Planning to rent an apartment in Vietnam as a foreigner?
The rental process is usually straightforward, but if you are new to Vietnam, several parts may feel unfamiliar — from deposits and payment schedules to landlord documents, apartment handover and temporary residence registration.
Understanding these steps before paying a deposit can help you avoid misunderstandings and make your move much easier.
At 9Group, we regularly assist international professionals, corporate employees, teachers, university faculty and families looking for apartments in Hanoi and nearby residential communities.
This guide explains the typical rental process from your first apartment search to moving in and completing the necessary residence procedures.
Quick Overview of the Rental Process
A typical apartment rental involves the following steps:
- Define your housing requirements
- Receive suitable apartment options
- View and compare properties
- Verify the apartment and landlord
- Negotiate rental terms
- Confirm the deposit
- Review and sign the rental contract
- Make the agreed payment
- Inspect the apartment and complete handover
- Arrange building access and utilities
- Complete temporary residence declaration
- Keep rental records during your tenancy
The exact process may vary depending on the landlord, property, building and whether an individual or company is renting the apartment.
Step 1: Define What You Need
Before looking at apartments, prepare a clear list of requirements.
This helps avoid wasting time viewing homes that do not fit your budget or daily routine.
Tell your agent or landlord:
- Preferred location
- Workplace or university
- Monthly rental budget
- Move-in date
- Expected rental duration
- Number of occupants
- Required number of bedrooms
- Furniture requirements
- Parking requirements
- Pet information
- View preference
- Any special requirements
For international tenants, workplace location is particularly important.
An attractive apartment may not be the right choice if you need to spend several hours commuting every day.
Choose Location Before Choosing the Apartment
Consider your normal weekday routine.
Ask yourself:
- How far is the apartment from work?
- How will I commute?
- Where do my children study?
- Is healthcare nearby?
- Can I easily buy groceries?
- Will I work from home?
- Do I need restaurants and cafés nearby?
For example, professionals working around VinUniversity or TechnoPark Tower may find Vinhomes Ocean Park apartments particularly convenient.
For a wider Hanoi search, see our Apartments for Rent for Expats in Hanoi.
Step 2: Receive a Shortlist of Apartments
Once your requirements are clear, you can begin comparing available properties.
A useful apartment shortlist should normally include:
- Current photos
- Video where available
- Building and location
- Apartment type
- Number of bedrooms
- Number of bathrooms
- Furniture information
- Monthly rent
- Known additional costs
- Available move-in date
- Preferred lease duration
Availability can change quickly.
If an apartment is currently vacant and priced competitively, another tenant may rent it before your scheduled viewing.
For this reason, always ask whether the property is still available before travelling to see it.
Step 3: View the Apartment
Whenever possible, inspect the apartment before paying a deposit.
During the viewing, do not focus only on decoration.
Check how the apartment would work during everyday life.
Furniture and Appliances
Inspect:
- Bed and mattress
- Wardrobes
- Sofa
- Dining furniture
- Television
- Refrigerator
- Washing machine
- Air conditioners
- Water heater
- Kitchen appliances
- Microwave or oven if included
If an appliance is already damaged or not working properly, raise the issue before signing.
Apartment Condition
Look at:
- Walls
- Flooring
- Windows
- Doors
- Bathrooms
- Kitchen
- Balcony
- Water pressure
- Lighting
- Storage
- Natural light
Also check for obvious signs of:
- Water leakage
- Mold
- Damaged furniture
- Broken fixtures
- Air-conditioning problems
View and Noise
Spend a few minutes inside the apartment without rushing.
Open the windows or balcony door if appropriate.
Consider:
- Road noise
- Construction noise
- Nearby schools
- Commercial areas
- Afternoon sunlight
- View
- Privacy
An apartment that looks good in photos may feel very different in person.
Can I Rent an Apartment While I Am Overseas?
Yes.
Many international tenants begin searching before arriving in Vietnam.
Depending on apartment access, 9Group may provide:
- Current photos
- Recorded apartment videos
- Live video viewing
- Furniture information
- Rental conditions
- Landlord communication
However, remote tenants should be especially careful before transferring money.
Whenever practical, verify:
- The actual apartment
- Landlord or authorized representative
- Rental terms
- Deposit amount
- Payment recipient
- Move-in date
A live video showing the current apartment can also be useful when you cannot attend in person.
Step 4: Verify the Property and Landlord
Before paying a deposit, make sure you understand who is legally or properly authorized to rent the apartment to you.
