We often get questions from our clients about the residential maze of ningbo. Below you will find a selection of the most common, which we hope you will find useful in your home search.

1, How long before planning to move should I look for an Apartment?
From experience 2 weeks before moving, 1 week is ok, with us even 2 days.
Reindeer Station is fast and you’ll be able to see flats you like 3 hours after calling.
3 weeks is a maximum for most places, the landlords usually aren’t letting it being reserved for longer than that.
Usually the places are gone after 3-6 weeks. And it might be rented the next morning or several hours later.
In any case, know that you can mail us any time from 1 Month to 1 Year before you are planning to move. Reindeer Station is going to have it ready for you by the time you come to shanghai.

2,What's the rent in Ningbo and decided by which factors?
When looking for apartment, the first thing you will have to consider is your budget. It is difficult for newcomers in Ningbo to have a precise idea about their budget. In fact, in Ningbo, there are as many lifestyles as there are properties: you can get any kind of accommodation, from the very basic to luxurious. The monthly rental will be from rmb1500/month to rmb30000/month different.
      How you want to live will determine where you will end up living. The rental usually depends on the:
      • Location
      • Housing Style
      • Size and number of rooms of the property
      • Age and condition of the property
      • Distance to Public Transport (bus, metro)
      • Distance to shops, entertainment or sports facilities
      • Distance to International Schools / Universities

3. Is the rental price negotiable?
All rental prices on our website are the asking price. There is some negotiability depending on the terms of the contract. For example if you can move in immediately, do not need furniture and there are not additional requirements you will almost definitely get a better rental than if you want to move in after 6 weeks, need additional furniture to what is in the property and request some renovation or repairs.

4.What is the minimum lease term in Ningbo?
There are short term (<6 months) and long term (>6 months) leasing contracts in Ningbo . Short term lease is only available in serviced apartment. Usually to rent an apartment, townhouse or house, office, you'll need to be renting for a period of at least 6 months, preferably a year. Most owners sign a 1 year leasing contract. It is possible to have short term leasing contracts but it depends on the owners; rents are usually more expensive.

5, what kind of deposit do I have to pay for my new home? And will I get it back when I leave?
1 or 2 months deposit in advance when you sign a long term leasing contract (1 month deposit= 1 month rent).The deposit normally is the money beside the rental. Deposits are often paid upon signing of the lease to ensure unit occupation, compensation for damages caused by the tenant, or non-performance of lease terms.

The landlord will offer a receipt when he receives the deposit. Please save and take care of the receipt for future use.

Should the property condition be deemed acceptable upon lease expiration, the security deposit will be refunded in full. Deposits are paid back the last day of your leasing contract after you and the owner have checked the apartment.

If you break the leasing contract before the end of the leasing date, the owner will keep your deposit.

6, What includes in the rental?
Normally, the asking rental of private landlord does not include the management fee, installation of Internet access and SATV and Tax invoice in Ningbo rental market.
The management fee depends on the size of apartment and also in which building/community the apartment is located. For example a 150 qm2 flat is around 300-400 RMB per month. Internet fee is 90 RMB/month for 2Mbit, or 120RMB/month for 4Mbit. If tenant need a Chinese invoice (fapaio) if company required, then the rent will be plus 6 percent for apartment or house and 8 percent for office.

7. What currency is used for rent payment?
Usually, rents are quoted and paid in RMB. If client must pay rent in USD， This matter is subject to negotiation with your landlord. Very few landlords now accept USD as the exchange rate is changing. But client have to pay the balance of exchange rate difference.

8.How much is the utility cost per month and how to pay it?
This is a really tough question, because it really depends on how much you’re using.
Electricity averages between a 100 and 400 rmb,
Gas and water should together be around 100.
Proper ADSL with 2mb is 90 per month; 4mb is 120 per month.
The phone bill can range from anywhere of the minimum of 25rmb and 500.
Those charges can be paid to different banks. Generally, one bank card is used to pay the utility bills But different places and different required bank, please ask your landlord for the details. When you pay please bring your bills with you better.

9.Can I watch the international TV program in Ningbo?
SATV is not widely installed in the apartment excluding several expatriate communities. However, we can help you to get such service if you need
Satellite TV system can also could be installed if the location of the flat faces the direction of the satellite itself. The setup and yearly charges for Satellite TV need to be paid from the tenant normally. We can assist you to get installation at your new home. And the installation guy can speak English.

10. Rent Hints
It is still possible to find cheap and good apartment but it is getting more and more difficult. If you find a place you l like, grab it - good apartments tend to rent quickly here. Don't expect to see a nice flat and think about it for a few days. It might be rented the next morning or several hours later.
Lots of experience tells us, if we helped you find a favorable apartment, and you are ready to sign the contract, don't think too long, most of the landlords will not promise to save the apartment for you; the best way is to pay part of the deposit and sign the contract as soon as possible.