Shenzhen Lease Contracts and Deposits: What Foreigners Should Check Before Signing
Updated: 2026-11-07 · 3 min read
How deposits work in Shenzhen
The local norm is a two-month deposit plus one month of rent paid in advance. The deposit is protection for the landlord, not a fee — it must be returned when you move out, minus agreed deductions for damage beyond normal wear.
Get a receipt for the deposit and make sure the lease states the exact amount, the return deadline (usually within a few days of moving out) and the deduction conditions.
What a fair lease must contain
At minimum: names of tenant and landlord, the exact address, monthly rent and payment date, lease length, deposit amount, who pays which bills, and the conditions for early termination. If a clause exists only in Chinese, ask for an English version before signing — do not accept “I will explain it to you”.
Watch for these traps: automatic rent increases hidden in renewal clauses, a clause allowing the landlord to end the lease with short notice, and maintenance responsibilities that are never defined.
Early termination and renewal
A typical lease allows early termination with 30–60 days’ written notice, sometimes at the cost of part of the deposit. Renewal is usually by mutual agreement; if you plan to stay, start the conversation two months before the lease ends.
When something goes wrong
If a landlord refuses to return the deposit without cause, document everything: photos, the contract, payment records and chat history. Most disputes are settled in a conversation — a bilingual contract from the start is what makes that conversation short.
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