I viewed 8 apartments in Shanghai. 3 were scams. Here's how to spot the red flags.
My friend from France was apartment hunting in Shanghai. She had a budget of ¥8,000/month. She viewed 8 apartments in 3 days.Three were scams. Not "kind of sketchy." Actual scams designed to steal her money.
Scam #1: The fake listing
She saw a beautiful 2-bedroom in Jing'an on 58.com for ¥6,500. Way below market.
The "agent" said: "It's very popular. If you want it, pay a ¥2,000 deposit today to hold it."
She asked to see the apartment first.
"The current tenant is sick. We can show you tomorrow. But the deposit is needed today."
Red flag. She refused.
Two days later, the listing was gone. The agent's WeChat was deleted.
Scam #2: The key fee
Another agent showed her an apartment. Everything looked good.
"The deposit is two months' rent. Plus a ¥1,000 key fee. Plus a ¥500 management fee."
"What's a key fee?"
"It's standard."
It's not standard. Legitimate agents charge commission (usually 50-100% of one month's rent). They don't charge random "key fees."
She walked away.
Scam #3: The wrong property type
An apartment in a great location. Cheap. Clean.
She asked to see the property license (房产证). The landlord showed her a document. Under "usage" (用途), it said "office" (办公), not "residential" (住宅).
"It's fine. Many foreigners live here."
It's not fine. If the property is zoned for commercial use, you can't register your address with the police. Which means you can't get a residence permit. Which means you're living there illegally.
She walked away.
How to protect yourself:
1. Use verified platforms
• Beike (贝壳/Lianjia): Agents physically verify listings. 80%+ listings in Shanghai are verified.
• Ziroom (自如): Professional management company. Higher prices but zero scams.
• Wellcee: Roommate-focused. Good for shared apartments.
AVOID: Random listings on Xiaohongshu, Facebook groups, or unverified agents on 58.com.
2. Never pay before seeing the apartment
No exceptions. Not "holding deposits." Not "reservation fees." If they ask for money before you step inside, it's a scam.
3. Verify the property license
Ask to see the 房产证. Check that 用途 says 住宅 (residential). If it says 办公 (office) or 商业 (commercial), walk away.
4. Check the deposit terms
Standard in China: "付一押二" (pay 1 month rent + 2 months deposit).
The contract must explicitly state:
• Deposit is fully refundable at lease end
• Deductions only for damage beyond normal wear and tear
• No "key fees" or random charges
5. Test everything during the viewing
• Water pressure in the shower
• All light switches
• AC and heating
• Washing machine
• Fridge
• WiFi speed
• Check for construction noise (visit during daytime)
6. Take timestamped photos
Every scratch. Every stain. Send them to the landlord via WeChat immediately. Creates a record.
7. Use a bilingual contract
Don't sign a Chinese-only contract unless you're fluent. Use a bilingual template. Have a Chinese friend review it.
Red flags during viewing:
• Price 30%+ below market
• Agent pushes for immediate payment
• Can't see the apartment today
• No property license shown
• "Key fees," "management fees," or other random charges
• Landlord refuses to provide ID
• Apartment looks different from photos
• No doorman or security in the building
My friend's outcome:
She found a legitimate apartment through Beike. 1-bedroom in Xuhui. ¥7,800/month.
She took 50 photos on move-in day. Sent them to the landlord. Got a proper bilingual contract. Registered with the police station within 24 hours.
"I almost lost ¥2,000 to a fake listing. I almost signed a commercial property. I almost paid a 'key fee.' Apartment hunting in Shanghai is a minefield. But if you're careful, it's manageable."
Anyone else had a sketchy apartment viewing in China? What red flags did you spot?
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