How to Rent an Apartment in Shanghai

There are three basic types of apartments for rent in Shanghai: service apartments, newly built and old-style apartments. Foreigners used to be limited to only specific apartments in Shanghai. However, foreigners living in Shanghai now can rent an apartment in any district.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Start with service apartments. Service apartments are similar to hotels in that they offer maid service and western-style amenities. Expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $1,200 per month. Many foreigners choose this type of apartment.

2. Rent an apartment in a newly built community. This may be further from the city center than many foreigners would like, but the price is often less than for the service apartments at about $500 to $800 per month. These brand new apartments do offer greater security and are in more spacious communities.

3. Find an apartment in an old-style Shanghai apartment building. The price is low, but speaking fluent Chinese is mandatory for communicating with the neighbors. These cheaper apartments offer an authentic Shanghai experience, but many foreigners do not feel comfortable in such living conditions.

4. Find a real estate booking agent to do the leg work. Hundreds of apartments are available, and a good booking agent can arrange a day of meetings with apartment owners. Meeting the owners is essential to renting an apartment in Shanghai, since the owner will insist on meeting potential renters. The agent should check the ownership of the apartment and authenticate the identity of the owner.

5. Prepare to pay for 3 to 6 months rent in advance. Some owners may ask for one year's rent, but don't agree to pay such a high amount. Also, when a rental agreement expires, expect a meeting with the owner to go over the condition of the apartment and to make final utility payments.

Resources

• Shanghai Relocation
• Shanghai Serviced Apartments
• Shanghai Expats

[Aracar]

on 1/10/2009 House Agency:Aracar

Own description:2years experience in Shanghai house market,foreig company,Had help a lot if foreigner to found out apartment according to their requirments(Short&Long term lease).

Just drop me a line or send me email with your requirments about the house what you are looking for,I will feedback you in 12hours with the best choices for you.

Email:[e-mail]
Mobile:[phone]----Aracar

[wang67321]

on 10/16/2008 I(male,30 age) want to look for a English-speaking partner in shanghai Pu Dong. The apartment is near from Jinqiao Biyun International District.Two bedroom,90 square m,well furniture.The total is 2500 RMB PER MONTH.(FOR ONE PERSON IS 1250.)
MY MSN:[e-mail]

[SilverDevil]

on 4/14/2008 It is very hard to decide what is an average rental rate because the price range is very wide in Shanghai. You could possibly find an apartment for 1000 RMB and I know you can find one for 20,000 RMB per month. A typical 2 bedroom, 80 square meter apartment in Changning might be around 4,000 RMB per month but I have that type for 2,000. The owner will raise the rate for my renewal to around 2,700 and I will probably take it. I found this apartment with the help of a Chinese who could search the Chinese language web. If I found this same apartment advertised on an English language web page, it would be twice the price.

If you want to postpone your decision, you will probably sign a higher rate contract later. Rental rates have risen in Shanghai for many years now and should continue to rise.

[annieerikadee]

on 1/17/2008 good day!

i was wondering if you could elaborate on the average prices of these apartments? especially with regards to apartments in shaghai's upscale districts like pudong, changning, xuhui and jingan? that would really help me decide on whether to rent apartments in those areas or postpone my decision. Hope you would reply!