Finding an apartment you love is only part of the rental process. Before signing a lease in Shanghai, it’s worth spending time checking the details that will affect your experience for the entire length of the tenancy — from the physical condition of the unit to the exact terms of the deposit and what happens the day you move out.
Start With the Property Itself
Walk through the apartment slowly and test everything, not just the things that are easy to see. Check the air conditioning and heating in every room, run the water to test pressure and hot water, and open every window to confirm it seals and locks properly. Test major appliances — washing machine, water heater, stove, refrigerator — rather than assuming they work because they look new.
If you notice existing damage or wear, take photos and timestamp them before you move in. In Shanghai, this single step is what protects your deposit at the end of the lease: without dated proof of pre-existing condition, disputes over “who caused this damage” almost always default in the landlord’s favor. It’s also worth confirming in writing exactly which furniture and appliances stay in the unit — verbal promises made during a viewing don’t always survive to move-in day.
Review the Financial Terms Carefully
Make sure you understand the full cost structure before agreeing to anything. At minimum, confirm:
- Monthly rent, and whether it’s fixed for the full lease term or subject to review
- Security deposit amount and the conditions for getting it back in full
- Payment schedule — monthly, quarterly, or a lump sum upfront (common in Shanghai for longer leases)
- Which additional costs are your responsibility: utilities, property management fees, internet, gas
Depending on the building, some of these may already be bundled into the rent — a point worth clarifying explicitly rather than assuming, since it varies widely between a private landlord apartment and a serviced apartment in Shanghai. If you’ll need a fapiao (official tax invoice) for a corporate lease, confirm this is available before signing, as not every landlord can issue one.
Clarify Maintenance, Renewal, and Move-Out Terms
The parts of a lease renters skip over are usually the parts that matter most once you’re actually living there. Before signing, get clear answers on:
- Who is responsible for repairs, and what the process is for reporting an issue
- How much notice is required to renew or end the lease
- What happens to your deposit at move-out, and how long it takes to be returned
- Whether subletting or early termination is permitted, and under what conditions
If the landlord has made any special promises — replacing furniture, completing a specific repair, or adding an appliance before you move in — get these written into the lease or a signed addendum rather than left as a verbal agreement. In Shanghai’s rental market, a promise that isn’t in writing is effectively not enforceable.
Document the Handover
On move-in day, walk through the apartment one more time with the landlord or agent and record the condition together — ideally with photos both parties agree on. This same process, done again at move-out, is what prevents disputes over deposit deductions. A clear, well-documented handover at both ends of the lease is just as important as the apartment itself.
A beautiful apartment matters, but a clear lease and a properly documented handover are what actually make your stay in Shanghai smooth from the first month to the last.
FAQ:
What should I photograph before moving into a Shanghai apartment?
Photograph any existing damage or wear — scuffed walls, worn flooring, appliance condition — with a timestamp, before you move any belongings in. This protects your deposit at move-out.
Is the security deposit refundable in full in Shanghai?
It depends on the lease terms and the apartment’s condition at move-out. Confirm the exact conditions for a full refund in writing before signing, rather than assuming.
Should verbal promises from a landlord be trusted?
No — any promise about repairs, furniture, or appliances should be added to the lease or a signed addendum. Verbal agreements are difficult to enforce once the lease is signed.
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