Renting

This page is a reusable renting SOP (standard operating procedure): from defining requirements through move-out, with checklists at each step. Area-specific notes (commute, rent, neighborhoods) live in sub-articles such as Xierqi.

After reading, you should be able to: lock in hard requirements → view and sign with a clear process → avoid missing key steps at move-in and move-out.

Overview

Phase	Goal	Typical time
1. Requirements	Budget, commute, lease term, whole vs shared	0.5–1 day
2. Area & search	Narrow areas, filter listings	3–7 days
3. Viewings	On-site checks, compare 2–3 same day	1–3 days
4. Signing	Review contract, first payment, keep records	1 day
5. Move-in	Handover list, locks, repair contacts	Move-in week
6. During lease	Rent, repairs, compliance	Full term
7. Move-out	Notice, cleaning, deposit settlement	Last 1–2 weeks

tip

Rule of thumb: Put verbal promises in the contract or WeChat text (screenshot); keep transfer records and receipts for every payment.

1. Define requirements

Before opening any app, list non‑negotiables vs nice‑to‑aves.

Hard constraints

• Monthly rent cap (including property/heating; whether internet is included)
• Commute: door-to-door time cap at rush hour (test once if possible)
• Lease length; sublet acceptable or not
• Whole unit vs shared; limits on roommates/partitions

Soft preferences

• Walk to transit, shops, noise, light, elevator/floor
• Furnished vs bare; acceptable condition

Output: a one-page requirements sheet; score each listing against it.

2. Choose area & find listings

1. Area first, then buildings — draw a commute circle; see Xierqi for area notes.
2. Channels: reputable agency apps, branded operators, friend sublets; beware far-below-market listings and “pay before viewing”.
3. Online filter: photo/video date, “real shoot” labels, duplicate photos across areas.
4. Batch viewings in the same area in half a day when possible.

3. Viewing SOP

Use this order on site; fill a table or voice memo, tidy up at home.

3.1 Building & surroundings (~15 min)

• Time walk to metro/bus (surface, lighting at night)
• Grocery, delivery, food, clinic/pharmacy
• Noise: road, construction, shops, schools
• Access control, parcels, bike/car parking

3.2 Unit (~20–30 min)

• Light and ventilation (second visit at another time if possible)
• Walls, floors, windows — leaks or mold
• Power, water, toilet, hot water timing
• AC, fridge, washer, range hood
• Fiber/mobile signal dead zones
• Photo/video for condition (again on move-in day)

3.3 Title & fees (must clarify)

• Who is lessor: owner, sublessor, agency — proof of title or authorization
• Rent, deposit (often 1–3 months), payment schedule, agency fee
• Property, heating, internet, trash — who pays
• Sublet, early termination penalty, renewal terms

warning

Common pitfalls: illegal partitioned units; one-year contract priced as short-term; “utilities included” not in writing; sublessor without owner consent.

4. Signing SOP

1. Parties: signatory matches payee; for operators, verify business license.
2. Read full contract: dates, rent increases, repair duty (wear vs damage), breach.
3. Handover sheet: inventory + meter readings + key count, signed both sides.
4. Pay by transfer with memo (address + deposit/rent); keep receipts.
5. Keep contract PDF/photos; redact ID when sharing copies.

Signing-day checklist

• Parties, address, area, attachments match
• Deposit, rent, due dates, late fees
• Handover sheet matches on-site condition
• Locks changed or key custody agreed (shared units vary)

5. Move-in (first week)

• Full walkthrough video (dated), including existing flaws
• Change lock/password (with lessor agreement)
• Property office, repairs, trash, delivery address
• Utilities/internet per contract
• Insurance if needed (e.g. renter liability)

6. During the lease

Topic	Practice
Rent	Calendar reminders; save every transfer
Repairs	Notify lessor for non-user damage; major issues in writing
Changes	Drilling, wall mounts — written OK first
Guests/sublet	Per contract and building rules

7. Move-out SOP

1. Notice per contract (often 30 days) in writing.
2. Clean/restore — compare to move-in video.
3. Handover — meters, keys, signed move-out confirmation.
4. Deposit — agreed timeline; deductions need justification; keep evidence if disputed.

Move-out checklist

• Utilities settled
• Inventory matches handover sheet
• Written or chat confirmation of move-out
• Deposit received or dispute next step clear

Sub-articles (by area)

Area	Notes
Xierqi	Commute, typical buildings, rent bands, local pitfalls

Add a row here when you open a new area page.