Where to Search for Apartments

Finding an apartment in Taiwan as a foreigner can be challenging, but knowing where to look makes a huge difference. Here are the main platforms and resources:

Facebook groups for foreigners

These are the most active English-language apartment hunting groups:

• Taipei Apartments for Rent — largest group, very active
• Apartments & Houses for Rent in Taiwan — nationwide listings
• Foreigner Friendly Apartments Taipei — curated for English speakers
• [City name] Expats — city-specific groups (e.g., "Taichung Expats")
• Taiwanease Housing — online forum with rental listings

Tip: In Facebook groups, new listings get snapped up fast. Turn on group notifications and respond within hours, not days.

Real estate agents (仲介)

Agents can be helpful, especially if you don't speak Chinese. Key things to know:

• Agent fees: Typically half a month's rent (paid by the tenant) or split between landlord and tenant
• Service: Agents arrange viewings, translate contracts, and negotiate on your behalf
• Best for: Higher-budget apartments (NT$20,000+/month) — agents rarely handle cheap studios
• Finding agents: Search for "rental agent" in your target area, or ask expat friends for recommendations
• Some agents specialize in foreigners — ask in expat Facebook groups for referrals

How to Use 591 (The Main Rental Website)

591.com.tw is Taiwan's dominant rental platform — think of it as the Zillow or Rightmove of Taiwan. About 80% of available apartments are listed here.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Go to 591.com.tw The site is primarily in Chinese, but modern browsers (Chrome, Safari) can auto-translate. The mobile app also has a basic English mode.

Step 2: Set your search area

• Select your city (台北市 = Taipei, 新北市 = New Taipei, etc.)
• Narrow down by district (區) — each city has 10-30 districts
• Use the map view to search by location

Step 3: Apply filters Key filters to understand:

Step 4: Read the listing carefully Each listing shows:

• Monthly rent, deposit amount, and whether management fees are included
• Photos (be skeptical — some are outdated or misleading)
• Landlord contact information (phone number)
• Building age, floor, and orientation
• What's included (furniture, appliances, internet)

Step 5: Contact the landlord Call or message the number listed. Calling is preferred — landlords respond faster. If you don't speak Chinese, prepare a brief introduction in Chinese or ask a friend to call. A simple message: "Hi, I'm interested in renting your apartment at [address]. I'm a foreigner working in Taiwan with an ARC. Can I schedule a viewing?"

591 tips for foreigners

• Avoid listings that look too good to be true — extremely low rent with beautiful photos is often a scam or bait-and-switch
• Filter by "屋主刊登" (posted by owner) to avoid agent listings if you want to deal directly with landlords
• Check when the listing was posted — old listings may already be rented
• Save searches and set up alerts for new listings matching your criteria

Average Rent by City

Rental prices vary dramatically across Taiwan. Here are typical monthly rents as of 2026:

Notes:

• Prices are for unfurnished or partially furnished apartments. Fully furnished apartments cost 10-20% more.
• Hsinchu is expensive relative to its size because of the tech industry (TSMC and other semiconductor companies).
• Taipei's Da'an and Xinyi districts are the most expensive, but other districts like Zhongshan, Songshan, and Wenshan offer better value.
• Management fees (管理費) of NT$1,000-3,000/month may apply for elevator buildings — check if this is included in the listed rent.

Understanding the Rental Process

Here's the typical timeline from searching to moving in:

Step 1: Viewing (看房)

• Schedule viewings for multiple apartments — plan to see at least 5-10 before deciding
• Visit at different times of day if possible (check natural light, noise levels)
• Check: water pressure, air conditioning, hot water, internet connection, phone signal
• Take photos and notes — apartments start to blur together after a few viewings
• Bring a Chinese-speaking friend if you can

Step 2: Negotiation (議價)

Rent in Taiwan is often negotiable, especially if:

• The apartment has been listed for a while (30+ days)
• You offer to sign a longer lease (2 years instead of 1)
• You're willing to move in immediately
• The apartment has minor issues (old appliances, no elevator, etc.)

Typical negotiation range: 5-10% off the listed price. In hot markets (Taipei city center, near MRT stations), landlords may not budge.

