Job Discussion Forums

[MADAMELEACH]

I have been TOLD by a prospective employer that I need to fork out

3 months rent + 1month rent (collateral) whatever collateral means.

This, I have been told is the start up costs for accomodation.


Do we all have to find this kind of money when starting up in Shanghai or are we being fooled?

I simply cannot believe it is true that 3 months deposit plus one month full rent is required.

I have been around the block a while in a variety of Asian countries to know this simply cannot be -what is your experience? Appreciate it.

[daCabbie]

That's average.

Some places/cities the market demands 6 months up front.

Shanghai is not a city for newbies. Work you way up to it. The investment is worth it in the end. No, I do not live there.

Good luck. A second tier city can be a simpler move.

[choudoufu]

[jibbs]

Sounds normal enough; had a friend in Nanjing with the same deal. His landlady would not accept one month's rent at a time after the first three months either. She wanted it after every 3 months. Guess it was always a bit painful handing over that much at once, but then no worries for another 3 months.

[slareth]

[knight4ever]

Nothing unusual about the deposits. In Shenzhen, almost all landlords require 2 months deposit up front plus the first month's rent to move in. You can negotiate price with most landlords. When you move out you will get your deposit money back. Just remember, cash is king in China.

[MADAMELEACH]

Well how about one month deposit and the one month rent in advance?

Possible in Shanghai or elsewhere in China?

I think it is so I am going to hold out for it.

[daCabbie]

Why not just stay where you are?

[Mr. English]

In Guangzhou the standard is first month's rent plus a deposit of two months' rent when you move in. Many landlords are willing to negotiate on the amount of rent, but few are willing to negotiate on the 1 + 2 arrangement.

[yaramaz]

I've lived in 3 flats so far in Shanghai, both in Pudong and in Puxi. I've managed to negotiate the deposit/initial rent payment down for all three. My current landlord asked for 2 months deposit and two months rent... and we ended up with 1 month deposit and an initial payment of the first two months (and after that, one month at a time). The other two flats were very similar. I've never paid more than 1 mon. deposit and 2 months down. If they ask for three or more, negotiate. It's not unreasonable.

[wailing_imam]

LEECH - You really ought to do research on such matters before moving to a new country. I am amazed how many new teachers end up in these situations.

[7969]

I'm not amazed at it myself. Common sense doesn't seem to be in great supply in society these days.

[Lobster]

1+3 is standard but negotiable. Keep in mind that the 3 months is not really a deposit, but represents the last 3 months of the contract, so you're always 3 months ahead on the rent. It does make it difficult for flighty types who want to cut out, as this money is hard to get back should you want to terminate the rental agreement early. Make sure you are happy with the place before you plunk down the cash.

RED

[jibbs]

Ugh, I can't stand reading comments like the ones above me from wailing and 7969. Makes me sick. You guys never made mistakes? And the old "common sense" crap? Really? Excuse me while I vomit.

Don't defend what you said either, you know what you said was useless and you sounded like twats.

[flyingscotsman]