A Foreigner’s Simple Guide to Renting in Taiwan V: How to Protect Your Rights When Signing the Lease(Adapted from the MOI’s Guide)

This article will guide you on how to protect your rights when signing a residential lease agreement.

1. Use the Government-Published Agreement Version

For the best protection, it is recommended to use the lease agreement version published by the government.

2. Required Contents in the Lease Agreement A valid lease agreement must include the following details:

• Address of the rental house.
• Rents (including how and when to pay).
• Security deposits (shall not exceed 2 months’ rent).
• Utility fees (including how and when to pay).
• Term of lease.
• Who shall be responsible for repairs.
• How to return the rental house.
• List of furniture and appliances.
• Contact information for both the Lessor and Lessee.

3. Confirm No Breach of Prohibited Provisions Ensure your lease agreement does not contain any of the following illegal provisions:

• No waiver of the contract reviewing period.
• No provision stating that the advertisement serves for reference only.
• No provision stating that the Lessee shall not declare rental expenses.
• No provision stating that the Lessee shall not make a moving-in application for household registration.
• No provision that states that if taxes borne by the Lessor increase, the increased amount shall be borne by the Lessee.
• No provision that waives the Lessor’s warranty of defect when the Lessor intentionally fails to inform the lessee of the defect.

4. How to Sign a Lease Agreement When You Are Abroad

• The Process:
  1. Hold a video conference call to discuss the lease agreement with the Lessor.
  2. The Lessor shall draft and sign/seal the agreement and send the scanned file to the Lessee by email.
  3. The Lessee shall review, sign/seal the agreement, and return the scanned file to the Lessor.
• Reminder: It is better that you verify the lease object in person or engage an agent to verify it on site.

※The content and image are adapted from the Ministry of the Interior‘s Guide.

PART I

PART II

PART III

PART IV

PART VI