How can I rent a house in beijing? Any websites I can find such information? What's the usual price?

Question

I'm considering to live in beijing for half an year, where can i find information on house-renting? Any websites that provide such service? As I had no experience in renting a house, how should I judge whether the rent fare is fair or not?what documents do I need to sign?

Answer 1

I pay 3000 RMB a month for a two bedroom apartment with TV, fridge, freezer, washing machine and air con. Bills are not included. It's clean and in a safe area. I should add that it should be 2,400 a month but Im renting for only six weeks so the landlord hiked the price up. If you're staying for 6 months the landlord will have no right to up the price. I would say that on the West side of town (near the universities) a fair price for a two bedroom place is about 2,000-2,800. A one bedroom place would be around 1,500-1,800.
If you're looking to move to the East side (the business district) the rents are higher because there are more foreigners and land is expensive in general. Im not sure what rents are in that area but they could be as high as 5,000. To be honest I think for 5,000 you're looking at real luxury apartments. You neednt pay more than 3000. But then Im not too familiar with rents on that side of town.
Many students share apartments and split rent between them. Landlords are (sometimes) not that fussy sometimes how many live there as long as they get the rent.
There are plenty of real estate agencies throughout the city. Any main street will have several competing for business. They are reliable. Two things to bear in mind...1. Often the people there dont speak much English so you should go with someone who speaks Chinese 2. They will charge you a fee equivalent to one month's rent for their services. This is fair but you will find many Beijingers steering clear of the agencies when house hunting, so as to avoid paying this one off sum. Be careful if you dont go with an agency and sign a contract with a landlord independently. I didnt get all my deposit back when I was leaving. Be sure you trust the person you are signing the contract with. Very important!
Any questions feel free to contact me!

Good luck!

Answer 2

Beijing is pretty expensive and there are unfortunately a lot of people who will be keen to rip you off if you try to rent a place from overseas.

Either make some good local connections who can help you (it is the best way to get things done in China) or just turn up and look for a place.

China has many full furnished modern apartments. Beijing is fairly expensive and if you want to share with someone you might want to try the expat hang outs and look at the notice boards.

There are lots of realestate agents, some will speak English. I don't know what your purpose in living in Beijing is. If it is business then you should find a interpreter in Beijing, who will help you with many little things.

You are probably looking at around 3000-5000 RMB a month for rent for a nice apartment. Though you can get something much cheaper for much for expensive.

Answer 3

Go to www.expatriates.com and look for China and check out the classified ads.. They have lots of apartments, houses to let.

Answer 4

Check www.relocation2beijing.com as well.