With soaring housing prices today, house rental has become a necessity for most urban dwellers. Statistics show that China’s renting population has exceeded 230 million, with those under 30 accounting for 75%. However, the rental market is mixed, so how can you find a satisfying home and avoid traps? This article provides a full-process guide from house-hunting to contract signing, helping you rent with confidence and live comfortably.
一. Pre-rental Preparation
Clarify Your Needs
- Budget range (recommended ≤ 30% of monthly income)
- Commute time (one-way within 1 hour is ideal)
- Supporting facilities (supermarkets, hospitals, schools, etc.)
- Property type (whole rent/shared apartment/apartment)
Understand Market Trends
- Check regional average prices on platforms like Lianjia and Beike.
- Note peak and off-seasons (rents are higher after the Spring Festival and during graduation seasons).
二. House-hunting Channels
Online Platforms
- Comprehensive: Beike, Lianjia (high authenticity of listings)
- Shared housing: Ziroom, Danke (suitable for young people)
- Short-term rentals: Piggy, Tujia (ideal for transitional periods)
Offline Channels
- Community bulletin boards (often direct rentals from landlords)
- Real estate agencies (requires commission fees)
- Referrals from acquaintances (high credibility)
三. House-viewing Tips
Property Inspection Checklist
- Natural lighting & ventilation (view at daytime and night)
- Water & electricity facilities (test water pressure and circuits)
- Sound insulation (knock on walls to test)
- Furniture & appliances (try each item)
Surrounding Environment Survey
- Safety (night lighting, surveillance)
- Convenience (wet markets, bus stops)
- Noise sources (proximity to construction sites, bars, etc.)
四. Contract Signing Pitfalls Avoidance
Verify Landlord Identity
- Request property ownership certificate
- Check ID information
- Sub-landlords must provide sublease agreements
Key Contract Clauses
- Rent payment method (bank transfer is preferred)
- Maintenance liability (who covers natural damages)
- Early termination clause (liquidated damages ratio)
- Inventory list (attached with photos)
Expense Details
- Deposit (usually 1-2 months’ rent)
- Agency fees (0.5-1 month’s rent)
- Payment methods for property management fees and utilities
五. Post-move-in Notes
- Change locks immediately
- Record a video of the property’s current condition
- Set up a maintenance contact group
- Keep all payment receipts
六. Rights Protection Channels
- Negotiate with the landlord
- File a complaint with the neighborhood committee
- Call the 12345 Citizen Hotline
- Seek legal solutions
Practical Tips:
- Females are advised to choose communities with good security.
- Graduates can pay attention to preferential policies like “talent apartments”.
- For long-term rentals, strive for “annual rent payment discounts”.
Remember: house rental is not about settling, but about choosing a lifestyle that suits you. Spending time doing homework can save you many troubles later. What challenges have you encountered in the renting process? Feel free to share in the comments!