Depending on the situation, you may ask to review information showing:
- Property ownership
- Purchase or ownership documentation where appropriate
- Owner’s identification
- Authorization if someone signs on behalf of the owner
- Apartment address
- Building and unit details
If you are dealing through an agent, confirm who will actually sign the rental agreement.
Do not assume that the person showing the apartment is automatically the property owner.
Be Careful with Rental Scams
Avoid transferring money simply because someone says the apartment is in high demand.
Before making a payment, you should understand:
- Which exact apartment you are renting
- Who owns or controls it
- Who will receive the money
- What the deposit secures
- Whether the deposit is refundable
- When the lease begins
- What happens if one party changes their mind
If you are renting remotely, ask for additional verification before transferring a large deposit.
Step 5: Negotiate the Rental Terms
Once you find a suitable apartment, the next step is agreeing on the commercial terms.
These normally include:
- Monthly rent
- Rental duration
- Deposit
- Payment frequency
- Move-in date
- Furniture
- Management fee
- Utilities
- Parking
- Internet
- Repair responsibilities
- Early termination
- Deposit return
Do not negotiate only the monthly rent.
A slightly more expensive apartment may offer better value if the landlord includes management fees, Internet or additional furniture.
How Much Is the Security Deposit?
There is no single deposit amount that applies to every private apartment rental.
The amount is agreed between the landlord and tenant.
Depending on the apartment and contract, the landlord may request a deposit equivalent to one or more months of rent.
Before paying, confirm:
- Deposit amount
- Payment recipient
- Conditions for refund
- Deductions that may be made
- When the deposit will be returned
- What happens if the lease ends early
The contract should clearly state these conditions.
How Is Rent Usually Paid?
Payment schedules vary.
Common arrangements may include:
- Monthly payment
- Several months paid in advance
- Other schedules agreed between landlord and tenant
Never assume the payment schedule.
Confirm:
- Payment amount
- Payment due date
- Bank account
- Currency
- Transfer fees
- Whether cash is accepted
- Whether a receipt or payment confirmation will be provided
If your company pays the rent, discuss the company’s accounting and payment requirements before signing.
Step 6: Confirm Furniture Requests
If you like the apartment but need additional furniture, negotiate this before signing the contract.
Common requests include:
- Work desk
- Office chair
- Microwave
- Extra mattress
- Children’s bed
- Television
- Additional wardrobe
- Curtains
Whether the landlord agrees depends on:
- Rental price
- Lease duration
- Requested item
- Individual landlord
If the landlord agrees to buy or provide something, record the agreement in writing.
Do not rely only on verbal promises.
Step 7: Review the Rental Contract
A residential rental agreement should clearly record the terms agreed between the parties.
Important information normally includes:
- Landlord information
- Tenant information
- Property address
- Rental period
- Monthly rent
- Deposit
- Payment schedule
- Move-in date
- Furniture inventory
- Utility responsibilities
- Management fees
- Repair responsibilities
- Rights and obligations of both parties
- Early termination terms
- Deposit return conditions
- Handover arrangements
Under Vietnam’s current Housing Law framework, residential lease agreements should be made in writing. For ordinary residential leases, notarization or certification is generally not mandatory unless the parties choose to do so.
Bilingual Rental Contracts
International tenants should understand every important contract clause before signing.
A Vietnamese–English bilingual rental agreement can be particularly helpful.
Important clauses to understand include:
- Lease duration
- Payment deadlines
- Deposit
- Repair responsibility
- Furniture
- Utilities
- Early termination
- Renewal
- Deposit refund
- Property handover
If there is more than one language version, the contract should also state which language prevails if there is a conflict between translations.
9Group can assist with explaining practical rental terms and coordinating bilingual documentation where appropriate.
For complex legal, tax or dispute-related matters, tenants should seek advice from a qualified legal professional.
Step 8: Make the Agreed Payment
Once the contract and payment conditions are confirmed, payment can be made according to the agreement.
Payment may include:
- Security deposit
- First rental payment
- Other agreed charges
Keep evidence of every payment.
This may include:
- Bank transfer receipt
- Payment confirmation
- Written receipt
- Signed acknowledgement
Make sure the beneficiary matches the person or payment arrangement agreed in the contract.
Step 9: Apartment Handover
The handover is one of the most important parts of the rental process.
Do not simply collect the keys and leave.
Walk through the apartment with the landlord or representative.
