What the rent covers
Rent is quoted per month for the whole apartment. Three things sit outside it — and they are the three people most often surprised by.
| Item | Status | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| Property management物业费 | Included | Already inside the quoted rent. We confirm it in writing before you sign. |
| Water, electricity, gas水电燃气 | Not included | Metered to you. Ask the last tenant's average bill — summer and winter run higher. |
| Internet and TV网络电视 | Not included | You choose your own package. We can recommend a provider and book the install. |
Two kinds of apartment
Two legal types — the difference is cost and lifestyle. Landlords rarely explain it, and it changes your monthly bills.
Residential
住宅- Residential compounds, usually near the metro
- Older and newer buildings, family layouts, long-term residents
- Electricity about ¥0.58/kWh, gas usually piped in
- Minimum lease usually 12 months
Commercial-residential
商住两用- Often central, right beside a metro station
- Usually newer, compact and furnished
- Young professionals and singles; a few offices or studios
- Electricity ¥0.6–1.1/kWh, so bills run somewhat higher
- Company registration possible with consent
Who you are renting from
Individual landlords or managed properties — both are available. The choice is yours, and it is worth making deliberately.
Individual landlord
个人房东- Lower financial risk — you deal directly with the owner
- Maintenance and communication can be less professional
Sublandlord / rental company
二房东- Better maintenance and after-sales support
- A small number hit financial trouble, which can delay deposit refunds
What you pay, and when
Five lines, two of them refundable. Nothing else should appear on your payment schedule — if it does, ask us first.
| Payment | Amount | What it is for | Returned? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agency fee中介费 | ½ month, once | Search, viewings, negotiation, contract check, move-in support. | Non-refundable |
| Holding deposit定金 | 1 month | Takes the flat off the market, then becomes your deposit. Doubled if the landlord withdraws. | Non-refundable |
| Security deposit押金 | 1 month | Returned at move-out, less damage or unpaid bills. | Refundable |
| Utility deposit水电押金 | Varies | Covers unpaid bills if you leave at short notice. | Refundable |
| Rent房租 | Per contract | First payment is normally three months. Some landlords accept one. | As agreed |
What move-in looks like at ¥5,000 a month
Total at move-in ¥22,500
With a one-month first payment instead: ¥12,500. Some landlords agree to it — we ask on your behalf during negotiation.
From viewing to keys
Six steps, in this order. No money moves before step five, and nothing is committed before step two.
Book a viewing
We arrange the time and come with you.
Choose the apartment
Nothing is committed yet.
Negotiate
Rent, payment cycle, term, furniture, repairs, pets.
Pre-lease summary
Everything agreed, in writing, before any money moves.
Pay the holding deposit
The apartment is taken off the market.
Sign and hand over
Meet the landlord, check the meters, take the keys.
Talk to us
Add us before you arrive. Two codes, one team in Hangzhou — pick whichever you already use. Questions before you view? Tell us what you need and we will send a shortlist within 24 hours.
Before you pay anything, ask us
Send the area, budget and move-in date — the shortlist comes back within 24 hours, and every term is confirmed in writing before any money moves.
Three minutes to read. Fewer surprises when you sign.