Knowledge Zone
Foreign Talent's Guide to Renting in Taiwan: Find a Place, Sign a Contract, Move In – All in One Go
Where to start when renting a place in Taiwan?
Finding safe, comfortable, and affordable accommodation is the first step to settling down in Taiwan. Taiwan's rental market offers a diverse range of options, but the language and procedures may be unfamiliar to foreign visitors. This guide outlines the complete rental process and important considerations to help you find the right place to live.
I. Introduction to Common Room Types
| Room type | illustrate | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| elegant room | Private room, bathroom and kitchen shared with other guests. | Single renters with limited budgets |
| suite | A private room with a private bathroom, and possibly a kitchenette. | Single tenants who value privacy |
| Entire floor of residence | A complete apartment or townhouse, including a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. | family or shared accommodation |
| Company dormitory | Some companies provide employee dormitories | Employees whose accommodation is arranged by the company |
II. Housing Search Channels
online platform
- 591.com.tw : Taiwan's largest rental platform with the most listings. Users can filter by area, price, and room type.
- Rakuya.com.tw : Another commonly used rental website
- Facebook groups : Search for "[city name] rentals" or "Foreigner Rent [city]", some groups specifically serve foreigners.
Other pipes
- Company assistance : Many companies will help foreign employees arrange accommodation or recommend housing.
- Real estate agents : They can help you find apartments and show them properties, usually charging a service fee of half a month to a month's rent.
- Friend's recommendation : Colleagues or friends in Taiwan may know of any available rooms nearby.
A friendly reminder: The 591 website has both Chinese and English interfaces. We recommend asking a friend who speaks Chinese to help you choose, or using your browser's translation function.
III. Rental Market Reference
| area | elegant room | suite | Entire floor (2 bedrooms) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei City | 5,000～9,000 yuan/month | 8,000～15,000 yuan/month | 20,000～35,000 yuan/month |
| New Taipei City | 4,000～7,000 yuan/month | 6,000～12,000 yuan/month | 15,000～25,000 yuan/month |
| Taoyuan/Hsinchu | 3,500～6,000 yuan/month | 5,000～10,000 yuan/month | 12,000～22,000 yuan/month |
| Taichung City | 3,000～6,000 yuan/month | 5,000～10,000 yuan/month | 12,000～20,000 yuan/month |
| Tainan/Kaohsiung | 2,500～5,000 yuan/month | 4,000～8,000 yuan/month | 10,000～18,000 yuan/month |
The above is a preliminary estimate for 2025. Actual rents will vary depending on location, building age, and facilities.
IV. Precautions for Viewing a House
Viewing the property in person is very important; here are the key points you should check:
Environment and Safety
- Does the main gate have access control or an electronic lock?
- Is the lighting in the alleyway adequate?
- Are there any convenience stores, supermarkets, subway stations, or bus stops nearby?
- Is the surrounding environment quiet? (Avoid proximity to noise sources such as factories, night markets, and temples)
Indoor equipment
- Are the air conditioner and water heater working properly?
- Is the water pressure sufficient? (Try turning on the tap)
- Do the windows have screens? Is there ventilation?
- Is there a washing machine? Is it shared or private?
- Is the network configured? What is the speed?
Fee Confirmation
- How are water and electricity bills calculated? (By Taiwan Power Company or does the landlord set the rates?)
- Is the management fee calculated separately?
- How much is the deposit? (Usually 1-2 months' rent)
- Does it include furniture and appliances?
V. Signing Process and Key Points
Documents required for signing
| document | illustrate |
|---|---|
| passport | For identity verification |
| Residence Permit (ARC) | Certificate of legal residence in Taiwan |
| Work certificate | Proof of employment or employment contract (required by some landlords) |
| Emergency Contact | It is recommended to fill in your company colleagues or friends in Taiwan. |
Key points to confirm in the lease agreement
- Lease term : Usually one year. Be sure to carefully read the penalty clause for early termination.
