All your answers in one place.

Here | Housing & Coliving Solutions is a real-estate platform providing end-to-end housing services for expats and professionals in China (Shanghai, Beijing, and Hong Kong). We offer two distinct rental solutions:

• Marktwohnungen: Wir fungieren als Ihr professioneller Vermittler und unterstützen Sie dabei, „Marktwohnungen“ von privaten Vermietern zu finden, zu verhandeln und zu sichern. Wir kümmern uns um die zweisprachigen Verträge und begleiten den gesamten Vermietungsprozess.
• „Managed Coliving by Here“: Unsere einzigartige All-inclusive-Wohnlösung, bei der wir als Vermieter auftreten. Diese Objekte werden vollständig von uns verwaltet; in der monatlichen Gebühr sind Nebenkosten, Highspeed-WLAN, eine Reinigung alle zwei Monate sowie der Wechsel der Bettwäsche enthalten.

Ganz gleich, ob Sie einen traditionellen privaten Mietvertrag oder ein stressfreies, verwaltetes Coliving-Erlebnis suchen, wir bieten Ihnen umfassende zweisprachige Unterstützung, um einen reibungslosen Übergang in Ihr neues Zuhause zu gewährleisten.

Yes. We operate with full transparency and legal compliance. We verify property ownership for every listing, ensure all contracts are registered through official government platforms, and strictly adhere to local housing regulations. Whether you are renting a market flat or a managed unit, our processes are designed to provide a secure and legally protected tenancy for international residents.

Yes, our properties managed by Here solution is designed for group living. We specialize in helping students and interns move as a group by offering shared apartments specifically managed by us. By choosing a property managed by Here, you and your friends can book a multi-bedroom flat where the entire experience is streamlined:

• Gruppenbuchung: Wir koordinieren die Ankunft Ihrer gesamten Gruppe, um sicherzustellen, dass alle gleichzeitig einziehen können.
• Gemeinsamer Komfort: Alle Mitbewohner profitieren von unserem All-inclusive-Service, einschließlich gemeinsamer Verwaltung der Nebenkosten, Highspeed-WLAN und zweimonatlicher Reinigung der Gemeinschaftsräume.
• Vereinfachte Verträge: Wir kümmern uns um die Formalitäten für die gesamte Gruppe, sodass Sie sich die Kosten für eine Premium-Wohnung teilen können und gleichzeitig die Vorteile einer professionell verwalteten Immobilie genießen.

Yes. We provide comprehensive bilingual support throughout your entire journey. From your initial search and viewings to the final lease signing, all communication and legal contracts are provided in English.

Beyond English and Chinese, our international team is also fluent in French, German, and Italian, ensuring you can navigate the complexities of the local housing market in the language you are most comfortable with.

That is never an issue. We act as your dedicated liaison throughout the entire duration of your stay. We facilitate all communication during the lease negotiation and signing to ensure every detail is understood by both parties.

Nach Ihrem Einzug richten wir einen speziellen Support-Gruppenchat ein, in dem unser Team Ihnen jederzeit zur Verfügung steht, um Anfragen zu übersetzen, Wartungsfragen zu bearbeiten und sich in Ihrem Namen mit dem Vermieter abzustimmen. Sie müssen sich also keine Sorgen machen, dass Sprachbarrieren Ihr Leben zu Hause beeinträchtigen könnten.

Yes, absolutely. We specialize in assisting clients who have just arrived and have not yet set up their local accounts. You can secure your apartment and move in using international payment methods; we support alternatives such as Wise, international wire transfers, and major foreign credit cards.

Darüber hinaus bieten wir Ihnen Unterstützung bei der Beantragung von temporären Telefonnummern und helfen Ihnen bei der Erfüllung der lokalen Anforderungen, sobald Sie bereit sind, Ihre chinesischen Konten einzurichten. Unser Ziel ist es, sicherzustellen, dass Sie vom ersten Tag an ein Zuhause haben, unabhängig von Ihrem aktuellen lokalen Bankstatus.

Der Zeitpunkt hängt davon ab, welche unserer Lösungen Ihren Anforderungen am besten entspricht:

• Properties managed by Here: You can book anytime. Our properties are open for reservations up to 2 years in advance. This is the ideal choice for students or professionals who want to secure their housing and peace of mind well before their arrival.
• Market Properties: We recommend starting your search 1–2 months before your move-in date. Because these are owned by individual landlords, apartments are rarely held far in advance. Beginning your search in this window ensures you are seeing the most current, available inventory and can secure a viewing immediately.

