Starting life in a new city begins with finding a place to live.
Whether you are a tenant searching for a home, a landlord wanting to list a property, or an agent seeking suitable tenants, here are the most practical rental resources in Mainland China for 2026. This includes rental platforms, agencies, community channels, and legal regulations, aiming to assist everyone.
1. Rental Websites
Looking up properties directly on China's rental websites allows easy comparison of location, price, and amenities, helping you better understand the market trends and make informed decisions. Here are some of the most popular rental platforms:
a. Beike (Rental) — Currently the largest online real estate platform in China, evolved from the Lianjia Group and listed on the NYSE in 2020. It covers various types of housing such as whole units, shared apartments, and standalone properties, supporting VR tours. It's a top choice for finding homes in 2026 due to its reliable listings.
b. Ziroom — A long-term rental brand under Lianjia, specializing in fully renovated whole apartments and shared rooms, offering housekeeping and maintenance services. Listings mainly in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and 10 others. Suitable for tenants who want a hassle-free move-in experience without needing to prepare furniture, though rents are typically above market rates.
c. 58.com — China's largest classified information platform, offering extensive property listings, including direct rentals by owners and agent listings. Be cautious of ads and traffic-driven posts, especially for low-price properties. Verify in-person.
d. Anjuke — Founded in 2007, acquired by 58.com in 2015, this real estate information platform covers over 600 cities nationwide, integrating new homes, second-hand homes, and rental listings. Clear interface, ideal for foreigners new to China to quickly grasp market trends across cities.
e. Rentpackage
Rentpackage offers a free online rental management platform with unlimited listings. Quickly enter key details, upload images, and utilize YouTube video ads for more convenient virtual tours, saving time on physical showings. Supports 52 languages, available in 200 countries, ideal for landlords with international leasing needs.
2. Real Estate Agents
Directly finding an agent is the most convenient and hassle-free choice. Agents know the local rental market and can find properties based on your requirements, sometimes even negotiating the price. In China, the agent fee is typically one month's rent, paid by the tenant. Some platforms, like Beike, have standardized service processes. It is advisable to choose large, reputable brands with clear qualifications.
Here are some well-known chain agent brands in China as of 2026:
a. Lianjia — China's largest direct-operated real estate chain brand, builds trust with its 'real listings' commitment (compensating 100 yuan per false ad). Particularly strong in Beijing, with physical offices in all major cities, offering second-hand homes, new homes, and rental services. Ideal for those seeking verifiable physical offices.
b. I Love My Home - A long-established real estate agency founded in 1998, positioned as a digitally-driven residential service platform. With numerous branches in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, etc., it offers comprehensive services like second-hand housing, new homes, rentals, and asset management, with a stable reputation.
To find more or other regional agencies, use the Rentpackage Global Real Estate Agency Finderto search. You can choose a region or directly enter the company name. It provides contact phone numbers, addresses, and websites for easy inquiry and contact!
3. Find Housing on Social Platforms (WeChat, Xiaohongshu, Douban)
In China, besides traditional rental platforms, social media has become an important housing channel by 2026. Especially in first-tier cities, many landlords post listings directly on social media, saving agency fees, with quick updates. Sometimes you can find properties not yet listed on platforms.
⚠️ Reminder: While using social platforms to find rentals, never send money before viewing the property. Always verify the landlord's identity and property ownership. Save all chat records as proof for future claims.
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4. Legal guidelines for renting in China
📋 Important rental regulations in Mainland China for 2026 (mainly based on the Civil Code and the Housing Lease Regulations effective from September 2025). Ensure you understand before renting:
📄 Written contract strongly advised:Under Chinese law, verbal leases are valid, but it is strongly recommended to sign a formal written lease contract. Refer to the Model Urban Housing Lease Contract published by the State Administration for Market Regulation in 2025, clearly specifying rent, deposit, lease term, maintenance responsibilities, and termination conditions. When moving in or out, recording the property's condition with photos or videos is suggested as proof for deposit refund.
💰 Deposit regulations (corporate leasing):According to the Housing Lease Regulations (effective 2025), housing rental enterprises (e.g., Ziroom, Beike Zufa) must not charge tenants a deposit exceeding one month’s rent, and it must be held in a designated third-party escrow account as per regulations. The remaining deposit must be refunded within 3 business days after the tenant returns the property upon contract expiration or termination. For private landlords, the deposit is usually one month ('one deposit, three months rent' payment model), with terms mainly negotiated between parties.
🚪 Termination and early lease exit:Early termination of a fixed-term contract is usually considered a breach, possibly resulting in deposit forfeiture or a penalty (not exceeding 30% of the total contract amount). For indefinite leases, landlords must give reasonable notice to end the lease. If the property poses safety or health risks, tenants can terminate the contract anytime without penalty as per Article 731 of the Civil Code.
🔑 Property verification (important):Before signing, verify the landlord's ID and property deed to ensure legal rental rights. Check for written consent from the original landlord if subleasing to avoid disputes.
🌍 Foreign Resident Registration (mandatory):Foreigners renting in China must register for temporary accommodation at the local police station within 24 hours of moving in (the landlord can assist). Failure to register may affect visa renewal or residence permit. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai require lease agreements to be filed with the housing authority, facilitating residence permits and administrative procedures.
⚖️ Dispute Resolution:Rental disputes can be arbitrated as per contract or filed directly in court. Complaints against agencies or rental firms can be mediated through the local real estate association or reported to the housing authority.
On-site Visits
Visit the area you wish to rent to check the environment. Some rentals display \"For Rent\" signs outside.For RentContact landlords or agents directly using the information provided.
These are the rental resources in China we compiled for 2026. We hope this information helps you find your ideal home.
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