Before beginning your search, take some time to outline your essential criteria:

• Location – Consider areas that suit your lifestyle and commute preferences. For young professionals, popular rental districts include Mid-levels West, Mid-levels Central, Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun, Kennedy Town, and Wan Chai, offering convenient proximity to Central. Larger families may prefer Mid-levels Central, Mid-levels East, The Peak, Island South (Repulse Bay, Shouson Hill, Tai Tam), and Jardine’s Lookout, which provide spacious living environments and a variety of amenities. It is more effective to first determine your preferred location. Focusing on just one or two districts will streamline the process, as viewing properties across multiple districts can be time-consuming and overwhelming.

• Budget – Set a realistic rental budget based on your financial situation.

• Move-in date – Timing is crucial in Hong Kong’s rental market, as demand for quality properties is high. It is best to start your search approximately one month before your desired move-in date. Most landlords are unlikely to leave their properties vacant for more than 3-4 weeks, and properties often lease within 1-2 weeks of being listed, so timing is key.

• Pet-friendliness – Not all buildings and landlords allow pets.

• Outdoor space & amenities – Balconies, terraces, and shared facilities like gyms or pools may be important considerations.

• Interior quality & special requests – Decide on renovation standards and any specific needs.

A licensed real estate agent can simplify your search by providing market insights and arranging viewings. Agents in Hong Kong are required to hold an Estate Agents Authority (EAA) license and can represent both landlords and tenants. Standard commission rates are 50% of one month’s rent, payable by both parties.

At Jade Land Properties, we bring over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry. Our multilingual team speaks English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, ensuring smooth communication with both landlords and tenants. By providing our team with clear requirements, we can curate a list of suitable properties and streamline the process, making your search as efficient and stress-free as possible.

Once you find a property that meets your needs, your agent will assist in submitting an offer to the landlord. The offer typically includes:

• Your background (company name, job title, nationality, and how long you have been residing in Hong Kong)
• Proposed rental price
• Lease term (standard leases are typically 2 years)
• Break clause (commonly 12 + 1 or 12 + 2 months’ notice, allowing early termination after 12 months with 1 or 2 months’ advance notice)
• Rent-free period (if applicable)
• Special requests (e.g., maintenance work, cleaning, pet policies)

Once the landlord accepts the offer, the next step is signing a Provisional Tenancy Agreement. This legally binding document outlines key lease terms. Before signing, your agent will provide a Land Search report from the Land Registry to confirm property ownership.

At this stage, you will need to provide:

• A copy of your HKID/passport
• Employment proof letter
• Initial deposit (equivalent to one month’s rent, typically paid by cheque)

You will also confirm the date for signing the Formal Tenancy Agreement (FTA).

The Formal Tenancy Agreement is the final contract between the landlord and tenant. This document details rental responsibilities and includes an inventory list of furniture and appliances.

At this stage, the tenant will need to pay:

• Security deposit (equivalent to two months’ rent, refundable upon lease termination)
• Agency fee (equivalent to half a month’s rent, payable to the agent)
• Stamp duty (shared between landlord and tenant, calculated as: (Monthly Rent x 0.06 + HKD 5) / 2)

The key handover usually occurs on the lease start date or during any agreed rent-free period. During this appointment:

• Cross-check the inventory list to ensure all listed furniture and appliances are present.
• If discrepancies exist, request that the landlord addresses them promptly.
• Your agent can assist in setting up utility accounts (electricity, water, gas) in your name.
• To prevent disputes, both parties should take photos of the unit’s condition before moving in.

Lease Termination

Fixed-term leases automatically end upon expiry unless renewed. If an early termination clause is included, proper notice according to the agreed break clause must be given.

• If the Tenant breaches the agreement, the deposit will be forfeited, and the Landlord can deal with the property as they see fit, with no further claims from either party.
• If the Landlord breaches the agreement, they must compensate the Tenant with the amount of the initial deposit, plus its refund, with no further claims from either party.
• In cases of non-compliance, the defaulting party must immediately pay the agent the full commission fee as liquidated damages. If both the Landlord and Tenant mutually agree to cancel the agreement, they are also required to pay the agent’s commission.

In some cases, agencies cooperate where one agency represents the landlord and the other represents the tenant. In these situations, the commission remains 50% of one month’s rent for each agent. The landlord’s agent receives this commission from the landlord, while the tenant’s agent also receives same commission from the landlord. The presence of two agent parties does not affect the payable commission amount.

Leasing a property in Hong Kong can be a smooth process with the right preparation and expert guidance. At Jade Land Properties, we specialize in assisting tenants through every stage of their rental journey. Contact us today to explore available properties and find your perfect home in Hong Kong!

Disclaimer: This guide offers a general overview of the property leasing process in Hong Kong and should not be considered legal or financial advice. For personalized guidance, please consult a professional. Jade Land Properties (HK) Limited and the respective vendor make no warranty regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information provided. This content does not constitute an offer or form part of any contract. If you have any doubts, we strongly recommend seeking legal advice before making a leasing decision.