Wir bieten flexible Optionen, je nach Ihrem Standort und der gewählten Wohnlösung:

• Managed by Here (Digital Booking): Designed for a seamless, remote experience. You can browse high-quality photos and video tours on our platform and pre-book entirely online. This allows you to secure your home before even arriving in the country.
• Here (Market Flats): For traditional apartments, we offer both live video tours (if you are abroad) and on-site viewings.

To Reserve: Once you find a flat you love, a small non-refundable holding fee (typically a few hundred RMB) is required to take it off the market.
Peace of Mind: This fee is fully credited toward your first lease payment. The remaining balance is only due once the contract is finalized and the keys are verified.

Um den Prozess so einfach wie möglich zu gestalten, benötigen wir nur einige wenige wichtige Dokumente:

• To Book a Flat: Generally, a clear scan or photo of your Passport is sufficient to reserve the property and begin the lease preparation.
• For Police Registration: After move-in, you will need your Passport (original) and the signed lease contract to complete your mandatory address registration. Our team will guide you through this process using our streamlined digital tools.

The rental market in major Chinese cities is exceptionally fast-paced. High-quality and popular flats are often taken within 24–48 hours of being listed. To ensure you secure your preferred choice, we recommend making prompt decisions. Our team is dedicated to helping you move quickly by:

• Echtzeit-Updates: Wir versorgen Sie mit den neuesten Angeboten, sobald diese verfügbar sind.
• Sofortige Besichtigungen: Wir koordinieren sofort Video- oder persönliche Besichtigungen, damit Sie anderen potenziellen Mietern einen Schritt voraus sind.
• Optimierte Reservierungen: Wir beschleunigen die Zahlung der Reservierungsgebühr und den Vertragsabschluss, damit die Immobilie offiziell für Sie reserviert wird.

For those who prefer to avoid the stress of a fast-moving market, our properties managed by Here offer the benefit of being bookable well in advance.

In China, real estate measurements are based on the Gross Floor Area (GFA) rather than just the internal usable space. This can often be confusing for international residents.

• The Measurement Logic: The official size listed on a property title includes not only your private living area but also a pro-rata share of the building’s common areas. This includes stairwells, elevator shafts, hallways, and lobbies.
• The "Efficiency Rate": As a result, the "usable" or "carpet" area is typically 70–80% of the announced gross size.
• Practical Example: A listed “100m² apartment” will generally provide between 70m² and 80m² of actual internal living space.

At Here | Housing & Coliving, we strive for maximum transparency. When viewing our listings or touring a flat with our agents, we will always help you visualize the true usable space.

Wenn Sie in eine neue Wohnung einziehen, setzt sich Ihre erste Zahlung aus der Kaution, der ersten Mietperiode und einer einmaligen Servicegebühr zusammen. Die genaue Aufschlüsselung hängt von der Art der von Ihnen gewählten Anzeige ab:

Managed By Here Properties:
Our managed coliving solution offers standardized, predictable costs:

• Deposit: Always 1 month of rent.
• First Rental: 1 month of rent.
• Agency Service Fee: See more detail on our pricing page.
• Ongoing: Standard monthly payments thereafter.

Market Properties:
These follow traditional market standards in China and vary depending on the specific landlord:

• Deposit: Typically 1 to 2 months of rent.
• First Rental: Typically 1 to 2 months of rent.
• Service Fee: See more detail on our pricing page.

Die Kaution ist eine rückzahlbare Zahlung, die erforderlich ist, um Ihre Unterkunft offiziell zu buchen und zu sichern. Die Höhe hängt von der Art der Unterkunft ab:

• Managed by Here properties: Always equal to one (1) month of rent.
• Market properties: Typically ranges from one (1) to two (2) months of rent.

Refund Policy: The deposit is fully refundable at the end of your stay, provided the property is returned in its original condition. Please note:

• Abzüge: Mögliche Abzüge können für die Regulierung von Versorgungsleistungen, Sachschäden oder unbezahlte Beträge anfallen.
• Currency: All refunds are processed exclusively in the local currency (CNY).

Die erste Rate ist die gesamte Anfangszahlung, die erforderlich ist, um Ihre Buchung abzuschließen und den Einzug zu ermöglichen. Dieser Betrag dient als finanzielle Verpflichtung und deckt Ihre Kaution und Ihren ersten Aufenthaltszeitraum ab.

