Is it better to live in a dorm or off campus?

Dorms are cheaper and simpler for paperwork. Off-campus gives more freedom but you handle the lease, deposit, and utilities yourself.

What documents do I need to rent?

Passport, visa, and residence permit. Some landlords also ask for a letter from your university.

Can my deposit be withheld?

Only for genuine damage or unpaid bills. Take photos at move-in and keep the contract (合同).

Chinese Phrases for Renting an Apartment in China | Degree in China

Chinese Phrases for Renting an Apartment in China

Most international students live in university dorms, but off-campus renting is common for later years. These phrases help you ask the right questions before you sign.

When you want to say	中文	Pinyin	English
I want to rent an apartment	我想租房子	wǒ xiǎng zū fáng zi	I want to rent a place
Do you have a vacant room?	有空房吗	yǒu kòng fáng ma	Do you have a free room?
How much is the monthly rent?	月租多少	yuè zū duō shǎo	How much is the monthly rent?
How much is the deposit?	押金多少	yā jīn duō shǎo	How much is the deposit?
Does it include utilities?	包括水电费吗	bāo kuò shuǐ diàn fèi ma	Does it include water and electricity?
Can I see the room?	可以看房吗	kě yǐ kàn fáng ma	Can I view the room?
Sign the contract	签合同	qiān hé tong	Sign the contract
Air conditioner	空调	kōng tiáo	Air conditioner
Washing machine	洗衣机	xǐ yī jī	Washing machine
Landlord	房东	fáng dōng	Landlord

Deposits are usually 1 to 2 months’ rent. The common pattern is 押一付三 (one month deposit, three months rent paid upfront). Read the contract and confirm the deposit is returned at move-out if there is no damage.

Deposits, agent fees, and contract red flags

Off-campus leases commonly ask for a deposit of one to two months’ rent (押金) plus one to three months upfront. If you go through an agent (中介), expect a one-month 中介费 (agent fee). Read the contract for the 退租 (early exit) clause and who pays repairs. Photograph every existing scratch on day one, or you may lose part of the deposit.

What off-campus really means for your visa

Renting changes your registered address, and that address must be reported to the local police (住宿登记) within 24 hours. Your university dorm does this for you, but a private apartment does not, so the timing and the Temporary Residence Form (TRRF) become your responsibility.

Cultural note: almost every lease is in Chinese only. Have a Chinese-speaking friend or the international student office review it before you sign. Deposit and repair disputes are the single most common complaint among foreign students renting in China.

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Related guides

University Dorms Guidedegreeinchina.com
Stay in China After Graduationdegreeinchina.com

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to live in a dorm or off campus?: Dorms are cheaper and simpler for paperwork. Off-campus gives more freedom but you handle the lease, deposit, and utilities yourself.
What documents do I need to rent?: Passport, visa, and residence permit. Some landlords also ask for a letter from your university.
Can my deposit be withheld?: Only for genuine damage or unpaid bills. Take photos at move-in and keep the contract (合同).