Moving out on your own means you will earn some private space, but it also means you get to find another place to live. Renting in Hong Kong is never easy. Before entering into the tenancy agreement, it\u2019s wise to consider a few things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jump to: Make a Budget<\/a> | Tenancy Terms<\/a> | Tenants’ Rights<\/a> | Terminate Tenancy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Your monthly expenses are not just the rent, but they may also include utilities (water, electricity and gas bills); miscellaneous costs (the Internet fee); and also the deposits on water and electricity bills. If the rented place is a vacant property, you may need to set aside a budget for fittings. To avoid running over budget, it\u2019s important to ask the landlord or estate agent if the monthly rent is inclusive of any utility charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s relatively budget-friendly to rent a flat in the New Territories, but transportation costs would be higher if you work on the Island side, not to mention a longer commuting time. Sometimes, living close to your working area may need higher rents, but it can offset the travel expenses needed for faraway homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find or sell properties on Spacious<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n As the saying goes, \u201cthe devil is in the detail\u201d, always read carefully the terms and conditions before entering into the tenancy agreement. Chances are that the landlord\u2019s verbal promises are not written in the lease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a tenant, your liabilities should not go unnoticed. You may be liable for the costs of lost keys; repair of water pipes; regular maintenance of air-cons – all of which might have already been laid down in the agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, the terms and conditions are negotiable. Make sure to discuss with the landlord beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can a tenant live with his pet? Is he allowed to make any renovation changes? How shall he notify the landlord of that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n In most cases, you can\u2019t do any alterations on the rented flat unless you get the landlord\u2019s permission. Failing to do so may have your security deposit forfeited. The worst thing the landlord can do is terminate your lease immediately. The landlord has the right to allow or reject your request for doing any alteration or renovation works, but it\u2019s always the tenant\u2019s responsibility to have those works restored before moving out the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tenancy period (short-term vs long-term) and other rental conditions (e.g. refund of deposit) are open for discussion in the negotiation stage. You can propose changes to meet your future needs. This gives you more flexibility to extend or terminate the lease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you agree on a longer tenancy period, the landlord will normally ask for cheaper rents. In case you want to terminate the lease, you should give at least 1 – 2 months\u2019 notice. If you are going to sub-let the flat (with the landlord\u2019s approval), the tenancy period should be shorter and the termination process even simpler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before moving in, it\u2019s wise to verify the flat\u2019s existing conditions with the landlord. Make a record of any defects already in the flat, especially those not going to be fixed by the landlord. Doing this can better ensure you get your security deposit back once moving out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nIs my income enough to cover overall monthly expenses?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWhat shall I pay attention to in a tenancy agreement?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWhat rights are entitled to tenants?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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