Breakdown by Listing Type:

• Managed by Here: 1 month deposit + 1 month rent + one-time service fee.
• Market Listings: Varies based on specific landlord terms but generally includes 1 to 2 months for the security deposit + 1 to 2 months of rental costs + one-time service fee.

When is it due? To ensure a smooth move-in process, the first installment must be settled in full before you receive the keys or access codes to the property.

The agency service fee is a one-time payment charged by Here Housing & Coliving when you rent a flat. This fee covers the comprehensive, end-to-end support we provide to ensure a seamless transition into your new home in China.

What does the fee include? We handle the complexities of the local real estate market so you don't have to. The fee includes:

• Personalisierte Suche: Ausgewählte Wohnungsangebote, die auf Ihre spezifischen Bedürfnisse zugeschnitten sind.
• Besichtigungen: Planung und Durchführung von Besichtigungen (sowohl virtuell als auch persönlich).
• Verhandlung: Professionelle Verhandlung von Miet- und Pachtbedingungen mit lokalen Vermietern.
• Rechtliches & Formalitäten: Erstellung zweisprachiger (Englisch/Chinesisch) Verträge zu Ihrem Schutz.
• Einzugskoordination: Unterstützung bei der Unterzeichnung des Mietvertrags, der Abwicklung der Kaution und der Schlüsselübergabe.
• Laufende Unterstützung: Kommunikationsunterstützung mit dem Vermieter während der gesamten Dauer Ihres Mietvertrags.

At Here, we offer flexible payment solutions to accommodate both local and international residents. Find all the payment information on our dedicated page here.

Transparenz bei Rückerstattungen hilft, Verwirrung am Ende Ihres Mietverhältnisses zu vermeiden. So gehen wir mit den verschiedenen Komponenten Ihrer Zahlung um:

1. Security Deposit (Refundable): The security deposit is designed to protect the property and is fully refundable at the end of your stay. Deductions may occur for unpaid utilities, property damages, or cleaning fees if the apartment is not returned clean.
2. Agency Service Fee (Non-Refundable): This fee is non-refundable. It covers the labor and administrative costs associated with your search, viewings, and move-in coordination. Once services are rendered, the fee is considered earned.
3. Lease Break & Penalties: If you terminate your lease early, most contracts stipulate the forfeiture of the security deposit. We recommend notifying us early so we can assist in negotiating a "lease transfer," which may help you recover a portion of your deposit.

To provide a hassle-free living experience, all managed by Here units include a monthly management fee of CNY 400 per tenant. This fee simplifies your living costs by consolidating essential services into one fixed payment.

Was ist in der Gebühr enthalten?

• High-Speed-WLAN: Unbegrenzter Internetzugang für Arbeit und Freizeit.
• Utilities (Capped): Electricity, water, and gas are covered up to CNY 200 per month, per tenant. This is typically more than enough for standard usage.
• Professionelle Reinigung: Zweimonatliche Reinigung der Gemeinschaftsräume und Ihres Privatzimmers.
• Wäscheservice: Zweimal im Monat werden während der Reinigung frische Bettwäsche bereitgestellt.

Key Features of Our Contracts:

• Bilingual Documentation: All lease contracts are provided in both Chinese and English to ensure you fully understand every clause.
• Digital Signing: We use secure digital signature platforms to finalize agreements, making it highly convenient if you are currently abroad.
• Our Proven Template: We utilize our own proprietary contract template refined to offer maximum transparency and favorable terms for our clients.

Welche Begriffe überprüfen wir?

• Mietsteigerung: Klare Bedingungen, die besagen, dass die Miete für die Dauer der ursprünglichen Mietlaufzeit fest bleibt.
• Kündigungsklauseln: Transparente Regeln zu Mietvertragsauflösungen, Kündigungsfristen und Rückzahlung der Kaution.
• Pflichten des Vermieters: Ausdrückliche Festlegung der Pflicht des Vermieters, die Bausubstanz, die Sanitäranlagen und die wichtigsten Geräte der Immobilie instand zu halten.
• Verantwortung für Versorgungsleistungen: Eine klare Aufschlüsselung, wer für Wasser, Strom, Gas und Internet bezahlt.

Yes. Under Chinese law, all foreign nationals are required to register their place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of arrival or moving to a new apartment.

Our Support Process:

• Step-by-Step Guidance: We provide the exact address and documents required for your local police station.
• E-Registration Assistance: In many districts (like Shanghai), we help you use the online registration system to complete the process via smartphone.
• Documentation: We ensure your lease contract is in order, as this is the primary document required.

Important Note: If you leave China and re-enter on a new visa, or if you change your passport, you must re-register your address within 24 hours of your return.

