Before you go
Quick rule: Confirm the exact unit, full monthly costs, who will show it and your non-negotiables before you travel. At the viewing, test the home and the route yourself. Before any payment or signature, put all promises and refund conditions in writing.
- Get the exact building and unit, a viewing time and the person’s role. Confirm it is the same apartment shown in the listing.
- Check the door-to-door trip to your campus or workplace at a time you would normally travel.
- Ask for rent, deposit, payment frequency, agent or service fees, management fees and utility rates before visiting.
- Flag pets, smoke sensitivity, stairs, shared spaces, accessibility needs or other deal-breakers up front.
Inside the apartment
- Run taps and shower; check drainage, water pressure, toilet and signs of leaks.
- Look for damp patches, odors, ventilation, street noise and neighbor noise. Check hallways and shared areas as well as the room.
- Ask to test air conditioning, heating where applicable, washing machine, hot water and any included appliances.
- List what stays, including bed, mattress, desk and curtains. Visit at a useful time if natural light matters to you.
- Test phone reception and internet if access is available; ask which broadband service is installed and who pays.
- With the occupant’s permission, photograph or video existing damage and agree which items will be repaired before move-in.
The boxes are for this visit only; they are not sent to Adapt to China. You can also print this page using your browser’s Print command.
Before you commit
- Confirm who is entitled to rent out the home. For a sublet, ask for the owner’s written permission and the agreement that allows it.
- Check lease dates, repairs, early exit, deposit return, inventory, payment recipient and every fee against what you were told.
- Ask who helps with the accommodation registration process and what address or supporting documents you will receive. Confirm local procedures with the responsible authority.
- If asked for a reservation payment, get the exact unit, amount, recipient, holding period, refund terms and whether it is credited toward rent or deposit in writing.
Stop and check again if the person asks you to pay before identifying the exact unit, refuses to put the payment and refund terms in writing, or will not let you inspect a home you are expected to commit to.
Compare the homes, not just their rent
After each visit, record the monthly total, upfront cash needed, realistic commute, housing condition, unresolved questions and who gave each answer. A slightly cheaper listing can cost more once fees, transport and repair problems are included.
Need a place to begin? Read the full guide to renting in China, or use the free House Planner to define the search before your next viewing. New to Shanghai and still without a local number? Start with the arrival-stage rental plan.
This checklist is practical orientation, not a legal assessment of a specific contract. Details differ by city, building and provider.