Finding suitable accommodation in China can be challenging, especially for foreigners unfamiliar with the local rental market.
This guide provides up-to-date information on securing short-term rentals in China, reflecting the latest regulations, market conditions, and digital platforms as of 2025.
Current Rental Market Overview
The Chinese rental market has evolved significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to China Daily, rental prices in major cities have stabilized after experiencing fluctuations during the pandemic years.
As of 2025, prices have generally returned to 2015-2017 levels in many urban centers.
Average Monthly Rental Prices (2025)
| City | Studio/1BR (CNY) | 2BR (CNY) | Luxury/Serviced (CNY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 3,500-7,000 | 7,000-12,000 | 15,000-30,000+ |
| Shanghai | 4,000-8,000 | 8,000-15,000 | 18,000-35,000+ |
| Shenzhen | 3,000-6,000 | 6,000-10,000 | 12,000-25,000+ |
| Guangzhou | 2,500-5,000 | 5,000-9,000 | 10,000-20,000+ |
| Chengdu | 1,800-3,500 | 3,500-7,000 | 8,000-15,000+ |
Source: Numbeo and Lianjia market data
New Regulatory Requirements
As of 2023, China implemented stricter regulations for short-term rentals.
According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, all rental properties must now:
- Be registered with local authorities
- Obtain a Unique Registry Number (URN)
- Meet specific safety standards
- Comply with foreigner accommodation reporting requirements
Landlords must register foreign tenants with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of their arrival.
Failure to comply can result in fines for both landlords and tenants.
Popular Rental Platforms
The digital landscape for rentals has changed significantly.
Here are the most reliable platforms in 2025:
Chinese Platforms
- Ziroom (自如): ziroom.com – Professional management, verified listings
- Lianjia (链家): lianjia.com – Comprehensive database with agent support
- Beike (贝壳): ke.com – Virtual tours and verified listings
- Xiaozhu (小猪): xiaozhu.com – China’s answer to Airbnb
International Platforms
- Airbnb China: airbnb.cn – Limited but growing presence
- Booking.com: booking.com – Serviced apartments and apart-hotels
- SmartShanghai: smartshanghai.com (Shanghai-specific)
Foreigner Registration Requirements
All foreigners must register their residence with the local police station within 24 hours of arrival at a new address.
According to the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau, this requirement applies even for short stays.
Required Documents for Registration:
- Passport with valid visa
- Rental contract
- Landlord’s ID and property ownership certificate (copies)
- Registration form (available at police stations)
Many hotels and serviced apartments handle this process automatically, but for private rentals, you must complete this yourself.
Failure to register can result in fines of up to 2,000 CNY.
Payment Systems and Challenges
China’s transition to a cashless society presents unique challenges for foreigners.
Most transactions occur through:
- WeChat Pay (微信支付)
- Alipay (支付宝)
As of 2025, both platforms have improved accessibility for foreigners, but setup requires:
- Chinese bank account
- Chinese phone number
- Verified identity
For those without access to Chinese payment systems, international wire transfers and cash payments remain options, though increasingly inconvenient.
Some landlords and agencies now accept international credit cards with a surcharge (typically 3-5%).
Negotiating Rental Terms
Rental negotiations in China differ from Western practices.
Key points to consider:
- Rental periods typically require 3-6 month minimums
- Deposits range from 1-3 months’ rent
- Utilities are usually paid separately
- Furnishings are generally included but quality varies
Negotiation Tips:
- Request a rent reduction for longer lease terms
- Ask for a detailed inventory of furnishings
- Clarify responsibility for repairs and maintenance
- Negotiate payment schedules (monthly vs. quarterly)
Serviced Apartments and Apart-Hotels
For short-term stays (1-3 months), serviced apartments offer convenience with:
- Housekeeping services
- Utilities included
- No registration hassles
- English-speaking staff
Popular chains include:
- Fraser Residence: fraserhospitality.com
- Ascott: discoverasr.com
- Oakwood: oakwood.com
These options typically cost 30-50% more than standard rentals but eliminate many administrative hurdles.
Tenant Rights and Dispute Resolution
China has strengthened tenant protections in recent years. According to the China Law Blog, key rights include:
- Protection against arbitrary eviction
- Right to habitable premises
- Return of security deposit (minus damages)
- Privacy protections
For disputes, options include:
- Negotiation with landlord/agency
- Mediation through neighborhood committees
- Filing complaints with local housing authorities
- Legal action (as a last resort)
Foreign tenants should keep all documentation and consider consulting with legal professionals specializing in expatriate issues.
Conclusion
The Chinese rental market continues to evolve with improved digital platforms and clearer regulations.
While challenges remain for foreign renters, advance preparation and understanding of local requirements can significantly smooth the process.
Always verify the legitimacy of listings, comply with registration requirements, and consider working with reputable agencies for your first rental experience in China.
