Renting a home for the first time in Taiwan can feel overwhelming. Between navigating Chinese-language lease terms, understanding deposit customs, and figuring out which utility providers to contact, many newcomers miss important steps. This checklist walks you through every stage, from setting a budget to signing the lease and moving in, so you can avoid common pitfalls and secure a place that suits your needs.

1. Set Your Budget and Understand Costs

Before you start browsing listings, work out a realistic monthly housing budget. In Taipei, a typical single-person apartment (15-25 ping, roughly 50-80 m²) ranges from NT$12,000 to NT$25,000 per month. In New Taipei City, Taichung, or Kaohsiung, you can often find similar spaces for NT$8,000 to NT$18,000.

Key expenses to include

  • Rent: Usually paid monthly in advance.
  • Deposit: Commonly two months’ rent, refundable at the end of the lease minus any deductions for damage or unpaid bills.
  • Management fee: NT$500, NT$2,000 per month for buildings with a security guard or cleaning service.
  • Utilities: Electricity (台電, Taipower), water (台北自來水事業處 or local water department), gas (天然氣 or桶裝瓦斯), and internet.
  • Agent fee: If you use a real estate agent, expect to pay half a month’s rent as commission.

For a deeper breakdown of initial costs, read our guide on starting a home in Taiwan.

2. Choose Your Search Method

You have two main ways to find a rental in Taiwan: online platforms or a real estate agent. Each has pros and cons.

Online platforms

  • 591 租屋 (591.com.tw): The largest rental site. Filter by price, location, number of bedrooms, and pet-friendliness. Most listings include photos, floor plans, and contact info.
  • Housefun (好房網): Another popular site with similar features.
  • Facebook Groups: Groups like “Taipei Rentals” or “Taichung Housing” often have direct landlord listings with no agent fees.

Real estate agents

If you have a specific area in mind or prefer help negotiating, contact a local agent. Major chains include 信義房屋 (Sinyi Realty), 永慶房屋 (Yung Ching Realty), and 台灣房屋 (Taiwan Realty). Agent fees are typically 50% of one month’s rent for a rental transaction.

3. Inspect the Property in Person

Never sign a lease without seeing the unit first. Photos can be misleading, and you need to check for issues that affect daily life.

What to check during viewing

  • Water pressure: Turn on all taps and flush the toilet. Low pressure is common in older buildings.
  • Electrical outlets: Bring a phone charger and test each outlet. Note the number of outlets in each room.
  • Air conditioner: Ask if it’s included, and if so, request a test run. Split-type ACs are standard.
  • Windows and ventilation: Open and close every window. Check for mold around window frames, especially in bathrooms without windows.
  • Pests: Look for cockroach droppings, termite damage, or signs of bed bugs.
  • Building security: Does the main entrance have a keycard lock? Is there a security guard at night?
  • Noise: Visit at different times of day (e.g., evening and morning) to assess street noise.

4. Understand the Lease Agreement

A standard Taiwanese lease (房屋租賃契約) is written in Chinese. If you cannot read it, ask a friend or hire a translator. Many leases follow the template from the Ministry of the Interior, which is fair to both parties.

Key clauses to review

  1. Lease term: Usually one year. Some landlords offer two-year terms with a fixed rent.
  2. Rent amount and due date: Confirm the date each month (e.g., 5th of the month).
  3. Deposit terms: The deposit should be returned within 7-14 days after move-out, minus any deductions. Deductions must be itemized.
  4. Utilities responsibility: Some leases include water and internet; others do not. Electricity is almost always separate.
  5. Subletting: Most leases forbid subletting without written permission.
  6. Repairs: Landlords are legally responsible for structural repairs (plumbing, wiring, roof). Tenants cover minor maintenance (light bulbs, air conditioner filters).
  7. Early termination: If you need to break the lease, you may forfeit one month’s deposit.

For a full breakdown of legal protections, refer to the complete guide to starting a home in Taiwan.

5. Set Up Utilities and Internet

Once the lease is signed, you need to transfer or activate utilities in your name. Most landlords leave the accounts active and you simply take over payment.

Electricity (台電, Taipower)

Call the local Taipower branch or visit their service center. You will need your lease, ARC (Alien Resident Certificate), and a deposit (usually NT$1,000, NT$2,000). If the previous tenant’s account is still active, you can request a name change.

Water

In Taipei, contact 台北自來水事業處 (Taipei Water Department). In other cities, contact the local water company. The process is similar to electricity.

Gas

If your building uses piped natural gas (天然氣), contact the local gas company. If you have桶裝瓦斯 (LPG cylinders), the landlord usually provides the first cylinder, and you order refills from a local gas dealer (costing about NT$700, NT$900 per 20 kg cylinder).

Internet

Major providers include 中華電信 (Chunghwa Telecom), 凱擘大寬頻 (kbro), and 台灣大寬頻 (Taiwan Broadband). A typical 100 Mbps fiber plan costs NT$800, NT$1,200 per month. Some landlords include basic internet in the rent.

6. Move-In Inspection and Inventory

Before you move your belongings in, conduct a thorough inspection with the landlord or agent. Take dated photos or video of every room, including any existing damage (cracks, stains, broken fixtures). This protects you when you move out and the landlord tries to deduct from your deposit.

What to document

  • Walls: cracks, peeling paint, holes.
  • Floors: scratches, stains, lifted tiles.
  • Windows: broken locks, cracked glass.
  • Appliances: if included, note the model and condition (e.g., refrigerator, washing machine, air conditioner).
  • Furniture: if furnished, list every item and its condition.

Send the photos to the landlord via email or LINE and ask for confirmation that the condition is noted. Keep the chat history.

7. Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Taiwan’s rental laws are tenant-friendly, but only if you know them. The 租賃住宅市場發展及管理條例 (Rental Housing Market Development and Management Act) provides several protections.

Key rights

  • Deposit cap: The deposit cannot exceed two months’ rent.
  • No unfair eviction: Landlords cannot evict you without cause (e.g., non-payment, violation of lease terms).
  • Repair responsibility: The landlord must repair structural issues within a reasonable time. If they fail, you can deduct the cost from rent after giving written notice.
  • Privacy: The landlord cannot enter without 24-hour notice except in emergencies.

Common responsibilities for tenants

  • Pay rent on time.
  • Keep the property clean and avoid damage beyond normal wear and tear.
  • Notify the landlord of any maintenance issues promptly.
  • Return the property in the same condition as at move-in (minus normal wear).

For more detail on legal protections, see the complete guide to starting a home in Taiwan.

8. Final Steps Before Move-In Day

Once the lease is signed and utilities are set, handle these last tasks:

  • Change your address: Update your ARC address at the local 移民署 (National Immigration Agency) within 30 days of moving. You can do this online or in person.
  • Get renter’s insurance: Some landlords require it. Policies cost about NT$1,500, NT$3,000 per year and cover fire, theft, and liability.
  • Buy basic supplies: In Taipei, visit 特力屋 (B&Q) for tools and hardware, 宜得利家居 (Nitori) for affordable furniture, and 全聯福利中心 (Pxmart) for cleaning supplies.
  • Set up mail forwarding: If you expect important documents, ask the landlord if you can use the address for mail, or rent a PO box at a local post office (NT$300, NT$600 per six months).

With these steps completed, you are ready to move in and start enjoying your new home in Taiwan.

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