The apartment hunt begins.
Those of us living in Beijing know how hard it is to find a decent living space. Reasonable prices, furniture that doesn't look like it came out of an 80s coke den, landlords that aren't as crooked as oh, I don't know what, contracts that aren't set in stone.
I've been scouring housing websites and classified ads, as well as looking at different companies who provide apartment seeking services. To my jaded eye, none of them seem legit. What are your favorites, who would everyone do well to avoid? What are some tips on finding that dream apartment?
Share your success, or shit talk anyone of incompetence, tell me your stories!
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Thanks for your response, Forest! But what's the solution, do you think? Do I look for housing via word of mouth, or are there a couple of reputable housing agents kicking around Beijing that don't charge an extravagant fee? My budge is around 4000'ish, I don't mind paying a small finders fee, so long as it's not extortionate.
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Jenn, I know a few reputable Estate Agents but I am not sure from what price range they are willing to work. I'll try and find out and revert to you.
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Thanks thanks thanks thanks thanks!
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Do you know that old song?
"It's the same the whole world over It's the rich wot get the pleasure It's the poor wot get the blame Ain't it all a bleedin shame"
The problems tend to be more with the budget housing. Many people who have the budget available for the mid to high end properties use the services of a DSP (Destination Service Provider). They help the new assignees find the most suitable accommodation (and many other services) by acting as an experienced and objective guide to living in Beijing.
The main problem is for people looking to rent at less than 4 or 5,000RMB/month.
Having said that even with the higher priced housing one has to be very wary. Estate Agents do not charge the client for the 5,000RMB plus housing. They get a commission from the Landlord (normally the equivalent of one month's rent). The fact that their income is derived from the rent potentially causes a serious conflict of interest. The use of a DSP ensures that only a reputable Estate Agency is used.
The Estate Agencies that provide budget housing options charge the clients for their services and often work on a kiss and run basis. They work on the assumption that suckers do not die they just get replaced. The DSPs are not normally involved and consequently many rental contracts are both one sided and written on ice (melt away quickly), especially vis a vis ongoing maintenance issues.