Housing and rent in China

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

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.

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).

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.

Useful links