A Guide to Renting in China: Essential Chinese Phrases for Finding Your Home

Securing a place to live is a fundamental step for anyone moving to or staying in China for an extended period. The rental market can be dynamic and fast-moving, especially in major cities. Being equipped with the right Chinese vocabulary and understanding common dialogue patterns significantly streamlines the process, helping you find a suitable home and avoid potential misunderstandings. This guide provides crucial phrases for every stage, from initial inquiries to signing the lease.

Initial Inquiries and Property Viewing

The search often starts with online listings or real estate agents. Knowing how to express your needs and ask key questions is vital.

• Contacting the Landlord/Agent:
  • 您好，请问这个房子还在出租吗？(Nín hǎo, qǐngwèn zhè ge fángzi hái zài chūzū ma?) – “Hello, is this property still available for rent?”
  • 我想看一下房子。(Wǒ xiǎng kàn yíxià fángzi.) – “I’d like to view the property.”
  • 大概什么时候可以看房？(Dàgài shénme shíhòu kěyǐ kàn fáng?) – “When is it possible to view the property?”
• During the Viewing:
  • 这个房子多少钱一个月？(Zhè ge fángzi duōshǎo qián yí gè yuè?) – “How much is the monthly rent for this property?”
  • 包括水电费吗？(Bāokuò shuǐdiàn fèi ma?) – “Does the rent include utilities (water and electricity)?”
  • 可以做饭吗？(Kěyǐ zuòfàn ma?) – “Is cooking allowed?”
  • 网络怎么样？(Wǎngluò zěnme yàng?) – “How is the internet connection?”
  • 附近有什么设施？(Fùjìn yǒu shénme shèshī?) – “What facilities are nearby? (e.g., supermarkets, metro)”
  • 房子是几楼？(Fángzi shì jǐ lóu?) – “Which floor is the apartment on?”
  • 有电梯吗？(Yǒu diàntī ma?) – “Is there an elevator?”

Negotiating Terms and Conditions

Once you’ve found a place you like, negotiation often occurs, particularly regarding price, deposit, or contract length.

• Discussing Rent:
  • 价格可以再商量一下吗？(Jiàgé kěyǐ zài shāngliang yíxià ma?) – “Can the price be negotiated a bit?”
  • 如果租期长一点，可以便宜一些吗？(Rúguǒ zūqī cháng yìdiǎn, kěyǐ piányi yìxiē ma?) – “If I sign a longer lease, can the rent be reduced a bit?”
  • 我朋友之前租是XXXX块。(Wǒ péngyǒu zhīqián zū shì XXXX kuài.) – “My friend rented it previously for XXXX yuan.” (Use cautiously, only if true).
• Talking About the Deposit (押金 – Yājīn):
  • 押金是多少？(Yājīn shì duōshǎo?) – “How much is the deposit?”
  • 可以少付点押金吗？(Kěyǐ shǎo fù diǎn yājīn ma?) – “Can I pay a smaller deposit?”
• Contract Duration:
  • 最短可以签多久？(Zuìduǎn kěyǐ qiān duōjiǔ?) – “What is the minimum lease term?”
  • 一年起签。(Yì nián qǐ qiān.) – “Minimum one year lease.”

Understanding the Lease Agreement (租房合同 – Zūfáng Hétong)

Before signing, carefully review the contract. Having key terms in Chinese helps you understand your obligations.

• Key Contract Terms:
  • 租金 (Zūjīn) – Rent
  • 押金 (Yājīn) – Deposit
  • 租期 (Zūqī) – Lease Term
  • 付款方式 (Fùkuǎn fāngshì) – Payment Method
  • 维修责任 (Wéixiū zérèn) – Maintenance Responsibility
  • 违约条款 (Wéiyuē tiáokuǎn) – Breach of Contract Clauses
• Asking Questions About the Contract:
  • 如果提前退租怎么办？(Rúguǒ tíqián tuìzū zěnme bàn?) – “What happens if I move out early?”
  • 家具坏了谁负责维修？(Jiājù huài le shéi fùzé wéixiū?) – “Who is responsible for repairing broken furniture?”
  • 我可以自己装宽带吗？(Wǒ kěyǐ zìjǐ zhuāng kuāndài ma?) – “Can I arrange my own broadband internet?”

Signing and Moving In

Once terms are agreed upon, it’s time to finalize the deal.

• Signing the Contract:
  • 我们签合同吧。(Wǒmen qiān hétong ba.) – “Let’s sign the contract.”
  • 请提供您的身份证。(Qǐng tígōng nín de shēnfènzhèng.) – “Please provide your ID card.” (Landlords often require a copy)
• Handover:
  • 钥匙给我一下。(Yàoshi gěi wǒ yíxià.) – “Please give me the keys.”
  • 水电气的户号是多少？(Shuǐ qì diàn de hùhào shì duōshǎo?) – “What are the account numbers for water, gas, and electricity?”
  • 检查一下家具和电器。(Jiǎnchá yíxià jiājù hé diànqì.) – “Let’s check the furniture and appliances.”

Cultural Tips and Practical Advice

• Prepare Documents: Have your passport and possibly a Chinese visa/permit ready. Some landlords may ask for a local contact or a guarantor.
• Cash is King: Be prepared to pay the first month’s rent and deposit, often in cash or via bank transfer.
• WeChat is Ubiquitous: Communication with landlords or agents often happens via WeChat. Exchanging WeChat IDs is standard.
• Inspect Carefully: Take photos or a video walkthrough when you move in to document the condition and avoid disputes later.
• Read the Contract: Ensure you understand all terms before signing. If unsure, ask for clarification.

Familiarity with these phrases equips you to navigate the rental process in China with greater confidence and independence. Clear communication helps build trust with landlords and ensures a smoother transition into your new home. For more practical guides on using Chinese in daily life scenarios, explore our Chinese Knowledge Hub . Engaging in real-world practice, such as conversation sessions, can further solidify your understanding and fluency in these essential interactions.