Apartment Hunting in Chengdu

Getting shown an apartment is deceptively easy – you walk into a neighbourhood you like, find a real estate office (quite recognizable from the ads in the windows), and can usually be on your way to a prospective place within minutes. However, it pays to do some checking online first. Websites like Chengdu-relocation.com (English), soufun.com, or the real estate section of 58.com (both Chinese language only) can give you a good idea of what is available in an area and what will fit your budget. We find soufun.com useful since it lists the management fees, recent rents, and rent trends for each apartment complex in town. After doing a little homework we are ready to hit the pavement. 

The Neighbourhood 

Chengdu is most liveable for those with limited hassles in a commute. Some people prefer access to newer shopping and entertainment centres and others will prefer the laid back feel of older neighbourhoods. A good local restaurant, a market, movie theatres, malls, or a nearby subway stop are good draws. For those with vehicles, newer neighbourhoods are far more vehicle friendly than older neighbourhoods. Those who appreciate an international atmosphere usually end up around Tongzilin, Zongbei, or Yulin. We find that established neighbourhoods near the second ring, such as Gaoshengqiao, Jianshe Road, Hongpailou, and Guanghua Village have good value and convenient traffic connections. Some enjoy the local colour in the Ximianqiao area, which has a large Tibetan population and is near the Nationalities University. If you’re an expat on a company budget, try Master or Times Residence. 

The Agent

Good agents are a big help, but bad ones can be a waste of time and cash. Many agents will traipse clients around to apartments that are completely out of their budget or do not match the tenants' wishes, using this tactic to wear people down into thinking their requirements are too high or budget is too low. The agent should be able to help with any requests for repairs or additions to the apartment, such as a new TV, shower stall, or screens for the windows, and these should be discussed before the final rent is agreed on. Agents often ask for a month's rent as an agent fee from prospective tenants.We usually explain to agents that if they help us negotiate with the landlord, we are willing to kick in a bit more.

The Complex 

Many an argument is made about newer vs. older apartment complexes. Older buildings that have not been well constructed or maintained are problematic. However, older buildings tend to be in established neighbourhoods with good amenities. Newer buildings can be built to better standards, but also come with construction fumes and noises, and the racket of neighbouring apartments being finished continues well after a new unit has been opened. We also take note of how well the complex appears to be managed and how the common areas are maintained. We usually check the stairwells and bike parking areas to see if junk has accumulated. Elevator buildings will have higher management fees and less floor space for the money compared to walk-ups. The activity around a complex can change a lot during the day, so it pays to visit at different times. You can move into a nice building near a park or school, but then be awakened before dawn by school announcements, the national anthem, or exercise music. 

The Apartment 

Few apartments are completely cleaned before being shown to prospective tenants, so we've learned not to let a little grime or household detritus affect our judgment. We are much more cautious about apartments for rent in newer buildings, which are often cheaply finished and furnished income properties. It's important to check out the electrical outlets, appliances, and plumbing. Kitchen cabinets and windows should open and close smoothly. In Chengdu's damp climate, one of the biggest problems in apartments is mold and mildew, and apartments with windows only on one side or with no outside ventilation for the bathroom are prime spots for it. Walls in damp areas, like the kitchen or bathroom, will show mold growing and any closets, cabinets, and cupboards should be opened to check for mold.  It's easy for thieves to break in to lower level apartments via the windows, and critter problems also tend to be worse in lower level apartments. 

The Contract

The contract should spell out the deposit, rent amount, and how often rent is paid, which is typically every three to six months. If you have enough cash on hand to pay a year in advance, this can be a bargaining tool with a landlord that needs cash in a hurry. The contract also lists all the current furniture and appliances in the apartment, penalties for breaking the contract early, the stipulation that the tenant should change the locks, and the dates for when the contract should be renewed. Any unwanted furniture or old appliances should be removed, though at times the landlord wants to keep everything in the place and are loath to throw out used items. The contract signing should also take care of any outstanding utilities and management fees. Landlords who care about their property's value and are quick to repair problems but will leave the tenants to their own lives are gold, and we've found that conscientious landlords are willing to work with tenants who will keep the apartment clean and in good repair.  

If you have any further questions, please contact us at info@chengdu-relocation.com