Renting an apartment in Vietnam as a foreigner: a guide

Most foreigners arriving in Vietnam rent first and think about buying later. Renting well lets you get to know the area, the building and the developer before you commit any money. This guide covers what to know when renting an apartment in Vietnam as a foreigner: paperwork, the lease, deposits, temporary residence registration and monthly costs. It is practical experience, not legal advice.

Papers to have ready

• A valid passport and visa, temporary residence card or other valid residence document.
• A Vietnamese phone number and a Zalo account: landlords, building managers and agents nearly all communicate on Zalo.
• A bank account or e-wallet to pay rent each month with a record of every payment.

Renting an apartment in Vietnam as a foreigner: temporary residence

Under Vietnam's law on the entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners, the place where you stay, including a rented apartment, must register your temporary residence with the local police. Usually the landlord does this. Ask about it before signing and request confirmation that it has been done, because you may need it when extending a visa or handling other paperwork. A landlord who refuses to register you is a reason to think twice.

What the lease should cover

If the lease is only in Vietnamese, have someone you trust translate it or ask for a bilingual version. Agree in writing on what happens if the owner sells the flat during your lease, and keep a copy of the owner's certificate and ID with the contract so you know exactly who you are dealing with.

Monthly costs on top of rent

• Electricity: household power in Vietnam is priced in tiers, so the more you use the more each unit costs, and air conditioning is the biggest item in the hot season. Ask whether the building charges the utility's tariff or its own rate.
• Water, internet and TV.
• Building management and motorbike or car parking fees.
• Cleaning and laundry if you need them.

Choosing the area and the building

Before comparing prices, choose the right area. Time the commute to work or your child's school at rush hour, not when the roads are empty. Ask residents whether the streets around the building flood in the rainy season, because some streets in the big cities do after heavy rain. For the building itself, look at:

• Whether management is professional, with security staff and key-card access.
• The number of lifts compared with the number of units, and the wait at peak times.
• Whether there is a backup generator.
• House rules on pets, short stays and renovation work.
• Low floors next to a main road, which tend to be noisier and dustier.

Common renting mistakes

• Sending a deposit before seeing the actual unit or meeting the owner.
• Not photographing the condition of the flat on move-in day.
• Renting in a building that bans short stays while planning to sublet.
• Not asking about construction noise from sites nearby.

A last tip: visit the building at different times of day before you sign. Morning traffic, evening karaoke and weekend construction can change how a flat feels, and you will learn more in two short visits than from any listing photos.

Renting for a while and thinking of buying? Read the rules for foreign buyers and leave your Zalo number on the guidance page. Rental flats often lack the personal basics, so have a look at bedding and home office gear.