Rental contracts and deposits

✅ Updated May 2026

Always get a written contract (合同) that states the rent, deposit, lease length, who pays utilities and management fees, and the notice period. Deposits (押金) are usually one to two months and should be returned at the end minus genuine damage, so photograph the apartment's condition when you move in. Beware of a "二房东" — someone subletting who is not the real owner — and never pay a large sum before signing. Read the break-clause terms carefully, since leaving early often forfeits the deposit.