Hi all,

Im currently staying in an apartment as a sublet but the original agreement runs out next month and am in disucussions with the landlord about renting the whole place myself as the original tenant is leaving.

The conditions etc are ok and the landlord wants 2 months + 1 month deposit on expiration of the current contract and then i can take it over.

This all sounded good but im concerned on possible problems or scams that may arise as the guy who came to see me was a relative of the landlord. I worry if he is a stooge or something and signing with him is out the question but then identifying who is the real landlord (ie with legit ID card, deeds etc).

Im wondering what ID or steps should be taken when doing this direct approach to acoid my money disappearing or myself being stitched up some way down the line. Maybe it sounds paranoid, although after the last 7 years out this way ...

Previously i used agents and didnt find them much better although never had major issues so am not sure whether should take this path and hand over another undeserved commission.

Has anyone any ideas or opinions on this or heard any stories or problems from fellow expats doing this.

Thanks all

Best wishes

I rented my apartment directly from the landlord and she was a gem. Never a problem with negotiations. In fact, she had purchased the apartment while I was living there and even returned my deposit, in full. I understand that my experience is probably the exception rather than the norm, but I just wanted to say that there are honest landlords out there before tons of people pipe in citing horror stories.

Will you require a fapaio?

If I remember correctly, my lease had copies of my passport and her identity card attached. Again, not sure if this is normal or not but it did lead to a sense of assurance. Anyway you can speak directly with the landlord rather than a relative?

Unless you do not speak Chinese, Agent would not do any better. You just need to make sure you check the landlord ID, deed (房产证) (in fact, you will need copy of them). If you are dealing with landlord's designated person instead of landlord directly, you will need to ask to see a written authorization from the landlord authorizing the designated person to handle all details in his/her regard, this authorization will need to have an official government seal. If the terms are already settled, just ask the original renter for the rental agreement and modify terms to fit your current agreement with landlord. That's it!

Typical critical terms details are monthly rental amount, payment method (e.g. once every 2 month or once a month), utilities - who pays for what, faipiao (official rent receipt from tax bureau) if you need it and who pay for the 5% fee. Then there is the list of furnitures and major appliances list that you should confirm and sign.

Hi,

Thanks for the responses.

The terms are already agreed on with rent, bills and new eqpt etc but its just making sure the contract is as legit and binding as possible. The person i have been dealing with is (allegedly) the relative of the landlord (who is based in Zhejiang) but i wanted to make sure i got all the paperwork, ID and any official registration to avoid the headache that may occur later.

I have until the end of the week to make final decision so am just doing the detective work now

Just ask to see and get a copy of the Deed. Then to see the letter authorizing this person to be an agent for the owner, similar to a "Power of attorney". if the person you were subletting from is on good terms with you, you can confirm with him on owner/ agent etc too. good luck.

i dealt directly with my landlady, but only felt comfortable doing so as she spoke fluent english, and was a very reaonable and understanding lady.