Rental Lease Checklist: 10 Things to Confirm Before You Sign

A rental lease is a legally binding contract. Skipping the fine print because you're eager to secure the place is one of the most common mistakes first-time renters make. Here are the 10 things you should always verify before signing.

1. Lease Start and End Date

Confirm the exact dates. Make sure the start date aligns with when you can actually move in: you'll be paying rent from that date regardless of when you physically move in your belongings.

2. Rent Amount and Payment Method

• How much is the monthly rent? Does it match what was advertised?
• What day of the month is rent due?
• What payment method is expected? (Bank transfer is the norm; be cautious if cash-only with no receipt)
• Is there a late fee clause?

3. Deposit Amount and Return Conditions

• What is the deposit amount? (Legal maximum: 2 months' rent)
• Under what conditions will it be fully returned?
• What can the landlord deduct, and what evidence do they need to provide?
• What is the return timeline after the lease ends?

For the full legal rules and how to avoid disputes, see Rental Deposit in Taiwan.

4. Early Termination Clause

If you need to leave before the lease ends, what happens?

• Is there a minimum notice period?
• What is the early termination penalty? (Common: 1–2 months' rent)
• Can you transfer the lease to another tenant?

Some contracts have no early termination provision at all, which can create problems if your situation changes.

5. How Utilities Are Billed

This is a common source of surprise expenses. Confirm:

• Are utilities (水電費) billed at Taiwan Power/Water Company rates, or does the landlord charge a markup?
• Is internet included, or do you arrange your own?
• Are there shared building costs (公攤費) like elevator maintenance or lobby cleaning?

Landlords are not allowed to charge above the official utility rates unless there's a specific agreement. Any markup should be explicitly written into the contract. See Is NT$5 per kWh Legal? for how to tell whether an electricity markup crosses the line.

6. Landlord's Right of Entry

• Under what circumstances may the landlord enter your unit?
• How much advance notice are they required to give? (Typically at least 24 hours)
• Can they enter without notice for "emergencies"? (This should be narrowly defined)

7. Responsibility for Repairs

• Who is responsible for repairs to appliances and fixtures?
• Who pays if a major appliance (e.g., water heater, A/C) breaks down during the tenancy?
• Is there a threshold below which the tenant covers repairs?

General rule: landlords are responsible for maintaining the habitability of the unit. Tenants are responsible for damage they caused.

8. Subletting and Additional Occupants

• Are you allowed to have a roommate or co-tenant?
• Can you sublet the unit or a room?
• What happens if you have a long-term guest?

If the contract prohibits subletting and you do it anyway, you could face eviction.

9. Renovation and Decoration Rules

• Are you allowed to hang pictures or mount shelves?
• Can you repaint walls?
• What must you restore before moving out?

These clauses are often vague. Get explicit clarification in writing if you plan to personalise the space.

10. Renewal Terms

• Does the lease auto-renew? If so, under what conditions?
• What notice period is required if either party doesn't want to renew?
• Will the rent change upon renewal, and by how much?

Things to Get in Writing

Even if something is discussed verbally, put it in the contract or at least in a message thread that creates a clear record. Common verbal agreements that renters regret not having in writing:

• Landlord agreed to fix the water heater before move-in
• Parking space included
• Allowed to keep a pet

If the Lease Is in Chinese Only

If you're not confident reading a Chinese lease, options include:

• Ask the landlord for time to have it translated
• Use Taiwan's government-published standard lease template (不動產委託銷售書), available from the Ministry of the Interior
• Consult a friend, colleague, or professional translator

The government's standard lease template is well-balanced and widely accepted. If a landlord refuses to use it or refuses to accommodate a translation review, that's a warning sign.

Summary

A rental contract protects you as much as it protects the landlord. Taking 30 minutes to read it carefully, and asking questions about anything unclear, can prevent months of dispute down the line. Once you've signed, carry that same attention to detail into the move-in inspection.