China’s First Nationwide Rental Regulation Comes into Effect
On September 15, China introduced its first set of nationwide regulations specifically designed to govern the housing rental market. The Regulation on Housing Rental, spanning seven chapters and 50 articles, is aimed at addressing long-standing problems in the sector and providing clearer protections for both tenants and landlords.
Here are the key changes and what they mean in practice:
Stronger Protections for Tenants
Until now, tenants often had little recourse when facing unfair treatment or unsafe conditions. The new regulation changes that. From September 15, renters can formally report violations to different authorities depending on the issue:
Building safety and property use: Complaints about unauthorized structural changes or illegal subdivisions go to the local housing and urban–rural development department, 当地住房和城乡建设局.
Public security issues: Matters such as illegal conduct affecting public order fall under the police, 公安局.
Fire safety: Problems like blocked exits or substandard fire equipment should be reported to the fire department, 消防部门.
Unfair business practices: False advertising or price fraud can be reported to the market supervision authority, 市场监督管理局.
In addition, mediation services, consumer associations, the courts, and the national 12345 government service hotline remain available channels for resolving disputes. To make a complaint, tenants are advised to keep thorough records, rental contracts, chat histories, and payment receipts can all serve as vital evidence.
Contract Registration Becomes Mandatory
Another major change is the requirement to register all rental contracts. In the past, many agreements were signed informally using standard templates, with little official oversight. This often left disputes bogged down in disagreements with no clear resolution.
Under the new rules, landlords are legally required to register contracts, and agencies that fail to comply can be fined. If a landlord refuses to register, tenants themselves now have the right to do so.
How to Register a Rental Contract
- Who Registers
By law, the landlord is responsible for registering the rental contract.
If the landlord refuses, the tenant now has the right to register on their behalf.
- Where to Register
Registrations are handled by the local housing administrative department (区住房和城乡建设局 / 房屋租赁管理所).
Many cities, including Haikou, also provide online registration platforms or apps (such as “海易办” or “椰城市民云”) for convenience.
- What You Need
Typically required documents include:
The signed rental contract,
ID of both landlord and tenant,
Proof of property ownership (产权证 or equivalent),
If applicable: authorization letters (for agents) or consent from co-owners.
- Why Register
Registration makes the contract legally stronger and easier to enforce.
Tenants can use the registered contract to apply for a residence permit.
It also helps prevent disputes and improves transparency in the rental market.
Registration also comes with practical benefits: over time, the process is expected to improve transparency around rental prices and curb the practice of “second landlords”, intermediaries who illegally sublet properties at inflated rates.
Implementation Matters Most
The regulation’s introduction marks an important step, but real progress will depend on how well it is enforced. Local governments are expected to adapt the national framework to their own circumstances by introducing supporting regional regulations.
At the same time, authorities will need to ensure consistent oversight. Violations should be corrected within set deadlines, and non-compliance penalised according to law. If enforcement is carried out effectively, tenants can expect greater stability in rental relationships and fewer disputes in the future.
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