Renting an apartment (租房, zūfáng) in China can be a daunting task if you are not confident with Chinese. From searching for listings to negotiating rent, understanding contracts, and communicating with landlords or agents, mastering essential phrases will make your experience much smoother.
This guide will provide practical examples, sentences, and tips to help you rent an apartment confidently in Chinese.
Searching for an Apartment
Before visiting apartments, you need to inquire about available listings (房源, fángyuán). You can contact real estate agents (中介, zhōngjiè) or check online platforms, but speaking clearly in Chinese helps you get better responses.
Example sentences:
请问你们有空房出租吗？ (Qǐngwèn nǐmen yǒu kòng fáng chūzū ma?) – Do you have any apartments available for rent?
我想找一间两室一厅的房子。 (Wǒ xiǎng zhǎo yī jiàn liǎng shì yī tīng de fángzi.) – I want to find a two-bedroom apartment with a living room.
租金是多少？ (Zūjīn shì duōshǎo?) – How much is the rent?
可以看房吗？ (Kěyǐ kàn fáng ma?) – Can I see the apartment?
When describing your needs, it’s useful to include location (地点, dìdiǎn), size, and type of apartment.
我想住在市中心附近。 (Wǒ xiǎng zhù zài shì zhōngxīn fùjìn.) – I want to live near downtown.
房子需要带家具吗？ (Fángzi xūyào dài jiājù ma?) – Does the apartment come furnished?
有没有地铁附近的房子？ (Yǒu méiyǒu dìtiě fùjìn de fángzi?) – Are there any apartments near the subway?
Visiting Apartments
When visiting apartments, you may need to ask about facilities (设施, shèshī), utilities, and other details.
Example sentences:
房子有空调吗？ (Fángzi yǒu kòngtiáo ma?) – Does the apartment have air conditioning?
水电费怎么算？ (Shuǐdiàn fèi zěnme suàn?) – How are water and electricity bills calculated?
有没有停车位？ (Yǒu méiyǒu tíngchē wèi?) – Is there parking available?
房子周围环境怎么样？ (Fángzi zhōuwéi huánjìng zěnme yàng?) – How is the surrounding environment?
When checking an apartment, it’s helpful to express your concerns politely.
我可以拍几张照片吗？ (Wǒ kěyǐ pā jǐ zhāng zhàopiàn ma?) – Can I take some photos?
房间采光好吗？ (Fángjiān cǎiguāng hǎo ma?) – Does the room have good lighting?
邻居安静吗？ (Línjū ānjìng ma?) – Are the neighbors quiet?
Negotiating Rent
Negotiation (谈价, tánjià) is common in China, especially when renting long-term. Using polite but clear language helps you get a fair deal.
Example sentences:
租金可以再便宜一点吗？ (Zūjīn kěyǐ zài piányi yīdiǎn ma?) – Can the rent be a little cheaper?
我想签一年合同，可以优惠吗？ (Wǒ xiǎng qiān yī nián hétóng, kěyǐ yōuhuì ma?) – I want to sign a one-year contract, is there a discount?
押金是多少？ (Yājīn shì duōshǎo?) – How much is the deposit?
合同可以提前看吗？ (Hétóng kěyǐ tíqián kàn ma?) – Can I see the contract in advance?
It’s also important to clarify what is included in the rent (租金包含, zūjīn bāohán).
水、电、网费包含在租金里吗？ (Shuǐ, diàn, wǎng fèi bāohán zài zūjīn lǐ ma?) – Are water, electricity, and internet included in the rent?
房租按月支付还是按季度支付？ (Fángzū àn yuè zhīfù hái shì àn jìdù zhīfù?) – Is the rent paid monthly or quarterly?
Signing the Lease
Once you agree on the apartment, the next step is signing the lease (租约, zūyuē). Knowing the key phrases makes the process easier and ensures no misunderstandings.
Example sentences:
我准备签租约。 (Wǒ zhǔnbèi qiān zūyuē.) – I am ready to sign the lease.
请问合同上写了哪些条款？ (Qǐngwèn hétóng shàng xiě le nǎxiē tiáokuǎn?) – What clauses are written in the contract?
什么时候可以搬进来？ (Shénme shíhòu kěyǐ bān jìnlái?) – When can I move in?
房子需要押二付一吗？ (Fángzi xūyào yā èr fù yī ma?) – Do I need to pay two months deposit and one month rent in advance?
Always make sure to ask about rules and responsibilities (责任, zérèn) before signing.
如果房子有损坏，谁负责修理？ (Rúguǒ fángzi yǒu sǔnhuài, shuí fùzé xiūlǐ?) – If the apartment is damaged, who is responsible for repairs?
租期结束时，押金怎么退？ (Zūqī jiéshù shí, yājīn zěnme tuì?) – How is the deposit refunded at the end of the lease?
Communicating with Landlords or Agents
Maintaining good communication with your landlord (房东, fángdōng) or agent is important during your stay.
Example sentences:
房间有问题可以联系你吗？ (Fángjiān yǒu wèntí kěyǐ liánxì nǐ ma?) – Can I contact you if there are issues in the apartment?
我需要换水龙头，可以帮忙吗？ (Wǒ xūyào huàn shuǐlóngtóu, kěyǐ bāngmáng ma?) – I need to change the faucet, can you help?
什么时候可以收快递？ (Shénme shíhòu kěyǐ shōu kuàidì?) – When can I receive packages?
请问附近有超市吗？ (Qǐngwèn fùjìn yǒu chāoshì ma?) – Are there supermarkets nearby?
Practical Tips
When renting an apartment in China:
- Always have your ID or passport ready (身份证, shēnfènzhèng / 护照, hùzhào).
- Take notes or photos of the apartment condition before moving in.
- Confirm all costs, including utilities and fees, before signing the contract.
- Be polite and professional when negotiating or asking for help.
- Keep copies of all agreements, contracts, and receipts (收据, shōujù).
New Words
- 租房 (zūfáng) – renting an apartment
- 房源 (fángyuán) – apartment listing
- 中介 (zhōngjiè) – agent / realtor
- 房东 (fángdōng) – landlord
- 租金 (zūjīn) – rent
- 押金 (yājīn) – deposit
- 租约 (zūyuē) – lease / rental contract
- 设施 (shèshī) – facilities / amenities
- 合同 (hétóng) – contract
- 责任 (zérèn) – responsibility