Step 3: Contract signing (簽約)

• Contracts are almost always in Chinese. Get a bilingual friend or agent to review it with you.
• Standard lease term: 1 year, with option to renew
• The landlord may use a standard government contract template (recommended) or their own format
• Read every clause — especially about early termination, rent increases, and deposit return conditions

Step 4: Deposit and first month's rent (付押金)

• Pay the deposit (押金) and first month's rent at contract signing
• Get a receipt (收據) for every payment — this is critical for getting your deposit back later
• Payment is usually by bank transfer (preferred for documentation) or cash

Step 5: Move in (入住)

• Do a thorough walkthrough with the landlord on move-in day
• Document the condition of everything with photos and video — walls, floors, appliances, bathroom, furniture
• Note any pre-existing damage in writing and have both parties sign
• Collect all keys, access cards, and remote controls
• Get the landlord's contact information for maintenance issues

Deposits and Key Money

Standard deposit rules

• Standard deposit: 2 months' rent (this is the legal maximum for residential leases in Taiwan)
• Some landlords may ask for only 1 month — this is a good sign
• The deposit is held by the landlord for the duration of your lease

Getting your deposit back

Your deposit should be returned in full when you move out, minus deductions for:

• Unpaid rent or utility bills
• Damage beyond normal wear and tear — a scuffed wall from furniture is normal; a hole in the wall is not
• Cleaning fees — if the apartment is left significantly dirty (beyond normal use)
• Missing items — if the apartment came furnished, all items should still be there

How to protect your deposit:

1. Take move-in photos: Document every room, wall, floor, and appliance on day one
2. Keep all receipts: For rent payments, repairs, and any improvements you made
3. Give proper notice: Usually 1-2 months before lease end (check your contract)
4. Clean thoroughly before the final inspection
5. Do the walkthrough together: Walk through the apartment with the landlord and agree on any deductions before handing over the keys

Red flags about deposits

• Landlord asks for more than 2 months deposit — illegal under Taiwan's Rental Housing Act
• Landlord refuses to give a written receipt for the deposit
• Landlord wants deposit in cash only with no documentation
• Contract has vague deduction clauses like "landlord may deduct as deemed necessary"

What to Check Before Signing

Before you sign the lease, verify these important details:

Utilities and fees

Landlord registration

• Ask if the landlord has registered the rental with the tax office (報稅). Registered landlords are more legitimate and follow regulations properly.
• If the landlord explicitly asks you not to register your address at the apartment (不要設戶籍), this is a red flag — it usually means they're avoiding taxes.
• A registered landlord is more likely to follow the law regarding deposit returns and maintenance obligations.

Contract red flags

Watch out for these clauses:

• Excessive penalty for early termination: Standard is 1 month's rent penalty. More than that is unreasonable.
• Automatic rent increases: The contract should specify any annual increase. More than 5% per year is unusual.
• No maintenance obligations: The landlord is legally responsible for structural repairs and major appliance failures.
• "As-is" condition clauses: Be cautious if the contract says you accept the property in its current condition — document everything first.
• Restrictions on guests: Some landlords prohibit overnight guests, which may be unenforceable but can cause conflicts.

Common Scams to Avoid

Fake listings

• Bait-and-switch: A listing shows a beautiful apartment at a low price. When you inquire, the agent says it's rented and offers you a different (worse, more expensive) property. This is common with agent listings on 591.
• Ghost listings: The apartment doesn't exist or isn't for rent. The "landlord" tries to collect a deposit before you've even visited. Never pay money before seeing the apartment in person.
• Stolen photos: Listings using photos from other websites. Reverse image search if suspicious.

