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FAQ

BASIC INFORMATION OF LEASE

DURING THE TENANCY

AT THE END OF THE TENANCY

 



We often get questions from our clients about the residential maze of ningbo. Below you will find a selection of the most common, which we hope you will find useful in your home search.


1,How long before planning to move should I look for an Apartment?
From experience, 2 weeks before moving. 1 week is ok, with us even 2 days.
Reindeer Station is fast and you’ll be able to see apartments you like only 3 hours after calling.
3 weeks is a maximum for most places as the landlords are usually apprehensive on reserving the apartment for longer than that. Usually, the places would be taken after 3 to 6 weeks. And it might be rented the next morning or several hours later. 
In any case, know that you can mail us any time from 1 Month to 1 Year before you are planning to move. Reindeer Station is going to have it ready for you by the time you come to Ningbo.

2,What's the rent in Ningbo and decided by which factors?
When looking for an apartment, the first thing you will have to consider is your budget. It is difficult for newcomers in Ningbo to have a precise idea about their budget. In fact, in Ningbo, there are as many lifestyle options as there are properties: you can get any kind of accommodation, from the very basic to the luxurious kind. The monthly rental can range from RMB 1500/month to RMB 30000/month accordingly. 

How you want to live will determine where you will end up living. The rental usually depends on the:
• Location 
• Housing Style 
• Size and number of rooms of the property 
• Age and condition of the property 
• Distance to Public Transport (bus, metro) 
• Distance to shops, entertainment or sports facilities 
• Distance to International Schools / Universities

3. Is the rental price negotiable? 
All rental prices on our website are the asking price. There is some negotiability depending on the terms of the contract. For example; if you can move in immediately, do not require furniture and you do not have any additional requirements, you will almost definitely get a better rental than if you would if you were to move in after 6 weeks, require additional furniture to what is already provided in the property and request for renovation or repairs.

4.What is the minimum lease term in Ningbo? 
There are short term (<6 months) and long term (>6 months) leasing contracts in Ningbo . Short term lease is only available in serviced apartments. Usually to rent an apartment, townhouse or house, office, you'll need to be renting for a period of at least 6 months, preferably a year. Most owners sign a 1 year leasing contract. It is possible to have short term leasing contracts but it depends on the owners; rents are usually more expensive.

5, What kind of deposit do I have to pay for my new home? And will I get it back when I leave? 
1 or 2 months of deposit is usually the amount that will be imposed in advance when you sign a long term leasing contract (1 month deposit= 1 month rent).The deposit normally is the money aside from the rental. Deposits are often paid upon signing of the lease to ensure unit occupation, compensation for damages caused by the tenant, or non-performance of lease terms. 

The landlord will offer a receipt when he receives the deposit. Please save and take care of the receipt for future use. 

Should the property condition be deemed acceptable upon lease expiration, the security deposit will be refunded in full. Deposits are reimbursed on the last day of your leasing contract after you and the owner have checked the apartment. 

If you break the leasing contract before the end of the leasing date, the owner will keep your deposit.


6, What is included in the rental? 
Normally, the asking rental of private landlords does not include the management fee, installation of Internet access and SATV and Tax invoice in Ningbo rental market. 
The management fee depends on the size of the apartment and also in which building/community the apartment is located. For example a 150 qm2 flat is around 300-400 RMB per month. Internet fee is 90 RMB/month for 2Mbit, or 120RMB/month for 4Mbit. If tenant requires a Chinese invoice (fapiao) from the company, then the rent will be plus 6 percent for apartment or house and 8 percent for office.


7. What currency is used for rent payment? 
Usually, rents are quoted and paid in RMB. If client must pay rent in USD, this matter is subject to negotiation with your landlord. Very few landlords now accept USD as the exchange rate is changing. But client have to pay the balance of exchange rate difference. 

