Helpful hints on house rentals

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-06 14:34

Marjorie Quach, corporate account manager at Joanna Real State, gives top tips on what expats need to know before renting a house a Beijing.

How do I rent a house in Beijing?

The most convenient way to rent a house in Beijing is to go to property agents that have numerous property resources and are updated regarding market trends in Beijing.

As most landlords do not speak English, it is important to go to an agent who can speak both English and Chinese in order to avoid misunderstandings.

How do I know an agency is good?

There are many good agencies in Beijing and it may still be hard to select the right one. Small agencies have risks since they do not have many resources and they often cannot speak English. Communication is a priority in a successful house search.

Ask your friends who have already settled in Beijing. A personal recommendation is a reliable way to discover the reputation of an agency.

What should I do before I rent a house?

Consider your favorite location, identify the office location, the right school if you have kids, and check out the surroundings of the community.

Some real estate agencies provide orientation tours to newcomers in order to ensure the most informative introduction to the city, such as details on airport pickups, schools, hospitals, banks and post offices.

Define your budget, the duration of your rental contract, the number of bedrooms, and all other factors first.

The more detailed your requirements are, the more customized the house search will be.

What should I consider before signing a contract with my landlord?

Carefully read all the clauses with your agent. The contracts are in Chinese and English, but if an issue occurs, the Chinese version prevails.

All the agreements orally made with a landlord should be written down and signed. And any changes you request in the property have to be agreed before you can sign.

It can be helpful to talk with previous tenants. Ask them why they are moving, what they think of the landlord, and how fast the landlord replied to their requests.