Viewing an apartment is the moment to test what you can, ask what you need and make the promises visible on paper. This kit gives you Chinese questions to send to an agent, a simple way to compare apartments, and an inventory to complete at handover.
Apartment viewing kit
Inspect, compare and document a Shanghai apartment
Use this on your phone while viewing. Copy the Chinese questions to WeChat, record notes for up to three apartments, then make a photo inventory before you take the keys.
Turn on each appliance where practical, look inside cabinets and check the surroundings as well as the room. Anything promised should be written into the lease or a signed handover record.
Damp, heating and noise
Has there been any damp, mold or water leak? Can you show me where it was repaired?
这套房子以前有受潮、发霉或漏水吗？可以告诉我维修过的地方吗？
Can we test the air conditioning and heating? Is there floor heating or central heating?
可以试一下空调和制热吗？有地暖或集中供暖吗？
Is there construction nearby, or noise from the road, elevator or neighbors at night?
附近有施工吗？晚上会有马路、电梯或邻居的噪音吗？
Repairs, appliances and internet
If an appliance, water heater, air conditioner or plumbing needs repair, who pays and how quickly is it repaired?
如果家电、热水器、空调或水管需要维修，由谁承担费用？一般多久能修好？
Is internet already installed? Which provider, speed and monthly cost? Can the account be transferred?
已经安装宽带了吗？是哪家运营商、网速和每月费用是多少？账户可以过户吗？
Which furniture and appliances are included? Can these items be listed in the handover inventory?
哪些家具和电器包含在租金里？这些物品可以写进交接清单吗？
Fees, contract and moving in
Besides rent, what do I pay for property management, utilities, internet and agency fee?
除了房租以外，物业费、水电燃气、网络费和中介费分别是多少？
Can you provide a rental fapiao? If yes, what is the total price including any invoice-related charge?
可以提供房租发票吗？如果可以，包含开票相关费用后的总价是多少？
Can you provide the documents needed for accommodation registration after I move in?
我入住后办理住宿登记需要的材料，您可以提供吗？
Name each apartment and rate the things that matter. Your notes are saved on this device only. Use the print button or browser share to keep a copy.
| Apartment | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Damp and condition | |||
| Heating and AC | |||
| Noise and surroundings | |||
| Internet and mobile signal | |||
| Appliances and furnishings | |||
| Fees and payment terms | |||
| Commute and daily convenience | |||
| Notes, price, or deal-breakers |
Complete this with the landlord or agent at handover. Photograph every item and existing defect, keep the originals, and attach the dated inventory to your signed handover record.
| Room or item | Condition / existing issue | Photo / meter reference |
|---|---|---|
| Entry, keys and door lock | ||
| Living room | ||
| Kitchen and appliances | ||
| Bedroom 1 | ||
| Bedroom 2 / study | ||
| Bathroom and water heater | ||
| Air conditioners and remotes | ||
| Meters: water, electricity, gas | ||
| Windows, balcony and curtains |
Tenant signature ____________________
Landlord / agent signature ____________________
Keep your contract, payment receipts, viewing notes and original photos together. For a full breakdown of deposits, prepaid rent, agency fees and rental fapiao, see our Shanghai rent cost calculator and lease guide.