang Fang if you are new in town.
Are most of the properties furnished in Shanghai?Yes. Most of the properties are furnished. However, some landlords can be flexible to remove part or all the furniture while some landlords may refuse to remove any furniture simply because it is too much trouble to find someplace to store them. In some newly developed compounds, you may also request that the landlord decorate the property according to your taste, such as purchasing the furniture together with the landlord or simply receiving a furniture allowance to buy the furniture by yourself.
What is included in an expat property lease?Typically, besides property usage rights, the property lease includes major appliances, management, satellite TV fees, lighting and curtains or blinds. Expat houses and some high-end apartments will have dishwashers and clothes dryers. Expat apartments are often furnished, while houses are often semi-furnished or unfurnished. Depending on the rent, furniture can often be negotiated into a lease. Family club memberships are normally included in a house lease. If required, utility subsidies are included at cost as are parking spaces at apartment towers.
Is a parking space included in the lease?At expat apartments, if they are to be included in a lease, parking spaces must be specified in the Tenancy Agreement and are an additional fee starting from about USD120/month. Apartments in Shanghai are not sold with parking spaces and few landlords buy parking spaces. Therefore, parking spaces are included in the lease at cost. For expat house leases, parking is in your garage or for free on the street outside your house.
Is house-keeping included in the lease?House keeping is rarely included in the lease in Shanghai. Some serviced apartments provide a fixed number of cleaning days a week. Although unusual, some landlords may agree to provide a housekeeping subsidy in the lease. Please check your employer's housing policy to ensure that house-keeping may be included in a corporate lease.
Why are rents low at brand new properties?When a property first opens, some landlords offer low rents as they are eager to rent out their new property as soon as possible. But you might have to put up with construction noise and small problems typical with any new property. Also, the gym might not be ready. The plus is that you're locked into a low rent and if it's unfurnished, you might be able to choose the furniture.
Washer and dryer: In China, it is quite common that the washing machine doesn’t connect to hot water or have a heating function. Additionally, dryers are less popular since many Chinese prefer to hang their clothes outside. If you absolutely must have these appliances they can be found in the marketplace and a request should be made to the landlord.
Air conditioning: Most air conditioners in China have two functions: cooling for summer and warming for winter. Generally, separate air conditioners are more economical in terms of saving energy, while central air conditioners provide more consistent temperatures throughout the property. This method is also more convenient.
Dishwashers: Very few Chinese people use dishwashers at home or leave any space in the kitchen for installing them since the maid tends to wash dishes by hand. However, installation can be negotiated with landlords.
Water filter: Never drink tap water unless you are informed by the relevant health authorities that it is safe for drinking. Generally, water in China is not safe for consumption. Installing a filter can enhance the quality significantly, although it is still advisable that filtered water should not be used as drinking water.
Mattresses: Most Chinese landlords prefer to install rock hard mattresses. Please try it for yourself and if the bed is uncomfortable express your concern to your reliable Maxview Realty consultant who may be able to negotiate a different mattress with the landlord.
Fly screens: If you look for a home during the cooler seasons you may not be aware of the mosquito issue that will arise in warmer weather. Mosquitoes are usually harmless but are definitely annoying in summer. Make sure you request to install fly screens if your selected home is a garden villa or on a lower floor.
Blackout curtains: Make sure all bedrooms are fitted with blackout curtains to ensure rooms are completely dark and ensure a sound sleep.
Voltage: The standard voltage in China is 240V. It is not advised to bring any electrical appliances from your home country unless you have the correct adaptor.
Internet access: If you request high-speed broadband access of over 1M, you should inform your agent to negotiate with the landlord before signing the contract. Normal internet packages provided by China Telecom only allow (wired) access from one computer. If you want extra sockets for wired internet access in other rooms an extra charge may be levied.
International TV channels. Developer-owned properties usually provide international TV channels (HBO, CNN, etc) with a maximum of only 15 English-language channels. With the assistance of your professional Maxview Realty consultant you may be able to negotiate with your landlord to install a satellite dish with reception to over 50 English-language TV channels.
