Long-Term Lease in Shanghai
Renting long-term lease accommodation in Shanghai is the best option for long term expats. Here are some key points to consider:
1.🏡 Types of Accommodation
🛋️ Apartments: renting apartment is the default option when arriving in Shanghai, with two main types of resources: compounds and lane houses (here for more details: TBD).
💎 Serviced Apartments: Fully furnished apartments with amenities like housekeeping, gym, and concierge services. Ideal for those who prefer a hassle-free stay but comes at a higher price.
🏡 Villas: Ideal for larger families desiring to live in larger accommodation with more space and privacy.
💡 Our advice for long term rentals, renting apartments is the most cost effective solution while staying in Shanghai.
2. ✅ Key Considerations
📌 Location: Proximity to work, schools, or other frequently visited places is crucial. Popular expat areas include Jing’an, Xuhui, and the Former French Concession. Always privileged area near metro station and easy access to taxi to avoid having regrets at a later stage of your stay.
💴 Budget: Determine your budget, including rent, utilities, and other expenses. Serviced apartments and central locations typically cost more. For apartments, allocated between CNY10,000 to CNY30,000 depending of the layout, here are some pricing for reference:
1 bedroom: from CNY8,000 to CNY12,000
2 bedrooms: from CNY12,000 to CNY16,000
3 bedrooms: from: CNY16,000 to CNY22,000
4 bedrooms +: from CNY22,000 to CNY30,000+
📅 Lease Terms: Ensure clarity on the duration of the lease, deposit requirements, and the process for extending or terminating the lease. For long term leases, it is critical that the lease duration match your stay as landlord will often put 1 year lease by default exposing you of loosing the deposit if your are breaching the contract in between.
💡 Amenities: Check for necessary amenities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, washing machines, and kitchen facilities.
🏛️ Legal Aspects: Verify the legality of the rental agreement, and ensure that the landlord registers the lease with local authorities.
3. 📋 Steps to Renting
🔎 Research: Rely on local agencies as they will assist you during the whole duration of your stay in Shanghai.
🏡 Viewings: Schedule viewings to inspect the property. Always opt for onsite visit to make sure of the accommodation conditions or ask for online visits.
💬 Negotiation: Negotiate the terms of the lease, including rent, deposit, and any additional fees.
📑 Contract: Ensure the lease contract is in both English and Chinese. Read it carefully before signing.
💰 Payment: Be cautious with payments. Use secure methods and avoid paying large sums in cash without a proper receipt.
4. 📍 Useful Resources
📍 Real Estate Agencies: Use reputable agencies experienced in dealing with international clients.
📱 Online Platforms: SmartShanghai, Wellcee.
💬 Expat Forums: Websites like Reddit, Shanghai Expat, and FaceBook / WeChat groups can provide personal recommendations and experiences.
If you need specific recommendations or have any particular preferences, feel free to contact us at hello@here-group.com.
