Everything you need to know before signing a lease in China.
Budget, area, bedrooms, schools, commute — the more detail, the better.
Within 24 hours you get a curated shortlist with real photos.
Video walkthrough if you are abroad; accompanied viewings once you arrive.
Rent, deposit, furnishing, repairs — we negotiate on your behalf.
Every clause explained before you sign. Two copies, both languages.
Handover, utilities, registration — we do not disappear after payment.
Yes. Foreign nationals may rent residential property freely with a valid passport and visa. You do not need a Chinese ID number, and you do not need to own a business.
Not to sign a lease — but you must register your address with the local police within 24 hours of moving in. The lease contract is the document you need for that registration, and a registered address supports visa and residence-permit applications. We handle the paperwork with you.
Standard practice is 1–2 months’ rent held by the landlord. It is refunded at the end of the lease, minus any unpaid bills or documented damage beyond normal wear. A move-out inspection with photos prevents disputes — we arrange it.
Structural issues and major appliances are the landlord’s responsibility. Minor wear and consumables (light bulbs, filters) are usually the tenant’s. This is written into the bilingual contract so there is no ambiguity later.
It varies by landlord. Many premium complexes include the management fee in the rent; utilities are almost always metered and paid by the tenant. Every listing on this site states exactly who pays what, so there are no surprises.
It protects you. A registered lease is recognised by the housing authority and is the document most commonly requested when applying for a residence permit, opening certain accounts, or enrolling a child at school. We file it for you.
Yes, and many clients do. We run live video tours, send detailed photo sets, and can hold a property with a deposit while your paperwork is arranged. Signing remotely is possible with a bilingual contract sent by email.
Depends on the landlord. Use the “pet friendly” filter to see homes that welcome pets, and tell us if you have a large dog — some complexes have size limits.
In Shenzhen it is typically one month’s rent, paid once, usually split between tenant and landlord. It is stated up front on every listing — we do not add hidden charges.
Yes. Corporate leases are common for expatriate packages — we can invoice your company, use a company seal on the contract, and handle the tax invoice (fapiao) if required.
Send us your requirements and we will shortlist homes within 24 hours.
Celine Shenzhen Rentals is an English-speaking agency for long-term apartment rentals in Shenzhen, China. We represent verified furnished homes in Shekou, Futian CBD, Nanshan, Qianhai, Shenzhen Bay, Civic Center and Bao'an Center, with transparent costs, bilingual contracts and support in English, Chinese, Russian and French.