Short Term Lease in Shanghai

Jun 6

Written By Alex NJ

Renting short-term lease accommodation in Shanghai can be a convenient option for expats, students, or business travelers. Here are some key points to consider:

🏡 Types of Accommodation

🏡 Shared Apartments: Best option by sharing a flat with your friends.
🛌 Rooms: Budget friendly option by sharing a flat with other roommates.
🛋️ Studio: Ideal for higher budget, rent a 30 to 50sqm studio in the heart of Shanghai.
💎 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.
🏨 Hotels and Hostels: Suitable for very short stays, but might not be cost-effective for longer periods.

💡 Our advice for short term rentals, renting rooms in shared accommodation with your friends is recommended.

✅ Key Considerations

📌 Location: Proximity to work, school, 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 rooms, allocated between CNY3,000 to CNY5,000, for studio allocate between CNY6,000 to CNY10,000 and for flats in general as follow:
- 1 bedroom: from CNY6,000 to CNY12,000
- 2 bedrooms: from CNY8,000 to CNY16,000
- 3 bedrooms: from: CNY12,000 to CNY22,000
- 4 bedrooms +: from CNY16,000 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 short term leases, it is critical that the lease duration match your short term stay as landlord will often put 1 year lease by default exposing you of loosing the deposit when breaching the contract.
💡 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.

📋 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.

📍 Useful Resources

📍 Real Estate Agencies: Use reputable agencies experienced in dealing with international clients.
📱 Online Platforms: SmartShanghai, Wellcee, etc.
💬 Expat Forums: Websites like Reddit, Shanghai Expat, and FaceBook / WeChat groups can provide personal recommendations and experiences.