In China, a fapiao is the only official tax receipt recognized for corporate reimbursement or tax purposes. Whether one can be issued depends entirely on the type of landlord and the property registration.

• Availability: Not all landlords are registered to issue fapiaos directly. Because this involves a tax payment (typically 3% to 5% of the rental amount), it must be negotiated before the lease is signed.
• Notification: If you require a fapiao, you must inform us upfront during the search process.
• Tax Costs: Usually, the "quoted rent" is the net price. If a fapiao is required, the additional tax cost is typically covered by the tenant or their employer.

Yes. We frequently work with international corporations and local firms to facilitate direct rental payments for their employees.

We coordinate directly with your company’s HR or Finance department to provide bank details, facilitate direct billing, and manage the collection of formal tax receipts (fapiaos).

What We Need From You:

• Your company’s Finance/HR contact person.
• The company’s official legal name and Tax ID.
• Any specific internal deadlines for processing monthly payments.

If you wish to extend your stay, please contact our Tenant Support team at least 30 to 60 days before your current lease expires. Our team will manage the entire renewal process, including rent negotiation, updating the digital contract, and ensuring legal compliance.

Renewal Fees: To cover the administrative and negotiation costs, a one-time renewal fee is applicable, calculated as 50% of the initial commission amount.

If you need to breach your lease contract, contact our team immediately. The outcome depends on whether a replacement tenant is found to take over your lease:

• Scenario 1: No Replacement Found: The landlord will retain your full security deposit as a penalty for breach of contract.
• Scenario 2: Replacement Found: The landlord will generally refund your security deposit. However, service fees apply. If you find the replacement, the new tenant pays a contract transfer fee. If Here finds the replacement, both you and the new tenant pay a fee of 50% of one month's rent (or CNY 3,000 for rooms).

Registering your address is a mandatory legal step in China. We make this process seamless:

• Step 1: Gather Your Documents. You need your Passport, bilingual Lease Contract, and Property Documents (Ownership certificate and Landlord’s ID - provided by us).
• Step 2: Complete Digital Registration. You do not need to visit the police station in most cases. Use the Shanghai Self-Registration ITMS system via the provided link.
• Step 3: Receive Certificate. You will receive a digital Registration Form of Temporary Residence within 24 hours. Keep this saved on your phone.

Managed by Here Units: Everything is included for a "plug-and-play" experience. Furniture, essential equipment, and beddings/linens are ready for you.

Market Units: Most standard apartments are partially furnished. You can expect essential furniture (bed, table, sofa) and equipment (fridge, stove, washing machine). However, beddings, towels, and kitchen/bathroom essentials (cutlery, shower gel, toilet paper) are not included.

The move-in inspection documents the exact condition of the property to prevent future disputes over your security deposit.

• Photo & Video Evidence: Take high-resolution photos/videos of every room, focusing on scratches or damage.
• Test All Appliances: Turn on AC/heating units, washing machine, stove, and fridge.
• Check Plumbing: Run taps, check for leaks under sinks, and ensure toilets flush.
• Inventory Verification: Match items in the flat against your contract inventory list.

If you find an issue within the first 48 hours, send a photo to your Here agent immediately.

In China, the standard for a "clean" apartment handover is often lower than in Europe or North America. Most apartments are only surface-cleaned (floors swept, major surfaces wiped).

You may find dust in less visible areas or minor grime. We advocate for a clean handover, but the final result is determined by the landlord. Many residents choose to hire a professional deep cleaning service upon arrival. Remember, while move-in standards may be relaxed, the move-out standard is strict to receive your full deposit refund.

For Managed by Here Units: Our team handles everything. Contact our Support Team for repairs, and utilities are covered under your monthly management fee (up to the cap).

For Market Listings: The landlord is legally responsible for major structural repairs and major appliances, though responsiveness varies. You are responsible for paying your own water, electricity, gas, and setting up your own WiFi.

No. Unless you have explicit written permission from the landlord, you do not have the right to perform any renovations. Unauthorized changes (painting, drilling, changing floors/locks) can be viewed as a breach of contract.

For small maintenance tasks (like a lightbulb) in Market Listings, you can handle it. For anything complex, notify the landlord. In Managed by Here units, never attempt fixes yourself; contact our maintenance team.

Managed by Here Units: Utilities are covered under your monthly management fee (up to CNY 200 per month, per tenant). Overages are billed to you at the end of the month.