Record the Furniture Inventory
Create or confirm an inventory including:
- Beds
- Mattresses
- Wardrobes
- Sofa
- Television
- Refrigerator
- Washing machine
- Air conditioners
- Kitchen appliances
- Tables and chairs
- Other furniture
Record the condition of important items.
Take Photos and Videos
Photograph:
- Existing wall damage
- Scratches
- Furniture damage
- Flooring
- Bathrooms
- Appliances
- Balcony
- Kitchen
These records can help avoid disputes when the lease ends.
Record Utility Meters
Where applicable, record:
- Electricity meter
- Water meter
Take a photograph showing the reading on the move-in date.
Collect Keys and Access Items
Confirm that you receive all necessary:
- Apartment keys
- Access cards
- Elevator cards
- Mailbox keys
- Parking cards
- Other building access items
Record how many of each item you receive.
Step 10: Building Registration and Everyday Setup
Apartment buildings may require resident information before issuing full access.
Depending on the building, you may need to provide information for:
- Resident access
- Elevator cards
- Parking
- Vehicle registration
- Building applications
- Management office records
Requirements differ between residential developments.
Your agent or landlord can normally explain the local building procedure.
Internet
Ask whether the apartment already has Internet.
If not, confirm:
- Available providers
- Installation requirements
- Monthly cost
- Who signs the Internet contract
For remote workers, check this before move-in whenever possible.
Parking
If you have a motorbike or car, ask about:
- Parking availability
- Monthly fee
- Registration
- Parking card
- Required documents
Do not assume parking is automatically included in the rent.
Step 11: Temporary Residence Declaration
Foreign nationals staying in Vietnam are subject to temporary residence declaration requirements.
Under current rules, the declaration is made through the person managing or operating the accommodation, while the foreign resident provides the information and documents required for the declaration.
The accommodation provider may need information from your:
- Passport or international travel document
- Visa or other residence-related documentation
- Rental address
- Personal details
Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security currently operates an electronic system for temporary residence declarations for foreigners.
If a paper declaration is used, current law provides a 12-hour submission period after the foreign resident arrives at the accommodation, extended to 24 hours in remote areas.
For tenants, the practical point is simple:
Provide your landlord or accommodation manager with the required documents promptly after moving in and confirm that the declaration has been completed.
9Group can help coordinate communication between eligible tenants and landlords during this process.
If More Than One Foreigner Lives in the Apartment
Tell the landlord about everyone who will regularly reside in the property.
This may include:
- Spouse
- Children
- Colleague
- Other approved occupant
Temporary residence information may need to be provided for each foreign resident.
The rental agreement should also clearly identify permitted occupants where appropriate.
Can a Company Rent the Apartment for an Employee?
Yes, company-supported rental arrangements are common.
Depending on the transaction, the company may be involved as the contracting or paying party while the employee and family members are identified as occupants.
Before paying a deposit, companies should confirm:
- Contracting party
- Payment schedule
- Bank information
- Invoice or accounting requirements
- Employee information
- Lease duration
- Deposit
- Temporary residence coordination
- Furniture requirements
Resolving these points early can prevent delays later.
Step 12: During the Tenancy
Keep a copy of:
- Rental contract
- Handover record
- Furniture inventory
- Payment receipts
- Landlord contact information
- Agent contact information
- Important building information
If a maintenance issue occurs, notify the landlord or responsible party as soon as possible.
Where practical, report important issues in writing and include photographs.
Who Pays for Repairs?
There is no single answer for every repair.
Responsibility depends on:
- Cause of damage
- Normal wear and tear
- Tenant use
- Apartment equipment
- Rental contract
- Agreement between the parties
The contract should explain how repairs and maintenance are handled.
For example, a defect caused by normal equipment failure may be treated differently from damage caused by improper use.
Renewing the Rental Contract
If you want to stay after the original lease expires, discuss renewal before the final month whenever possible.
Confirm:
- New rental period
- New rental price
- Deposit arrangements
- Payment schedule
- Furniture
- Any changes to the original agreement
The renewal can be recorded through a new contract or an appropriate extension/addendum depending on the arrangement.
Ending the Lease and Moving Out
Before moving out:
- Review the termination terms
- Give required notice
- Pay outstanding rent
- Pay outstanding utilities
- Arrange apartment inspection
- Return keys and access cards
- Record final meter readings
- Confirm deposit settlement
Compare the apartment against the original handover record.
