Job Discussion Forums

[lastmanineurope]

I am looking for an apartment in Hong Kong and I wondering about the fees one has to pay.

I have heard it is usual to pay 2 months rent as a deposit on the apartment + 1 month rent in advance + half a month rent as agency fees.

Is this correct/normal? It might add up to a substantial amount!

If I rent from a private landlord directly, it would be the same minus the half a month rent (agent's fees), I presume?

PS I contacted Ricacorp in the N.T twice by email but got no reply from them!

Thanks

[anninhk]

That's right.
If you find an apartment without going through an agent you don't have to pay half of the rent to them but you will still be expected to pay two months as a sort of bond and one months rent in advance. The contract is normally for 2 years and you can break it after 13 months without incurring any penalty.
Usually the landlord pays the management fee but you will also have to pay a deposit to the electricity and gas company which you get back at the end.