Property Lease

Ⅰ   Instructions on Property Lease
1. Scrutinize the property title deed and the original of the identity paper and household registration book of the property owner to ensure his or her qualification to lease the property, and find out the property’s ownership and mortgage status;
2.  If the leased property is to be devoted to office or business purposes, it must have been designated as commercial property and the land on which it stands must have been designated as non-residential; otherwise, the tenant will not be able to obtain a business license;
3.  It is recommended to use the standard form contract, which is jointly made by the Industrial and Commercial Department and Housing Administration Department. You can download it from the Housing Market Information Website (SCXX.WHFCJ.GOV.CN);
4.  Check if the property is currently held under lease. If yes, the new lease agreement cannot be registered and filed by the authorities;
5.  Ask for a receipt for any rent paid.

Ⅱ   Instructions on property Transactions
Foreign nationals who intend to reside or study in China for more than one year are allowed to purchase commercial properties needed for personal occupations. They are not, however, allowed to purchase commercial properties that are not for personal occupation.
Overseas entities and individuals who are allowed to purchase commercial properties for their own occupation should make the purchase under their real names and complete the land use rights and property title registration formalities with the local land and property authority by presenting valid certificates (certificates showing the Chinese government approvals permitting their work or studies in China).
A property deal that involves a foreign party should be notarized, and a power of attorney that authorizes the disposal of a property should also be notarized or witnessed by a lawyer.

Ⅲ   Procedures for Temporary Lodging
A foreign national who intends to lodge in the city should, within 24 hours of his or her arrival, register or have his or her host register with the local police station by presenting his or her passport or valid identity paper. The individual should then fill out the Overseas Personnel Temporary Lodging Registration Form, and obtain a registration slip.
A foreign national with a “residence permit” who leaves his or her original place of lodging and temporarily lodges elsewhere should register with the local police station within 24 hours of his or her arrival at the new place of lodging.
A foreign national seeking accommodation at a hotel should present a valid entry document and carefully fill out the registration form.
Properties leased by foreign nationals should conform to safety requirements. Property owners should complete property lease registration and filling formalities and sign a Public Order Commitment Letter with the local police station.
To register lodging the new place of lodging, the lodger should provide the following documents:
1.  A photocopy of his or her passport or the personal information page (with photo) of his or her valid identity paper and visa;
2.  A photocopy of the lease agreement and the property title deed if he or she has rented a property;
3.  A large 1-inch square photo if he or she is registering for temporary lodging.

For more information on how to obtain a residence permit and the privileges associated with the residence permit, please contact:
Wuhan Housing Security and Tenement Management Bureau
Tel: 027-85482100
Add: No. 166, Gaoxiong Road, Hankou District

Source：Guide for Foreigners in Wuhan