Resident Guide | Here
RESIDENT GUIDE

Your Journey with Here.

Everything you need to know for a seamless and stress-free stay in Shanghai. Follow these four simple steps to navigate your journey from moving in to moving out.

Simplified administration to get you settled quickly and securely.

  • 📑 Digital Contract: Your lease agreement is handled entirely online. Once you have reviewed the terms, you can sign digitally from anywhere in the world. The contract is available in both English and Chinese.
  • 📨 Instant Documentation: Immediately after signing, you will automatically receive a fully executed PDF copy of the contract via email for your records, with all essential information summarized on the first page.
  • 🏦 Initial Payment: To confirm your booking, you will receive an invoice by email. Please refer to our Payments Page for instructions. Our privileged payment method is Alipay.
  • 🛂 Visa & Flight Prep: Ensure your visa type allows for residential registration in Shanghai. Forward us your confirmed flight itinerary so we can coordinate your check-in timing.

Arriving in a new city can be hectic; we make it seamless.

  • 📅 Schedule Your Arrival: Confirm your check-in date and time as soon as possible. This allows our team to ensure your room is ready and digital access codes are activated.
  • 🤳 Self Check-in Protocol: Upon entry, please take a brief video and photos of the common areas and your private room to document the initial condition.
  • 📂 Media Sharing: Share these media files in your dedicated WhatsApp or WeChat group within 24 hours. This serves as a mutual record of the apartment’s condition at the start of your stay.
  • 👮‍♂️ Police Registration: Within 24 hours of arrival, you must complete your Self-Registration for foreigners using the official portal: gaj.sh.gov.cn. Refer to our FAQ for a detailed walkthrough.
  • 📶 Connectivity: Connect to the flat's Wi-Fi (details provided in your welcome packet) and consider setting up your local Chinese SIM card during your first few days for easier navigation.

Transparent processes for a stress-free stay.

  • 📆 Rent Schedule: To ensure uninterrupted service, please adhere to the schedule:
    • Flats managed by Here: Rent is always due by the 20th of the preceding month. (e.g., February rent must be settled by January 20th).
    • Flats NOT managed by Here: Schedule depends on terms negotiated with the landlord. Please refer to your lease contract.
  • 🧹 Bi-Monthly Cleaning: (For Here Managed Flats) Our team will notify you in advance for the bi-monthly cleaning of your room and common areas. Cleaning Disclaimer: Please note that local cleaning standards may differ from Europe. You may wish to perform light touch-ups to meet your personal preference.
  • 🛌 Bi-Monthly Bedding Exchange: (For Here Managed Flats) Leave used bedding/towels on your bed for the cleaning team to collect. Important: Staff will not change bedding if personal items are left on the bed. You must wait until the next scheduled visit if this occurs.

‼️ ZERO TOLERANCE POLICIES (May Lead to Eviction)

  • E-Bike Batteries: NO charging e-bike lithium batteries indoors. If caught via CCTV or neighbor reports, you face immediate eviction and police charges.
  • Late-Night Noise: Quiet hours in Shanghai are strictly 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM. Disturbances or parties may lead to eviction without notice.

⚠️ Important Daily Notices

  • Toilet Systems: Do NOT flush toilet paper or sanitary items. Use the provided bins to prevent severe blockages.
  • Utilities Cutoff: Building management posts maintenance notices in the hallway (in Chinese). Use a translator app, or contact our team if you experience an unexpected outage.
  • Digital Locks: Check battery levels on your front door regularly. If the lock dies, you can temporarily charge it with a USB power bank from the outside.
  • Waste Sorting: Throw garbage in the designated outdoor compound areas and strictly follow Shanghai's waste-sorting rules.

A clear path to a successful departure and deposit refund.

  • 📣 Notice & Schedule: Confirm your final check-out date and time at least 30 days in advance so we can prepare your departure documents.
  • 📂 Property Condition: For self check-out, please provide a final video and photos of your room and the flat via your group chat to document how you left the space.
  • ✅ Security Deposit Refund: Your deposit is fully refundable provided the following conditions are met:
    • No Damages: The apartment is returned in its original condition (normal wear and tear excepted).
    • Cleanliness: The room and common areas are left in a clean and tidy state.
    • Utility Clearance: Any pro-rated utility bills for the final month are settled (we can deduct these from the deposit for your convenience).
  • 🧧 Refund Channels: We offer three flexible ways to receive your refund:
    • Mobile Wallet: Instant refund to your Alipay or WeChat Pay.
    • Local Bank Transfer: Wire transfer to a Chinese bank account.
    • Cash: Collection in CNY at our Shanghai office.