7 Things That Tenants Should Know Before Renting An Apartment in Taiwan

2023/12/20 23:51

Navigate the nuances of leasing an apartment in Taiwan with ease. From understanding lease periods and security deposits to managing utilities and early lease termination, UR HOUSE provides you with all the essential information. Whether you're opting for a one-year lease or considering a longer commitment, our guide helps you make informed decisions. Learn about rent payment cycles, moving in and out procedures, and how to safeguard your interests with a security deposit. Plus, get insights into handling utility and internet costs as a tenant. Our comprehensive guide ensures a smooth rental experience in Taiwan, with tips and advice for every step of your leasing journey.

 7 Tenant Must Knows For Renting An Apartment

  1. Lease Duration
  2. How To Secure Your Apartment
  3. Security Deposit
  4. Early Termination
  5. Rent Payment Terms
  6. Utilities and Internet
  7. Move-In/Out Guidelines

1.What is your lease period? 

Most leases in Taiwan are minimum 1 year lease. However, most landlords prefer a 2 year lease and are sometimes willing to accept better terms for longer lease periods.
On the other hand, short term rentals less than 1 year are extremely difficult (even if the tenant offers a higher rent to the landlord). The reason being that landlords do not want to go through the ordeal of finding a new tenant in just a few month’s time. 

2.How to secure your apartment?

Taiwan landlords place a great emphasis on “first come first serve”; therefore it is usually recommended for a tenant to put down a deposit equivalent to half month’s rent to the if they show interest in the property. By doing so,  this shows the landlord the tenant’s serious intent to rent and can also prevent other prospective tenants from taking the apartment.

3.How much is the security deposit?

The standard security deposit in Taiwan is equal to two months' rent (unless otherwise agreed by the landlord and tenant). Upon lease expiration, the landlord will return the 2 month’s security deposit minus any damages back to the tenant within a certain amount of days as stated in the lease. 

4.What happens if you terminate your lease early?

Tenant’s will need to provide at least a 1 month notice and usually will face a penalty of one month’s rent in Taiwan. 

5.What is the rent payment cycle? 

Rent is usually paid every month on specified date written in the lease. However, as a bargaining chip, some tenants may offer to pay rent quarterly or even annually to the landlord. 

6.Who pays for utilities and Internet/TV?

Rental prices typically don't include utility costs like gas, water, and electricity and Internet as these are user dependent and are expenses to be paid by the tenant.

7.Moving in and moving out

It is very important to document the apartment conditions with photos on the day the tenant moves in to prevent any complications on the day they move out (scratches/dents on the floors, walls, etc). If there are any discrepancies between when the tenant moved in and when they move out, the tenant may be liable for paying for these damages.