Normal wear and tear should be distinguished from actual damage where applicable.
Any deductions from the deposit should be explained according to the contract and agreed handover condition.
Common Mistakes Foreign Tenants Should Avoid
Paying Before Verifying the Apartment
Whenever possible, confirm the property and written rental terms before transferring a deposit.
Focusing Only on Monthly Rent
Consider the total cost including:
- Management fee
- Electricity
- Water
- Internet
- Parking
- Other services
Ignoring the Commute
An apartment that saves one or two million VND per month may not be good value if it adds several hours of weekly travel.
Not Reading Early-Termination Terms
Understand what happens if you need to leave Vietnam earlier than expected.
Relying on Verbal Furniture Promises
Any important furniture request should be recorded in writing.
Not Creating a Handover Record
Photos and a signed inventory can prevent deposit disputes later.
Forgetting Temporary Residence Procedures
Provide your residence documents promptly after moving in and confirm that the accommodation declaration has been completed.
Renting Through 9Group
9Group works primarily with apartment rentals for international tenants in Hanoi and surrounding residential communities.
Our support may include:
- Understanding your housing requirements
- Checking current availability
- Sending apartment photos and videos
- In-person viewings
- Online video viewings
- Landlord communication
- Rental negotiation
- Furniture requests
- Explanation of practical contract terms
- Bilingual rental documentation where appropriate
- Apartment handover
- Building access coordination
- Temporary residence coordination
- Communication during the tenancy
Our main rental markets include Vinhomes Ocean Park and Ecopark, with additional support in other Hanoi residential communities depending on current availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners rent apartments in Vietnam?
Yes. Foreign residents commonly rent privately owned and professionally managed apartments in Vietnam, subject to the rental agreement, property arrangements and applicable residence requirements.
Do I need a passport to rent an apartment?
Landlords and accommodation providers commonly require passport identification, and passport or international travel document information is required for temporary residence declaration procedures.
Do I need a visa or residence document?
Accommodation providers may request documents related to your lawful residence in Vietnam, particularly for temporary residence declaration.
Does the rental contract need to be in writing?
Residential rental agreements should be recorded in writing under the current Housing Law framework.
Does an apartment rental contract need to be notarized?
For ordinary residential rental agreements, notarization or certification is generally not mandatory unless the parties choose to have the agreement notarized or certified.
How much deposit is required?
The deposit is agreed between the landlord and tenant. Always confirm the amount and refund conditions before paying.
Can I negotiate the rent?
Sometimes. Negotiation depends on market conditions, apartment availability, lease duration and landlord expectations.
Can I ask the landlord to provide furniture?
Yes, you can make a request. Whether the landlord agrees depends on the item, rent and lease duration.
Can I rent an apartment before arriving in Vietnam?
Yes. Remote apartment searches and video viewings may be possible, but tenants should verify the apartment, landlord or authorized representative and rental terms carefully before transferring money.
Who completes temporary residence registration?
The accommodation manager or person responsible for the accommodation submits the declaration using information supplied by the foreign resident.
Can 9Group help with the temporary residence process?
9Group can help coordinate communication between tenants and landlords and explain the information commonly required.
Can my company rent the apartment for me?
Company-supported rental arrangements are common. Contract, payment, invoice and accounting requirements should be discussed before the deposit is paid.
What should I take photos of when moving in?
Photograph the apartment condition, furniture, appliances, existing damage and utility meter readings.
When should I start searching for an apartment?
You can begin shortlisting before arriving in Vietnam, but final availability changes frequently. Searching close enough to your expected move-in date usually provides the most realistic inventory.
Ready to Rent an Apartment in Vietnam?
A successful rental begins with clear information before you pay a deposit.
Understand the property, landlord, rent, deposit, payment schedule, furniture, additional costs, handover process and temporary residence requirements before signing.
If you are looking for an apartment in Hanoi, send 9Group your:
Preferred location + move-in date + rental duration + apartment size + monthly budget
and we will check suitable current options.
9Group – Apartment Rentals for Expats
Hotline / WhatsApp / Zalo: +84 968 719 555
Alternative Hotline: +84 949 635 823
Email: info@9group.com.vn
Office: S2.19 Building, Vinhomes Ocean Park, Hanoi, Vietnam
Explore Apartments for Rent for Expats in Hanoi.
For serviced accommodation, see Serviced Apartments for Expats in Hanoi.
Or contact 9Group with your rental requirements.