✍🏼 What should I check before signing a lease?

Published 7 months ago

Renting a property in Taiwan can be exciting, but it also comes with responsibilities and potential pitfalls—especially for foreigners unfamiliar with local practices. Before signing a lease, it’s important to understand the key points that protect your rights and ensure a smooth rental experience.

Rental Signing Process in Taiwan

➡️ Finding and Viewing a Property: Search for listings through platforms or agents, and inspect the property and its surroundings.
➡️ Confirming Rent and Lease Terms: Clarify the rent, deposit, lease duration, and utility/internet fees.
➡️ Discussing Lease Terms: Review responsibilities for repairs, subletting rules, early termination clauses, and other restrictions.
➡️ Signing the Lease: Read the contract carefully and, if necessary, have it translated or reviewed by a professional.
➡️ Paying Deposit and Rent: Keep receipts as proof of payment.
➡️ Move-in Inspection: Document the property’s condition with photos or a written checklist.
➡️ Lease Registration (if applicable): For leases longer than two years, registration at the household registration office is required.

From rent and security deposits to maintenance responsibilities and move-in inspections, this guide highlights everything you should check before committing to a lease.

What to Check Before Signing a Lease in Taiwan？

1. Lease term and renewal

Start and end dates: Confirm the exact duration of the lease
Renewal terms: Can the lease be extended? Are there automatic renewals, or do both parties need to agree?

2. Rent retails

Exact amount: Ensure the written rent matches verbal agreements
Payment due date: When is rent due (before the 10th of each month)?
Late fees: Penalties for late payments (commonly 5–10% of monthly rent)

☝🏻 Late fees must be clearly stated in the lease. If not written in the contract, landlords cannot charge extra.

3. Security deposit

Amount: Typically 1–2 months’ rent
Refund conditions: When and how it will be returned (deductions for damage, unpaid bills)

☝🏻 The deposit is usually returned after move-out if the property is in good condition, bills are settled, and keys are returned. The amount and payment terms can sometimes be negotiated with the landlord, but must be clearly written in the lease.

4. Maintenance responsibilities

Repairs: Major repairs (such as plumbing, electrical, or structural issues) are the landlord’s responsibility, while minor damage (like wall scratches or light bulb replacement) is typically handled by the tenant.
Move-out Cleaning: Most leases in Taiwan require tenants to return the property in a “reasonably clean condition”, meaning that apart from normal wear and tear, the property should be clean, free of trash, and without obvious stains or damage.

☝🏻 Some landlords explicitly require professional or thorough cleaning before moving out, with the cost typically borne by the tenant. If the lease does not specifically state this, tenants are generally only expected to maintain basic cleanliness, and landlords usually will not demand extra cleaning fees.

5. Utilities and bills

Included costs: Are water, electricity, internet, or garbage fees covered in the rent?
Meter readings: Who manages utility accounts (landlord or tenant)?

☝🏻 Utilities should be calculated based on actual usage. The landlord cannot arbitrarily charge a fixed monthly fee. Internet and garbage fees should also be clearly stated in the contract.

6. Subletting and assignments

Subletting: Can you sublet the property if needed? Requires landlord approval?
Assignment: Can you transfer the lease to someone else?

7. Termination clauses

Notice period: How much notice is required to end the lease (typically 1–2 months)?
Early termination penalties: Fees for breaking the lease early (1–3 months’ rent)

8. Property condition

Move-in checklist: Document the property’s current state (photos, written logs) to avoid disputes over damage later
Pre-existing issues: Note any existing damage or repairs needed before moving in

9. Penalties and fees

Damage deductions: What defines “damage,” and how are costs calculated?
Key replacement fees: If keys are lost or duplicated

10. Guarantor requirements

Need for a guarantor: Required for foreigners or those without local credit history?
Guarantor obligations: What liabilities does the guarantor assume?

☝🏻 Guarantors in Taiwan are generally required to be local residents with stable income. Their responsibilities and liabilities should be clearly stated in the lease.

11. Legal registration

Lease registration: In Taiwan, leases longer than 2 years must be registered with the local household registration office. Even for shorter-term leases, some landlords may still request registration for additional protection

12. Language and translation

Contract language: If the lease is in Chinese, ensure you understand all terms
Translation: Consider having it reviewed by someone fluent in both languages or a legal professional

13. Additional clauses

Restrictions: Make sure all rules regarding pets, parking, or prohibited behaviors are explicitly written in the contract to avoid disputes
Subsidies: If applicable, clarify how government housing subsidies (for students) interact with the lease

14. Final checks

Read the contract thoroughly: Avoid signing blank spaces or vague terms
Negotiate terms: Clarify ambiguous points before signing
Keep copies: Retain a copy of the signed contract and all supporting documents

15. Mediation

Dispute resolution: Know how to address conflicts (Taiwan’s Consumer Protection Agency or small claims court)

By addressing these points, you can avoid misunderstandings and protect your rights as a tenant. If unsure, consult a legal advisor or a trusted real estate agent. On Taiwan Housing, you can also find many professional agents with experience serving foreigners, who can guide you through the rental process.

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