This information is for orientation only. Lease contracts and tenant rights vary by city and province. For serious disputes consult a local lawyer or your university legal service.
Housing roadmap
Before arrival (dorm / hotel) → Contract → Police registration 24 h → Utilities and Wi‑Fi → Renewal or move
Where to live: campus vs private market
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| University dormitory | Simpler bureaucracy, close to classes, often cheaper | Strict rules, roommates, less privacy |
| Shared apartment (合租) | More space, choice of area | Landlord must cooperate on registration; language barrier |
| Whole studio | Maximum autonomy | High cost in tier-1 cities; large deposits |
| Service apartment | Furnished, sometimes English contract | Premium price |
Housing checklist — before you sign
- Visit in person or live video with date — avoid photos only.
- Verify owner — Ask for 房产证 or authorisation from a legitimate agency.
- Police registration: explicitly ask if the landlord provides 住宿登记 after signing.
- Permit alignment: address on your residence permit must match registration.
- Payments: prefer traceable bank transfer; beware «cash only» without receipt.
- Utilities: who pays electricity, water, gas, internet, 物业费 (building management).
Indicative rents by city (2026)
Monthly rent for a room in a shared flat or small studio, excluding upfront deposits. Indicative figures — the market changes quickly.
| City | Room (合租) | Budget studio | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 2,500–4,500 CNY | 5,000–9,000+ CNY | Near Haidian/Wudaokou campuses costs more |
| Shanghai | 2,800–5,000 CNY | 6,000–10,000+ CNY | Central Pudong/Xuhui premium |
| Shenzhen | 2,200–4,000 CNY | 5,000–8,000 CNY | New Nanshan campuses |
| Guangzhou | 1,800–3,200 CNY | 4,000–7,000 CNY | Good value for money |
| Chengdu / Xi’an | 1,200–2,500 CNY | 3,000–5,500 CNY | More affordable tier-2 cities |
| Wuhan / Nanjing | 1,500–2,800 CNY | 3,500–6,000 CNY | Many large campuses |
Last updated: May 2026 — indicative market data; verify on local platforms when searching
Platforms and search channels
- Lianjia 链家 / Beike 贝壳: major apps; often need a Chinese-speaking assistant.
- Ziroom 自如: managed rentals, standard contract, higher price.
- 58.com / Anjuke: wide listings — higher scam risk.
- University WeChat groups — fast but verify identity.
- International housing office: approved lists for foreigners.
Contract, deposits, and payments
Common practices
- 押一付三 (yā yī fù sān): 1 month deposit + 3 months rent upfront at move-in.
- Variants: 押一付一 (rarer), 押二付三 (2 months deposit).
- Agency fee: often 50–100% of one month (sometimes paid by landlord — negotiate).
- Minimum term: often 6–12 months; early termination may forfeit deposit.
Clauses to read
- Who pays repairs (空调, 热水器, appliances).
- Late payment penalties.
- Subletting forbidden without written consent.
- Early termination and deposit return (timing and conditions).
- Maximum occupants (important for 合租).
- Negotiate rent, deposit, and utilities inclusion before signing.
- Sign a bilingual contract if possible; otherwise translate key clauses.
- Pay by bank transfer and keep 收据 / statements.
- Police registration within 24 h — obtain receipt.
- Photo condition at move-in (walls, appliances, meters).
- Key handover and signed furniture inventory.
Accommodation registration and residence permit
- The landlord or agency must register the lease locally and help with temporary residence registration.
- Without this document, exit-entry may delay or refuse your residence permit.
- On every address change: new registration within 24 hours.
Utilities, internet, and building fees
- 电 / 水 / 燃气: meters or shared bills — ask for consumption history.
- 物业费: building management (cleaning, lift) — 100–400+ CNY/month depending on complex.
- Internet: China Telecom, Mobile, Unicom — annual contract often cheaper; passport and registered address required.
- Heating: northern China often centralised (供暖费); south often split AC.
Common scams
- Fake landlord with copied listings — verify title deed in person.
- Deposit before viewing — do not pay without contract and keys.
- Unlicensed agent asking multiple «fees».
- Contract differs from what was agreed orally.
- Delayed deposit return — document flat condition at move-out.
First week off campus — minimum kit
- Power adapter (type A/C/I depending on building).
- Sheets, pillow if not provided.
- Detergent, rubbish bags, small pharmacy kit.
- Landlord/agency number and roommate WeChat group.
Useful links
Sources
Deposit before seeing the house — use known agencies or campus referrals.
Quick reference
Dorm campus simplest for foreigners. Outside: Agents (链家 Lianjia, 贝壳) or WeChat groups. Deposit 1–2 months + possible monthly service fee.
Student housing
University dormitory
First choice for permits. Shared room. Variable AC and laundry.
Private apartment
Guarantor or advance payment is needed. Lianjia, Ziroom, WeChat expat groups.
- Lianjia
- Ziroom
- sleep
Lease and rent
Contract
Areas and neighborhoods
Hazardous
Utilities and what rent includes
Bill payment via Alipay app. Fiber internet — passport for SIM/fibre.
Deep dive (optional)
Go deeper
Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.
Lease types (summary)
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Written lease | Rent, deposit (押金), dates, heating/AC, and repair duties—ask for stamped receipts |
| Address compliance | Keep landlord details aligned with PSB registration and campus housing rules |
| Sublets & agents | Avoid informal sublets; verify ownership/agency credentials |
| Building fees | Clarify management fees, utilities, and who pays repairs |
Market practice
Finding a flat
Local listing apps and agencies are common—compare service fees and inspect the unit in person.
Deposit & notice
Put notice periods and deposit return terms in writing; archive payment proofs.
Utilities
Power & water
Prepaid meter top-ups or monthly bills via landlord/municipal apps are typical patterns.
Broadband
Installation lead times vary; confirm who holds the contract.
Disputes
Local mediation and consumer channels—keep dated evidence.
This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.