Excessive deposits or upfront fees

• Any request for more than 2 months' rent as deposit is illegal
• Agents charging viewing fees — legitimate agents don't charge to show you apartments
• Requests for "key money," "holding fees," or "reservation fees" before signing a contract — these are not standard in Taiwan

Hidden fees

• Inflated utility charges: Landlord charges NT$7/unit for electricity when Taipower rates are NT$2.5-4.5/unit
• Undisclosed management fees: Added after you've already agreed to the rent
• Mandatory cleaning fee on move-out regardless of condition — this should be based on actual condition, not automatic

How to protect yourself

1. Always visit the apartment in person before paying anything
2. Verify the landlord's identity — ask to see their ID and proof of property ownership (房屋權狀)
3. Use the government standard contract template — available from the Ministry of the Interior website
4. Never transfer money to an account name that doesn't match the landlord or agent
5. Get receipts for everything

Foreigner-Specific Challenges

Language barrier

The biggest challenge. Most landlords on 591 speak only Chinese, and contracts are in Chinese.

Solutions:

• Bring a Chinese-speaking friend to viewings and contract signings
• Use Facebook groups with English-speaking landlords
• Hire a bilingual real estate agent
• Use translation apps (Google Translate camera mode works reasonably well for reading contracts)
• Some landlords are willing to communicate via LINE with translation — patience is key

Landlord reluctance to rent to foreigners

Some landlords prefer Taiwanese tenants due to concerns about:

• Communication difficulties
• Cooking smells (unfamiliar cuisines — this is a real stated concern)
• Short-term stays (fear that foreigners leave Taiwan suddenly)
• Unfamiliarity with Taiwan renting customs

How to overcome this:

• Have a Taiwanese friend or colleague call the landlord first to vouch for you
• Offer to pay 2-3 months upfront (not as a larger deposit, but prepaid rent)
• Provide proof of stable employment (employment contract, ARC showing work permit)
• Be professional and punctual at viewings — first impressions matter
• Mention your Chinese ability if you speak any level of Mandarin
• Let the landlord know your intended length of stay

ARC requirement

Most landlords require you to have an ARC. If you've just arrived and don't have one yet:

• Temporary solution: Stay at an Airbnb or serviced apartment (weekly/monthly rates available) while your ARC is being processed
• Some landlords accept: A copy of your work permit approval or visa page as temporary proof
• University housing: If you're a student, the university housing office can often help before your ARC arrives
• Agent assistance: Agents can sometimes negotiate with landlords on your behalf

Tenant Rights in Taiwan

Taiwan has tenant protection laws. Know your rights:

Contract termination

• By tenant: You can terminate early by paying the penalty specified in the contract (usually 1 month's rent). Give written notice 30 days in advance.
• By landlord: The landlord cannot terminate arbitrarily during the lease term. Legal grounds include: non-payment of rent (2+ months), illegal use of the property, or significant damage. The landlord must give 3 months' written notice before the lease expires if they don't want to renew.

Rent increases

• During the lease term: Rent cannot be increased unless the contract specifically allows it
• At renewal: The landlord can propose a new rent, but you can negotiate or decline to renew
• There is no legal cap on rent increases in Taiwan, but the market sets practical limits

Maintenance and repairs

• Structural issues (roof leaks, plumbing, electrical): Landlord's responsibility
• Major appliances that came with the apartment (AC, water heater, washing machine): Landlord's responsibility to repair or replace
• Items you brought or damage you caused: Your responsibility
• If the landlord refuses to make repairs: You can hire someone yourself and deduct the cost from rent (document everything and notify the landlord first in writing)

Privacy

• The landlord cannot enter your apartment without notice — they must give reasonable advance notice (24-48 hours) except in emergencies
• The landlord cannot install surveillance cameras inside the apartment
• You have the right to change the locks (but provide a copy of the key to the landlord if required by contract)

Dispute resolution

If you have a dispute with your landlord:

1. Negotiate directly — most disputes can be resolved through communication
2. Contact the local government rental dispute mediation committee (租賃爭議調處委員會) — free service
3. Legal aid: The Legal Aid Foundation (法律扶助基金會) provides free legal consultations, including for foreigners

Common Questions About Renting in Taiwan

Can I rent an apartment without an ARC? It's possible but difficult. Most landlords require an ARC for the contract. Alternatives: Airbnb, serviced apartments, subletting from other foreigners (check legality), or university housing. Some landlords in foreigner-heavy areas (Tianmu, Da'an) may accept a passport and employment proof.