- Rent and payment method : Monthly or quarterly? Bank transfer or cash?
- Deposit refund conditions : How to inspect the property upon termination of the lease and how long does it take to get the deposit back?
- Maintenance Responsibility : Which equipment malfunctions are the landlord's responsibility, and which are the tenant's responsibility?
- Pet ownership or cooking allowed : Please confirm in advance if you require these services.
- Sublease rules : Are subletting or transferring the lease agreement allowed?
Important: Always sign a written contract and keep a copy. If the contract is only in Chinese, it is recommended to have a Chinese-speaking friend or colleague help you review each clause. Rental contracts in Taiwan can use the standardized contract guidelines provided by the Ministry of the Interior, specifying what should and should not be included . If the landlord uses a custom-made contract, pay special attention to any unreasonable clauses.
VI. To-do items after check-in
| matter | illustrate |
|---|---|
| Household registration | Bring your ARC to the local government office in your area to change your address (required for some administrative procedures). |
| Water and electricity transfer | Confirm whether water and electricity are billed directly by Taiwan Power Company or Taiwan Water Corporation. If the landlord collects the bills on your behalf, record the meter readings at the time of move-in. |
| Network settings | Confirm whether you need to apply for internet service yourself (e.g., Chunghwa Telecom, Kbro), or if it's already included in the rental fee. |
| Waste disposal | Taiwan implements a "no littering" policy, requiring residents to wait for garbage trucks at designated times and locations. Some buildings have designated garbage collection points. |
| Photo evidence | Photos of the property's condition (walls, floors, equipment) taken on the day of check-in can serve as proof of its original condition upon check-out. |
VII. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can foreigners rent apartments in Taiwan on their own?
Yes. As long as you hold a valid residence permit (ARC), you can sign a lease in your own name. Some landlords may prefer tenants of their own nationality, so it's advisable to view several properties.
Q2: What should I do if my landlord asks me to terminate the lease early?
According to Taiwan's Civil Code and the Regulations Governing the Development and Management of the Rental Housing Market, landlords must provide prior notice and meet the legal grounds for early termination of a lease. If you encounter unreasonable demands, you can call 1950 (Consumer Service Hotline) or contact the Legal Aid Foundation at (02) 412-8518.
Q3: Who can I ask for help with rental disputes?
- Consumer service hotline 1950 : Responds to consumer service centers in all counties and cities, mediating rental disputes.
- Legal Aid Foundation : (02) 412-8518, provides free legal consultation.
- Cui Mama Foundation : (02) 2365-8140, professional consultation and dispute assistance for rental properties.
- 1955 Labour Counselling Hotline : Call the hotline if your rental issues involve labor relations (e.g., employer-provided accommodation). Multilingual service is available.
Q4: Can I negotiate the rent?
You can politely ask if there's room for negotiation. Landlords are usually more willing to lower the price if you're willing to sign a longer lease term (such as two years) or prepay several months' rent.
VIII. Safety Reminders for Rented Housing
- Do not transfer money through unknown channels, and verify the identity of the landlord or agent before viewing a property.
- Do not pay any fees before signing a contract (unless it is a service fee through a legitimate intermediary).
- If the other party asks for money to be transferred to a personal account and does not sign a contract, it is very likely a scam.
- Confirm escape routes and fire extinguisher locations upon check-in.
Finding suitable accommodation is an essential part of living in Taiwan. If you encounter any difficulties during the rental process, please feel free to contact us through this platform; we are happy to provide assistance.
Contact email: zisung1024@gmail.com
This article provides general rental information. Rent and regulations may change over time and in different areas. Please refer to the actual situation.
※ Information Timeliness Reminder: The amounts, rates, market conditions, and regulations contained in this article are information as of the time of writing (2026). Basic wages, labor and health insurance rates, etc., may be adjusted every year. Please refer to the latest announcements from the competent authorities and current regulations for the most accurate information.
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