Help Finding Accomodation!

[lincolnhoughton]

Hi, people

I'm going to the BLCU next semester but am going to move up there this month.

I have heard about some agencies cheating people so would like to hear from anyone that can suggest any agencies that they have used with success.

Basicaly im looking for a 1 bedroom appartment either in wu dao kou or as i want to find one for like 1500-2000 am also happy to live a few tube stops away.

Is it a good idea to walk around looking for places to rent or is that just a waste of time as its just to hard to find places.

Any good residencial districts that people can suggest i try or just any tips and hints

Thanks alot

[etcetera24]

You're coming to Beijing at a good time; it's about now that many one-year contracts end so you shouldn't have a problem finding a flat.

Try to get to know the area so you have an idea where things are located in relationship to BLCU/ Wudaokou. Most students go right for 华清家园 because it's in the heart of the Wu but there are also apartment buildings by east gate.

BLCU occasionally has listings posted on a message board inside La Vita; it's a coffee shop near the campus friendship store.

If you want to work though an agency and speak chinese or know someone who could speak for you, get in touch with 廖利 (PM me if you would like her cell number). She works at an agency in 华清家园; they have listings for flats around the entire area. She's a nice lady, honest, and thorough. Her accent is very clear and easy to understand. The agency's rental contract also has a useful English translation, but keep in mind should disputes arise, it's the clauses in Chinese that have legal weight.

Also, different agencies receive different apartment listings so if you're not having luck at one place, you could go to another agency and see if they have additional options.

If you're using an agent, it's important that it is someone you are comfortable with so you can feel free to ask questions about the apartment, contract, fees, etc. Make sure to find out who pays the agency fee - sometimes it's already included in the rent but not always.

Search the forums for more information about renting in general, such as how to pay utilities, questions to ask, things to look out for etc.

Good luck!