● Before renting an apartment, what should be verified upon the in-person viewing?

1. Check whether the lessor is the owner of the apartment, and if so, a valid apartment ownership certificate and identification are needed; If not, the original written letter of authorization (preferably notarized) by the owner of the apartment or the original letter of the owner's consent to sublease are needed, And it should be stipulated in the contract that if the written letter of the owner's consent to sublease is counterfeit, the sub-ledger shall bear the responsibility.

2. Check the facilities/home appliances in the apartment and potential safety hazards.

What should be observed when the apartment is available for inspection?

When the apartment is available for entry and inspection as stipulated in the contract, you need to get to the apartment in person, and be sure to pay attention to the following points during inspection:

1, Whether the apartment is consistent with the contract;

2, Whether the home appliances, furniture, etc. are consistent with the contract;

3. Whether the key to the apartment has been delivered;

4. Water, electricity and gas meter values.

How do lessors and lessees sign an apartment lease contract?

The apartment lease contract refers to the agreement signed by the lessor and the lessee when renting the apartment. It is used to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties. During the period of the contract, both parties should be bound by it, and enjoy rights and fulfill obligations according to the contract. The contents of the contract shall include the basic situation of the apartment, rent, lease term, lease purpose, liability for breach of contract, etc. It is recommended that you use the model text of the housing lease contract formulated by Beijing Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-rural Development andBeijing Municipal Bureau of Market Supervision and Administration. You can access the  official website portal of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, Beijing Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-rural Development and Beijing Municipal Bureau of Market Supervision and Administration for the contract and download it. When signing the lease contract, you should try your best to take all possible situations into consideration and put them on the contract. Don't trust any oral promises. All agreements should be in written form, so as to protect your rights and interests.

Tips.

(1) It is recommended to use the model contract text formulated by the relevant government departments such as construction (housing management) and industry and commerce department, and the contractor's broker are required to sign the contract and indicate the qualification certificate number when signing the contract.

(2) For housing lease transactions concluded through brokerage agencies, attention should be paid to the signing of a written brokerage service contract with the brokerage agency.

(3) The lease contract should go through registration and filing procedures in district and county housing management department.

(4) It is clearly stipulated in article 9 of "AdministrativeMethodsfor Commodity House Leasing" that "during the term of the housing lease contract, the lessor shall not unilaterally raise the rent at will." 

What needs to be specified in the contract?

The content of the housing lease contract shall be agreed upon by mutual consent of the parties and shall generally include the following items:

1. The name and residence of the parties to the housing lease;

2. The location, area, structure, appurtenances, furniture, appliances, and other indoor facilities; including theconditions of such;

3. The amount of rent and deposit, and payment method;

4. The leasing purpose and the requirements for the use of the house;

5. The safety performance of the house and its indoor facilities;

6. The lease term;

7. The responsibility of housing maintenance;

8. Payment of property service, water, electricity, gas and other related fees;

9. Dispute resolution and liability for breach of contract;

10,And other agreements.

The parties to the housing lease shall agree in the lease contract to deal with the housing when it is expropriated or demolished.

(Source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.)