Mastering the Shanghai Lease Contract: A Professional Guide
Signing a lease is the most significant legal commitment you will make during your stay in China. A well-structured contract does more than just secure a roof over your head; it defines your rights, protects your deposit, and ensures a transparent relationship with your landlord.
At Here | Housing & Coliving, we provide standardized, bilingual contracts that meet international expectations while remaining fully compliant with local Chinese law.
1. 📑 The Importance of Bilingual Clarity
In Shanghai, the Chinese version of a contract is the legally prevailing document in local courts. We provide dual-column English and Chinese contracts so you can understand every clause while ensuring the document is 100% enforceable.
2. 📅 Rent, Payments, and "Fapiao"
The contract clearly states your monthly rent and the payment cycle (e.g., monthly, quarterly).
The Tax Factor: If your company requires a Fapiao (Official Tax Invoice) for reimbursement, the contract must state who is responsible for the associated tax (typically 3–5%).
3. 💰 Security Deposit Protection (Yajin)
The standard deposit is one or two months' rent. Our contracts explicitly define the return conditions:
The timeline for the refund (usually within 7–14 days of move-out).
The specific bank account where the refund should be sent.
4. 👨🔧 Maintenance & Repair Thresholds
To avoid disputes over small costs, our contracts often include a "repair threshold."
Example: The tenant might cover minor items under 200–300 CNY (like lightbulbs), while the landlord is legally responsible for major infrastructure like AC units, plumbing, and structural issues.
5. ⚡️ Utility & Management Fee Transparency
Don't get caught by hidden costs. We ensure the contract specifies:
Property Management Fees: Usually paid by the landlord.
Consumables: Utilities and internet are usually paid by the tenant.
Existing Debt: Confirmation that the landlord has cleared all previous utility debts before your move-in.
6. 📆 Duration and the "Right to Renew"
While the standard lease is 12 months, we can negotiate a "first right of refusal" for renewal. This prevents the landlord from renting the property to someone else without giving you the option to extend first.
7. ❌ Termination & The Diplomatic Clause
Life changes quickly. We help negotiate Break Clauses or Diplomatic Clauses, which allow you to terminate the lease early (with 30–60 days' notice) in the event of a job relocation, often with a reduced or waived penalty.
8. 🏡 The Integrated Condition Report
The "Inventory List" is legally part of your contract. By signing it, both parties agree on the state of the furniture and appliances, which is the only way to effectively dispute "damage" claims during move-out.
9. 📋 Legal Compliance & Police Registration
A valid lease is required for your Police Registration (PSB). We ensure the landlord is the "legal owner" by verifying their Property Ownership Certificate (Shanchanquan Zheng) before you sign, preventing illegal subletting issues.
10. ✍️ Execution and Record Keeping
We facilitate the signing process (digital or physical) and ensure you receive a stamped, original copy. This document is essential not just for your housing, but for your visa applications and work permits in China.
Secure Your Stay with Here | Housing & Coliving
Navigating legal documents in a foreign language doesn't have to be daunting. Our team at Here acts as your advocate, ensuring your interests are protected from day one.
📧 Have questions about a contract? hello@hereici.com
🌐 Learn more about our services: www.hereici.com
