hefeiexpat.com helped me find an apartment!

[Harmony]

I just wanted to let all of you know that hefeiexpat.com (i.e. Aussie Mike and his lovely assistant Bonnie) helped me find a great apartment near my school.  I found a great place with all the modern amenities such as a stove, western toilets, washer, hot water, etc.  They did a fantastic job of looking for exactly what I wanted, and found me a place better than what I could have expected.  I am living in an apartment on the 32nd floor, with wooden floors, a balcony, and great neighbors for less than what I was willing to pay (900 RMB!!!).  So...I said all that to say, thanks Bonnie for being so kind and accommodating and finding exactly what I wanted.  It is a free service and I highly recommend using it if you are new to the area or don't speak Chinese yet.

[Aussie Mike]

We're happy to help...   

[rgeczi]

Another satisfied customer.  Good job, Mike. 

[kaibo 开 博]

Yeah, from the day we got here in March 2007 Mike & his PA's have always been willing to assist.

When it comes to apartment or property rentals, for the unitiated, it can be a minefield.
Having some local knowledge from the foreign set is very helpful.

A general rule is that if you go toward the outskirts of the city --such as Binhu, University City, some parts near Dashu Mountain etc. -- you might get cheaper rents due to decreased demands & an abundance of vacant investment apartments.

However, toward the city centre, rents vary between 800 RMB to 2200 RMB, with an old apartment around San Xiao Kou or Hupuo Shan Zhuang fetching between 1200 to 1800; apartments for around 900 RMB per month in the CBD precint are definitely rare & usually run-down old buildings.

Agreements are usually based on a 2,000 RMB security bond and 3-months advance rent, with tenants paying excess water, power, gas, internet, etc.

Getting the security bond back is sometimes a battle as well. One needs to be at the mercy of the landlord or agency representing the landlord. I have helped many foreigners find an apartment through my organisation; there are sometimes no 'legal' tenancy agreements, no standard property rental agreements administered by a local government department, no intermediary body to hold bonds, etc.

It is definitely a minefield if one runs into a bad landlord or property manager.

At the end of the day it is the 'luck-of-the-draw.'