What language is the lease agreement and what should I pay attention to?The lease agreement is usually bilingual (Chinese and English) unless both parties are comfortable with one language. The template is normally standard, you need to pay attention to the lease term, deposit, rent and other charges, termination clause (if any), penalty term, landlord’s ID and ownership certificate and etc. Usually your property consultant will help you go through the lease agreement to make sure your interest is well protected. Make sure that you clearly understand what is included in the rent and what is not, to avoid any misunderstandings later on.
How long is a typical Shanghai expat property lease for?Expat apartment leases are normally for one year. For expat houses, many landlords (and many tenants) prefer 2 year leases especially if the lease includes custom renovations and furniture purchases. Some landlords will accept a 2 year lease, with a break option for the tenant after the first year.
What is included in an expat property lease?Typically, besides property usage rights, the property lease includes major appliances, management, satellite TV fees, lighting and curtains or blinds. Expat houses and some high-end apartments will have dishwashers and clothes dryers. Expat apartments are often furnished, while houses are often semi-furnished or unfurnished. Depending on the rent, furniture can often be negotiated into a lease. Family club memberships are normally included in a house lease. If required, utility subsidies are included at cost as are parking spaces at apartment towers.
How much is the security deposit and when is it paid?A two month security deposit is the normal in Shanghai. Typically you pay one months' rent on signing the Tenancy Agreement. The landlord may also ask for the full security deposit on signing if there are substantial custom renovations, or if there's a significant lag time between signing the tenancy agreement and the lease commencement date. Currently there is a strong trend that corporate clients are using Bank Guarantee Letter as security deposit instead of paying cash deposit. Some landlords will accept this depending on who the corporate client is, while other landlords will not. Your property consultant will work with you to obtain the best terms possible.
How do I pay the rent and what currency is the rent paid in?The rent is paid in RMB by bank transfer to the landlord's account. The rent is paid in RMB currency. For corporate property leases, your company will do this for you. For private leases, we will show you how to make the monthly bank transfer. Rents are sometimes quoted in USD but landlords expect that the agreement specifies that payment is made in RMB, usually at a fixed exchange rate. Landlords rarely accept foreign currency payments, even if paid off-shore. Note that only foreign currency, but not RMB, can be transferred from abroad into China.
Same size, but why is the rent different?Good quality renovations at the property. Better furnishings and fittings. The individual landlord's rent expectation. In Shanghai, some landlord's are keener to get early rental income than others. Most Shanghai property developments are built in phases. A property at a new phase is typically better than an older one and sold at a higher price. So, rent at the newer property is higher. For expat houses, corner properties with larger gardens rent for more. For expat apartments, properties on higher floors rent for more. An apartment with a view and Sunnier south-facing units. Good views command higher rents, but if the property faces another tower or building site, it's not worth it.
What is a Fapiao and why do I need it?A Fapiao is a tax receipt for funds paid. The use of Fapiaos in China is a means for the tax authorities to ensure that value added tax (VAT) on a transaction has been paid. In many countries, the payee for goods or services issues a receipt to the payer and is responsible for declaring the VAT. In China the tax receipt, a Fapiao, must be issued by the tax authorities. It is either pre-paid and printed at the tax bureau, or printed by the payee on offical Fapiao paper using a system that's linked on-line to the tax authorities. To comply with accounting rules, your employer needs a Fapiao for all rent payments made. The Fapiao should state the names of the payer and payee, and also note that the payment is for rent. The VAT for rent payments is currently 5%.
Generally speaking, all requirements should be clearly written in the lease contract as required by law to protect both tenant and landlord in case of dispute. We strongly advise never to rely on verbal agreements made with the landlord as these will be difficult to defend in the event of a dispute. The team at MAXVIEW provides this information as a recommendation only.
I Replacing or buying new furniture: If the property is unfurnished or you would like to change existing furniture you will need to consult your agent to negotiate with the landlord. The market practice is for the landlord to provide an amount that will be considered a furniture allowance and with this you can go with an agent to buy the items you need with the landlord’s prior permission. Please be aware that all detailed arrangements of how to purchase furniture and budget allowance should be included in the leasing agreement prior to signing. Ownership will belong to the landlord and in cases of damage caused by carelessness or neglect the tenant will be liable to compensate the landlord under the terms of the agreement. Make sure you retain tax invoices of your purchases, which will be requested by landlord.
