Documents Needed to Rent a Property in Shanghai
When expats plan to rent a property in Shanghai, they need to prepare a series of documents to ensure the whole process goes smoothly.
The following are the specific steps for foreigners to rent a property and the required documents:
1. Documents Required When Signing a Lease Contract
When signing a rental contract, foreign tenants usually need to provide the following documents:
Passport: Valid original and photocopy of passport.
Visa / Residence permit: A valid visa, or Proof of residence permit.
Work or Study certificate: If you are a student, you need to provide a student certificate issued by the school. If you are a staff member, you need to provide a work certificate issued by the company.
Bank account information: Bank account information used to pay rent and deposit.
2. Documents That The Landlord Should Provide
The landlord shall provide relevant documents to prove his ownership or lease right of the property, such as:
Identity card: The identification of the landlord.
Property ownership certificate: A legal document that proves that the landlord is the owner of the property.
Power of attorney: If the landlord is not the direct lessor, a power of attorney is required.
3. Documents Required When Handling Tax
When renting a property in Shanghai, the landlord or tenant needs to pay the relevant taxes according to the regulations. Moreover, it should go to the local real estate trading center to handle the lease contract for the record.
Lease contract filing: After filing, the filing certificate can be obtained.
Rent invoice: As a formal voucher for paying rent.
4. Documents Required for Opening Public Utility Services
When applying for opening water, electricity, gas and installing network broadband, you usually need the following documents:
Passport: When opening the service, you may need to show your passport.
Lease contract: Some service providers may require a lease contract to confirm your residence address.
Landlord's consent: In some cases, the written consent of the landlord may be required.
5. At The Police Station, Register For Accommodation
According to the laws of Shanghai, foreigners must register at the local police station, within 24 hours after they arrive in Shanghai.
Passport: As proof of identity.
Visa: Prove your legal residence status in Shanghai.
Lease contract: Prove your accommodation address.
6. Apply For Residence Certificate or Residence Permit
Expats who live for a long time may also need to apply for residence certificates or residence permits, in order to enjoy more local services.
Passport: As proof of identity.
Visa: Prove your legal residence status in Shanghai.
Lease contract: Proof of residence.
Proof of work or study: Such as work permit, student ID card, etc.
Photos: Recent bareheaded photos are usually required.
Conclusion
When expatriats rent a property in Shanghai, the main documents they need to prepare include personal identification (passport, visa), work or study certificate, lease contract, etc.
Ensuring that all necessary documents are prepared in accordance with relevant regulations can avoid unnecessary troubles and make the rental process smoother.
During the whole renting process, if you have any questions to consult or solve, please Contact Us.
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