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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION |
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1. Is it possible to bargain on the rentals?
2. How much deposit must be paid when leasing a property?
3. Is it possible to sign a lease contract for less than twelve months?
4. Can I breach my lease contract before the time agreed and what are the consequences?
5. Can the landlord breach the lease contract before the time agreed?
6. What can I expect from a fully furnished apartment?
7. Which fixed and variable costs are included in the rent?
8. When does the rent need to be paid?
9. What is a security deposit?
10. Is it possible for a foreigner to buy a house in China?
11. Is it possible for a foreigner to get a mortgage in China?
12. What is the meaning of a “fapiao”?
13. What is the meaning of a “shouju”?
14. Do all residences receive foreign satellite television?
15. Is it possible to bring my pet with me to China?
16. What is CBD?
17. When is a house an “old” house?
18. What types of houses are available? |
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1. Is it possible to bargain on the rentals? |
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All asked rental prices are negotiable, and of course the degree to which you can negotiate will depend upon the property type and asking price. Other factors will determine how much the price can be lowered, such as, does the landlord need to rent out the apartment in a hurry, and are there other interested parties? |
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2. How much deposit must be paid when leasing a property? |
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Most landlords ask for a deposit of two months rental, but the deposit can vary between one and four months. The deposit must be paid in advance, and may be confiscated by the landlord if the property is left in a damaged state. |
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3. Is it possible to sign a lease contract for less than twelve months? |
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Most landlords would prefer to lease their property for a twelve month contract, but some shorter term contracts are available. Shorter term contracts however may leave you having to pay all of the rent in advance. |
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4. Can I breach my lease contract before the time agreed and what are the consequences? |
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If you choose to move out ahead of your scheduled contract, then the landlord is entitled to claim two months worth of rent. |
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5. Can the landlord breach the lease contract before the time agreed? |
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If the landlord breaches the contract then the tenant is entitled to compensation, normally two months worth of rent and the full deposit. |
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6. What can I expect from a fully furnished apartment? |
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A washing machine, refrigerator and cooking-range are normally all present in the apartment. Basic furniture is provided, although the quality of the furniture does tend to follow suit with the quality of the apartment. |
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7. Which fixed and variable costs are included in the rent? |
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Serviced apartments offer numerous benefits included in the rental price, with examples being, sports facilities, housekeeping and a car complete with driver. |
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8. When does the rent need to be paid? |
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Normally the rent must be paid at the beginning of the month or on the date of the lease commencement. |
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9. What is a security deposit? |
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A security deposit has to be paid by the tenant to the landlord. This sum of money is returned to the tenant at the end of the tenancy, without interest. If there is any breach of contract or damage sustained to the house, the landlord may deduct from the deposit. |
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10. Is it possible for a foreigner to buy a house in China? |
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No matter what your nationality is, you can legally buy a house in China. |
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11. Is it possible for a foreigner to get a mortgage in China? |
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With proof of a regular income, non-Chinese citizens can get a mortgage |
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12. What is the meaning of a “fapiao”? |
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Fapiao is a tax paid to the tax department by either the landlord or tenant, amounting to 5% of the rental value. |
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13. What is the meaning of a “shouju”? |
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A Shouju is a written proof that the landlord has received your deposit. |
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14. Do all residences receive foreign satellite television? |
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Most serviced apartments and villa compounds receive satellite television, however it is not a certainty, and so if this is of concern to you, it is something you must mention in your property search. |
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15. Is it possible to bring my pet with me to China? |
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It is possible to bring your pet to China, dogs need a special licence, and strict quarantine rules must be adhered to. Thorough research regarding moving your pets abroad is recommended prior to moving to China. |
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16. What is CBD? |
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The CBD is the business hub of an area, the area in which property prices are high, technology advanced, and opportunities immense. |
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17. When is a house an “old” house? |
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The term “old” house refers to houses which were built before 1949. |
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18. What types of houses are available? |
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Shanghai has one of the world’s most eclectic housing options in the world. In Shanghai’s downtown city centre you can find both turn of the century colonial properties and newly build modern high-rises alike. Outside the city in Gubei, Hong Qiao and Pudong you can find more of the American/European style villa compounds. |
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