II Lease term: If the agent negotiates a very good deal for you we recommend asking the agent to sign a lease for an extended period of time with a break clause (early termination without penalty clause). For example, if you plan to live in the property for 1-2 years then the lease shall be for two years in which case the first year is fixed and the second year is optional. During the optional period, you are allowed to move out without any penalty by giving the landlord written notice two months prior to your move. This is a good way to prevent a potential rent increase when the landlord renews the lease with you.
III Damage and compensation: You are not allowed to drill holes in walls or fix mirrors unless you have the landlord’s express written confirmation and permission. Also, do not redecorate or change the wall color without the landlord’s prior permission. Otherwise, you may be asked for the fee to reverse the work and any problems caused as a result.
IV Rental: Rental terms usually include property management fee, taxes, etc. Maintenance or repair fees for electrical appliances shall be paid by the landlord as long as the damage is not caused by tenant’s improper use. Small maintenance expenses, for example changing a light bulb, shall be at the tenant’s expense. Garden maintenance fees shall be negotiated separately with the landlord.
V Club membership: Onsite club membership is not integrated into renting and needs to be negotiated with the landlord. Generally, a family membership of any clubhouse admits only two adults and one child under 14 to enter. If you have more family members interested in joining it will cost extra and this additional cost may be negotiated with the landlord before the lease is signed. Except for some serviced apartments or hotels, rental doesn’t include utility fees which should be paid separately. Be aware that some facilities in certain clubs, such as tennis or the swimming pool, are provided to members requesting extra usage fee.
VI Pest control: Pest control is requested by a number of expats even though it is not standard practice in China. The service fee will need to be negotiated before the leasing contract is signed.
VII Pets: Many compounds don’t allow tenants to adopt or bring pets, especially dogs, cats, etc. Please confirm with your agent or landlord before any adoption.
VIII Backup plan: Once you find a satisfactory home, a quick decision will help you secure your home. We recommend you have several backup options since competition from other customers may influence the landlord’s decision and it will help the agent get a good deal for you.
A thoroughcleaning would be necessary. Ask the landlord to double check all the electrical appliances, phone line/internet set up, make sure they are all in working condition.
What is the move-in procedure?Your property consultant will prepare a “Check-in Record” which containsan inventory list of furniture and appliances/facilities. The property consultant, you and the landlord will go over the property to check if everything is on the list. We would suggest you put into writing on this record any defect in the property upon move-in, such as cracks, spots, and other damage. The property management staff will help to check the utility meters and instruct how to set up the utilities. In the end, the landlord will hand you the key and the “Check-in Record” will be signed by you, the landlord and your property consultant. It is better to test the TV signal, internet, phone, main appliances, lights and door keys before you sign the record. If there are any outstanding issues, write them down and your property consultant will coordinate with your landlord to assist you in solving them.
Do I need to register with the local police station upon move-in?Yes, police registration is one of the first things you need to do after moving into the leased property. You would bring the lease contract, your passport, a copy of the landlord’s ID and a copy of the landlord's ownership certificate to the local police station to register. The whole process should take no more than 20 minutes.
How do I pay my utilities (such as water, gas & electricity) and phone/internet?Upon check-in, the landlord will hand you pre-charged cards for water, gas and electricity, your property consultant will explain to you how to use them. Water: For cold water, you would pay the bill at the ATM, for hot water and toilet water, some compounds use pre-charged cards, the others you can pay upon receiving the bill from the property management office. This will all be explained at your check-in. Gas: Charge the card at the Beijing Bank or the property management office. For some compounds, you have to go to the specified bank to charge the card. Electricity: Use the ATM or go to the property management office to charge the card. Phone/Internet: You would pay at the Telecommunication Bureau or nearby banks after the 10th of each month. In some compounds, it can be paid at the property management office. Again, these will all be explained in detail upon check-in for your particular property.
What after-sales service should I expect from Maxview?Generally, if there are any repair and maintenance issues, you will first call the property management office to seek help. However, if you don’t speak Chinese or if the management office fails to solve the problem, our property consultant will coordinate in between the landlord and the management office to help you solve the problem. We will always be there to help you throughout your lease term.