Finding an Apartment in China…

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Finding an Apartment in China…

Written by Robert Vance on March 3, 2008 – 9:31 am

I’m a little spoiled. I found that out today when I was looking for apartments. Everywhere else I’ve ever taught, there was acommodation waiting for me when I arrived to start the job. This time, I took a job with a higher salary but with the task of finding and renting an apartment set squarely on my shoulders. That’s why this afternoon, I found myself along with a real estate agent and a workmmate trudging from apartment to apartment looking for that perfect place. And since I had never actually had the experience of renting an apartment in China, not even the hot sun blazing down on us could stop me from asking a million questions and wanting to see as many apartments as I could. In the end, I did settle on a small apartment with one master bedroom, one tiny bedroom, a living room/dining room, and kitchen. All of this for 2300 RMB a month. Plus the 4600 RMB deposit. Plus the 130 RMB manager fee per month. Plus the fee for internet. Plus the fee for water. Plus the fee for other items that I had taken for granted in my earlier teaching jobs. You get the idea. I’m not complaining. I think I got a good deal. But I did learn a few pointers that I want to pass along to you.

When your school tells you before you come that an apartment in their vicinity will cost a certain amount of money per month, they are most likely quoting you the cheapest price that they could find which means that an apartment for that price will probably be very small and old. It also may not be in the greatest of areas. If you want to have a safe and comfortable standard of living, you probably want to plan on adding 500-600 RMB a month to what the school says it will cost you to rent an apartment. Of course they are going to quote you the lowest price because they want you to think that it is cheap to live in their city.
Despite the fact that the school may be quoting you a price for an apartment that is the size of a walk-in closet, you NEED THEM to help you with the process of finding an apartment. Ask someone from the school to help you find a reputable Chinese real estate agent and also ask them to accompany you on the tours and when you sign the contract. Chinese people are very good at bargaining and they will also help you ask all of the right questions. I had two young ladies accompany me today from the school and they were able to work out a lot of the details and clear up some confusing issues. Don’t try it on your own! Ask for help or you may be sorry later.
Apartments for rent in China are generally furnished. Before you sign a contract you should make sure that your apartment includes a TV, DVD Player, Internet Access, Bed, Stove, Refrigerator, Microwave, and Washing Machine. It’s probably not a bad idea to make sure that all of these items work before you sign the contract. You should also walk through the apartment and make sure that all of the lights work as well.
Think about where your apartment is located before you make a final decision. Is it close to a bus stop or a place where you can catch a taxi? Is there security visible in the area? On what floor is your apartment? Can you handle having to climb five flights of stairs everytime you want to return?
Read over the contract carefully. If you are dealing with a reputable agency, or at least one that deals with foreigners regularly, they should provide you with a contract that contains English and Chinese. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or point out something that makes you wonder. Clear it up before you sign the contract or you might be sorry later.

It is important to go with your gut instinct as well. If something makes you feel uncomfortable about the area or about the apartment, ask to see another place. Don’t let anyone pressure you into signing that contract. Do it when YOU are ready.

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