How to Rent an Apartment in China (Without Losing Your Mind)

Your no-nonsense guide to finding a home as a foreigner in China

Welcome to Apartment Hunting in China

So you’ve made the big move — or you’re planning to — and now it’s time to find a place to live in China. Sounds exciting, right?

Until you realize… you can’t read the rental ads, you don’t know what a “shared elevator unit” means, and the landlord just asked you to pay six months’ rent upfront. Oh, and the apartment photos? Totally fake.

Renting an apartment in China as a foreigner can feel like playing a game where you don’t know the rules — but don’t worry, I’ve got your back. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, without the fluff or sugar-coating. Just straight-up tips, from one expat to another.

Step 1: Choose Where You Want to Live

Your choice of city (and neighborhood) changes everything — budget, lifestyle, even your stress levels.

• Big cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen are modern and international, but expect higher prices and smaller spaces.
• Second-tier cities like Chengdu or Hangzhou offer a good mix of convenience and affordability.
• Smaller cities can be cheaper, but English support drops fast.

In major cities, popular neighborhoods for foreigners include:

• Shanghai: Jing’an, Former French Concession, Xujiahui
• Beijing: Sanlitun, Chaoyang Park, Gulou
• Shenzhen: Nanshan, Futian

Step 2: Understand What You’re Renting

Apartments in China come in a few common styles:

• Whole apartment (整租 zhěng zū) – You rent the full unit.
• Shared apartment (合租 hé zū) – You get one bedroom and share kitchen/living/bathroom with others.
• Serviced apartment – Fully furnished, hotel-like service, but much pricier.

Most apartments are:

• Already furnished (at least basic furniture)
• Come with AC/heater, washing machine, and internet setup
• In buildings with a doorman or keypad entry (especially in cities)

Pro tip: Chinese apartments often look much better in pictures than in reality. Always see it in person (or ask for a video walk-through if remote).

Step 3: Where and How to Look

Apps & Platforms

• Ziroom (自如) – Clean interface, English version available, but slightly pricier.
• Anjuke (安居客) / 58.com (58同城) – Tons of listings, but mostly Chinese-only.
• Douban groups – Surprisingly good, especially for sublets and shared housing.
• WeChat groups – Expat housing chats often have direct-from-owner deals.

Agents (中介 zhōng jiè)

• They usually charge 50%–100% of one month’s rent as a one-time fee.
• Some are helpful, some… not so much.
• Ask: “Do you work directly with the landlord?” to avoid sub-agents.

Step 4: Pricing & Hidden Costs

Rent can range from ¥1,500 ($200) in a small city to ¥10,000+ ($1,400) in central Shanghai or Beijing.

But here’s what people forget to budget for:

• Deposit: Usually one or two months’ rent
• Payment structure: “押一付三” (yā yī fù sān) = one month deposit, pay three months at once
• Utilities: Not always included. Ask about water, electricity, gas, internet, management fees

Watch out for…

• Apartments with no natural light
• Old buildings without elevators
• “Illegal” units divided from a bigger apartment (common in big cities)

Step 5: What to Check Before Signing

Before you hand over cash, here’s your checklist:

• Check if the landlord owns the property (ask for 房产证 – the housing ownership certificate)
• Walk through the apartment and take photos/videos of any damage
• Test water pressure, AC, Wi-Fi, and appliances
• Ask who pays for repairs
• Make sure you’ll get a copy of the rental contract in writing

Step 6: Registration with the Police

As a foreigner, once you move in, you need to register your new address with the local police station (派出所) within 24 hours (or 72 hours in some areas).

Usually your landlord can help. Sometimes hotels or serviced apartments do it automatically. But if you’re renting from an individual, you’ll likely have to do it yourself — don’t skip this step, especially if you’ll apply for a visa extension later.

Step 7: Basic Renting Vocabulary (Save This)

Final Thoughts: You Can Do This

Renting in China can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded, especially at first. But once you get through your first apartment hunt, it gets much easier. You’ll know the right questions to ask, what to look out for, and how to spot a red flag a mile away.

Take your time. Trust your instincts. And remember — every expat here has at least one crazy rental story. Now you’re ready to have yours (but hopefully a smooth one).

Looking for more tips on life in China? Check out the Handy Stuff section for must-have apps, VPNs, SIM card advice, and more.