Market Listings: You are responsible for your own water, electricity, and gas bills, which are issued monthly or bi-monthly. Budget roughly CNY 100 to CNY 200 per month, keeping in mind peak usage during summer and winter.

Here’s a rough monthly estimate (for a one-bedroom apartment):

• Strom: 100–300 Yen
• Wasser: 20 bis 50 Yen
• Gas: 30–80 Yen
• Internet: 100–150 Yen
• Heizung (im Winter): 200–400 Yen (bei Elektroheizung)

Managed by Here Units: No. High-speed WiFi is all-inclusive and already set up.

Market Listings: Yes. We suggest China Telecom (approx. CNY 2,000/year). You will also need a local Chinese SIM card (China Mobile recommended, approx CNY 100/month).

VPN Requirement: To maintain access to international services (Google, Instagram, etc.), a VPN is highly recommended. Set this up before you arrive in China.

Pets: In Market Listings, this is at the discretion of the landlord. In Managed by Here units, pets are not allowed. Always confirm before bringing a pet to avoid immediate lease termination.

Smoking: Most modern apartments and all Managed by Here units are strictly non-smoking indoors. If tobacco damage is found during check-out, you will be charged for professional restoration. Smoking is generally permitted on private balconies.

Remote Control Translation:

• ON/OFF – Ein/Aus
• MODE- Modus
• AUTOMATIC-Automatisch
• ENTFEUCHTEN - 除湿
• VENTILATE-Belüftung
• COOLING – 制冷
• HEIZUNG – 制热

Turn it off when you leave to save on electricity. Keep windows closed during summer, and point vents downward in winter for better heating efficiency. Clean filters every 2-3 months.

Translation Guide:

• Start/pause - 开始/暂停
• Wash - 洗涤
• Rinse - 漂洗
• Cotton fabric - 棉织物
• Ultra-fast cleaning - 超快洗

Perform an "Empty Wash" once a month with warm water and specialized cleaner to prevent odors. Leave the door slightly open after washes to prevent mold in the humid climate.

Every residential compound has specific designated areas. Do not leave trash in the hallway. Shanghai has strict mandatory waste-sorting laws into four categories:

1. Residual Waste (干垃圾): Tissues, plastic bags.
2. Kitchen Waste (湿垃圾): Food scraps.
3. Recyclable Waste (可回收物): Glass, clean cardboard.
4. Hazardous Waste (有害垃圾): Batteries, medicine.

Download the "Shanghai Trash Sorting" (上海垃圾分类) mini-program on WeChat for quick reference.

Yes, through our dedicated "Here Heroes" package. We provide hands-on support to get you connected and mobile immediately, including obtaining a local SIM card, opening a bank account (linked to WeChat/Alipay), and setting up transport apps.

While not mandatory, we highly recommend obtaining coverage for personal belongings and liability. Landlords typically do not provide insurance that covers your personal property or liability in the event of an accident. Expats can check international providers like Allianz or PingAn for "Home Content" insurance.

Yes. Shanghai is consistently ranked as one of the safest metropolitan cities in the world. Most of our flats are located within gated residential compounds with 24/7 front-desk security, CCTV monitoring, and secure electronic access. Deliveries are safely left at designated racks, and violent crime rates are extremely low.

In a dense, humid metropolis like Shanghai, encountering the occasional pest is common due to three factors:

• Subtropical Climate: High humidity and warmth during the "Plum Rain" season and summer accelerate insect life cycles.
• Structural Highways: Pests can travel between apartments through plumbing, floor drains, and small gaps around pipes in large buildings.
• Survival Instincts: Cockroaches can survive on glue in cardboard boxes or drops of water, even in spotless apartments.

No. To prevent plumbing issues, you must always dispose of toilet paper in the provided trash bin next to the toilet. The plumbing systems in many Chinese buildings use smaller-diameter pipes and lower water pressure, meaning paper does not dissolve quickly enough and causes severe blockages. Use a lidded bin and empty it daily.

No. The tap water in China is not safe for direct consumption. We strongly recommend boiling tap water before drinking, purchasing 5L or 15L bottled water jugs for daily use, or installing an under-sink water filtration system. Contact our Support Team if you need a professional filter installed.

Shanghai residential neighborhoods prioritize quiet during evening hours. Under local tenancy regulations, you are legally required to keep noise to a minimum between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM.

Neighbors are very proactive about reporting noise, which can result in police intervention, building security visits, or even eviction for breaching the "Good Neighbor" clause. We recommend moving gatherings to 24-hour venues or bars after 10:00 PM.