8.How much do utilities cost per month and how to pay them?
This is a really tough question, because it really depends on how much you’re using.
Electricity averages between a 100 and 400 rmb,
Gas and water should together be around 100.
Proper ADSL with 2mb is 90 per month; 4mb is 120 per month.
The phone bill can range from anywhere from the minimum of 25rmb to 500.
Those charges can be paid to different banks. Generally, one bank card is used to pay the utility bills. However, different places may require different banks. You will have to ask your landlord for the details. When you pay, it is better to bring your bills with you. 

9.Can I watch foreign TV programs in Ningbo? 
SATV is not widely installed in apartments other than in several expatriate communities. However, we can help you to get such services if you need.
Satellite TV system can be installed if the location of the apartment faces the direction of the satellite itself. The setup and yearly charges for Satellite TV will need to be paid from the tenant normally. We can assist you to get the installation done at your new home. And the installation staff will be able to speak English.


10. Rent Tips
It is still possible to find cheap but at the same time quality apartments, but it is getting more and more difficult. If you find a place that you like, grab it! Good apartments tend to be rented out very quickly here. Don't expect to see a nice flat and think about it for a few days. It might be rented out the next morning or several hours after. 
Lots of experience tells us that if we assist you in finding a favorable apartment, and you are ready to sign the contract, make sure you don't take too long to consider as most of the landlords will not promise to save the apartment for you; the best way is to pay part of the deposit and sign the contract as soon as possible.

 


11.What references do I need to get?
For a long let which is registered under individual,  you will be required to produce proof of address and either your passport or national ID card. 
For a long let tenancy where a company is the tenant you will be required to produce proof of passport or ID for those staying at the property and stamp from the company.


12.Who is responsible for contacting the utility companies after I've moved in?
The landlord is responsible for setting up accounts with the utility companies before you move into a property and also when you leave, they are responsible in taking care to provide meter readings at the beginning and end of the tenancy.


13.How do I pay rent?
You will need to pay the 3 month's rental in 15 days prior to the commencement of your tenancy. It's accepted with bank transfers or cash.


14.What happens if my rent is paid late?
Any problems with rental payments that may result in late payment, should be conveyed to Landlord directly. Arrears letters (for which you will be charged) will be issued if rent remains outstanding beyond 5 days after it was due. Interest will be charged until the payment is made.. If you fail to the rent within five (5) working days after receiving of the default notice, the landlord shall be entitled to charge you a late payment fee of 5‰ of the overdue amount per day.


15.If I have any problems during my tenancy who do I speak to?
If your property is managed by Reindeer Station, please call 86 574 2772 2110 or email your inquiry to afterservice@reindeerstation.com 
If your property is not managed by Reindeer Station, you may call your landlord directly or our Tenancy Team on 86 574 2772 2110 for general inquiries if you would like us to help you as payable items.

 


16.What penalties will I incur should I break my lease agreement early?
The primary liability is for rent until the end of the contract or its break clause point.
If any party intends to unilaterally terminate the contract within the lease term, such party shall send at least 30 days prior written notice and shall pay compensation as agreed in the contract.


17.What should I do with the keys at the end of the tenancy?
Please ensure all sets are returned, a receipt is obtained and this happens on or before the last day of your tenancy.
Please note that you will be liable for rent on a daily basis until the keys are returned.


18.What expenditure should I expect at the end of the tenancy?
As an outgoing tenant, typically your costs will be associated with professional cleaning and the inventory check out. Any discrepancies between the check in and check out may result in deductions from your deposit


19.When will my deposit be returned to me?
Once the check-out has been conducted and the property has been cleaned to a satisfactory standard, the landlord shall return the remnant deposit free of any interests to the tenant within 5 working days after the tenant have paid all the due fee and Utility fee.
This typically takes 10 working days and generally no more than 28 days.
If your question is still not answered, please contact After Service Department of Reindeer Station to follow officially. Call 86 574 2772 2110 or email your inquiry to afterservice@reindeerstation.com


20.How do I renew my contract after the first lease term?
You should inform the landlord 30 days prior to the end of your tenancy to allow enough time to arrange all the related administration. If you need to renew lease term by official way, please contact After service department of Reindeer Station. (Services:  链接) Call 86 574 2772 2110 or email your inquiry to afterservice@reindeerstation.com

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