Do I need a guarantor (保證人)? Sometimes. Some landlords or contracts require a guarantor — usually a Taiwanese citizen. If required, ask a colleague or your employer's HR department. Some companies provide guarantor services for their foreign employees. If you can't find a guarantor, offering a larger deposit or prepaid rent may satisfy the landlord.

Can I negotiate the rent? Yes, and you should. Start by offering 5-10% below the asking price. Your negotiating power increases if: the listing has been up for a long time, you offer a longer lease, you can move in immediately, or it's a slow rental season (summer is slower than September-February).

What's the difference between 套房, 雅房, and 整層?

• 套房 (tao fang): A private room with its own bathroom, sometimes a small kitchen. Most common for singles.
• 雅房 (ya fang): A private room with a shared bathroom (and possibly shared kitchen). Cheaper but less privacy.
• 整層 (zheng ceng): An entire apartment or floor — living room, bedroom(s), kitchen, bathroom. Best for couples or those who want full privacy.

What does "ping" mean for apartment size? 1 ping (坪) = 3.3 square meters = 35.6 square feet. A typical Taipei studio is 6-10 ping (20-33 sq meters). A 2-bedroom apartment is usually 20-30 ping (66-99 sq meters). Note that the listed ping sometimes includes shared spaces (hallways, stairwells) in older buildings.

Should I rent furnished or unfurnished? For short-term stays (1-2 years), furnished is more practical — buying furniture is expensive and you'll have to dispose of it when you leave. For longer stays, unfurnished apartments are cheaper and let you customize your space. Most "furnished" apartments in Taiwan include: bed, desk, wardrobe, washing machine, air conditioning, and sometimes a refrigerator.

Related Articles

• How to Open a Bank Account in Taiwan — needed for rent transfers and deposit
• ARC Application Guide — required for signing a lease
• Cost of Living in Taiwan — understand overall expenses including rent
• NHI Health Insurance Guide — another essential setup step

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 套房 vs 雅房 mean?

These are the two most common room types in Taiwan rental listings. A 套房 (tao fang) is a private room with its own bathroom (and sometimes a small kitchen area) — essentially a self-contained studio. A 雅房 (ya fang) is a private room with a shared bathroom and possibly a shared kitchen. 套房 is more expensive but offers significantly more privacy and convenience. For most foreigners, a 套房 is the recommended choice unless you are on a very tight budget.

Which apps are best for finding apartments?

591.com.tw is by far the dominant platform — about 80% of available apartments in Taiwan are listed there. It is primarily in Chinese, but browser translation works well. For English-language listings, Facebook groups like "Taipei Apartments for Rent" and "Apartments & Houses for Rent in Taiwan" are the best options. Other platforms include Zuker (furnished apartments), OKhome (targeting foreigners), and Airbnb for temporary stays while searching. The recommended strategy is to use 591 as your primary search tool and Facebook groups as a supplement.

Should I use an agent?

It depends on your budget and Chinese ability. Agents (仲介) are most helpful if you do not speak Chinese, want higher-end apartments (NT$20,000+/month), or prefer someone to handle the entire process for you. They typically charge half a month's rent as commission. For budget apartments or studios, agents are less useful — most cheap listings are posted directly by landlords on 591. If you have a Chinese-speaking friend who can help with viewings and contract review, you can save the agent fee and deal directly with landlords.

What's a typical lease length?

The standard lease term in Taiwan is 1 year, with an option to renew. Some landlords offer 2-year leases, which can give you more negotiating power on rent. Short-term leases (6 months or less) are uncommon and usually come at a premium — landlords prefer the stability of longer tenancies. If you need a shorter arrangement, furnished serviced apartments or monthly Airbnb rentals may be more suitable. At lease renewal, the landlord may propose a new rent, which you can negotiate or decline.

Related Reading

• Renting an Apartment in Taiwan: Complete Guide for Foreigners — Lease terms, deposits, and tenant rights explained
• Cost of Living in Taiwan 2026: Monthly Budget Calculator — Estimate housing and monthly expenses
• Home Internet in Taiwan: Plans, Providers & Setup Guide (2026) — Set up Wi-Fi after moving in
• How to Open a Bank Account in Taiwan as a Foreigner — Required for rent autopay