Expat rentals · Hangzhou
A home in Hangzhou, and a friend to show you the city.
I'm Leonie. I speak English and German and studied abroad myself, so I know what renting in a new country feels like. I'll find the right place at the right price, show it to you on video before you arrive, and help you feel at home once you're here.
Homes
Homes at every price, sent to you as they come up
Good homes in Hangzhou go fast, so I don't keep a fixed list here. Tell me your budget and dates and I'll send you what's available now, with real photos and videos, and new homes the moment they're listed.
¥6k& under
Great-value homes
Studios and one-bedroom flats with good transport links, often in Gongshu, Yuhang and Qiantang.
¥6–15k
Comfortable apartments
Furnished two- and three-bedroom homes in modern compounds in Binjiang, Westlake and Downtown.
¥15k& up
Premium & family homes
River-view serviced apartments, family flats near international schools, and villas with gardens.
1–6months
Short-term stays
Furnished and ready to move in. Ideal for internships, project work, or your first weeks in the city.
About Leonie
Your agent in Hangzhou, and hopefully a good friend
I know what it feels like to look for a home in a country that isn't your own.
I speak fluent English and German and spent two years studying in Germany. I remember the contracts I couldn't quite read, the deposits I didn't understand, and the first weeks before I knew anyone. That's why I love helping people who come to live in Hangzhou.
I'm outgoing, I have many friends in the city, and I'm a Hangzhou tour guide. So beyond the apartment, I'll introduce you to people, show you the places locals love, and help Hangzhou feel like home.
Life in Hangzhou
More than an apartment
Moving is easier with someone local on your side. Once you've settled in, I'm still here to answer any questions you have.
Friends & local tips
I'm happy to introduce you to friends and share my tips on where to eat, drink and have fun.
- IntroductionsI'll introduce you to friends of mine, locals and expats.
- Food & drinkMy favourite restaurants, cafés, tea houses and bars.
- Fun & weekendsIdeas for hikes around West Lake, markets, events and nights out.
See Hangzhou with a local guide
A few of my favourite places to show friends. I'll plan the day around you.
- 西湖West Lake & the causewaysMorning walks, a boat across the lake, the best sunset spots.
- 龙井Longjing tea villagesTea terraces in the hills, with tea picking in spring.
- 灵隐Lingyin TempleA famous Buddhist temple and the carvings of Feilai Feng.
- 乌镇Day tripsWater towns like Wuzhen, or a weekend at Qiandao Lake.
Process
Rent before you land, or after you arrive
- 01
Tell me your wishes
Budget, size, area, move-in date, school or workplace. One message is enough.
- 02
View homes on video
I send homes available now, then we tour your favourites together on a live call.
- 03
Checked in person
I test water, heating and appliances and check the landlord's property certificate.
- 04
Lease and deposit
You read the lease with my explanations. A deposit then holds the home.
- 05
Keys on arrival
We meet at the apartment, check the inventory and do your police registration.
Neighborhoods
Where expats live
Tell me where you work or which school your children attend, and I'll shortlist homes within an easy commute. Typical rents for a two-bedroom are shown.
Costs
Every cost in writing, before you sign
Renting in China works a little differently. Here is who you pay, what for, and when.
Deposit & rent
- Deposit
- Usually one or two months' rent, returned at move-out after a check against the move-in inventory.
- Rent in advance
- Often every three months. Short-term stays are usually paid upfront.
Agency fee
- One fee, agreed upfront
- The fee and what it covers are confirmed in writing before your first viewing.
- No hidden extras
- Optional services are quoted separately, only if you ask.
Bills & fees
- Utilities
- Electricity, water, gas and internet, usually paid through Alipay or WeChat Pay.
- Property management
- Who pays the compound's fee is written into the lease.
Services
How I can help
Finding a home is the start. I speak English and German, show you homes on video before you land, take you out to see the city, and help you feel at home.
A German-speaking rental agent in Hangzhou
Looking for an apartment in Hangzhou in German? Leonie studied in Germany for two years and explains viewings, leases, deposits and registration in German or English.
Learn more →Service · Video viewingLive video viewings: choose your Hangzhou home before you arrive
Rent an apartment in Hangzhou from abroad: live video viewings on WhatsApp or WeChat, an in-person check of the home and landlord, and keys waiting when you land.
Learn more →Service · Day toursHangzhou day tours with Leonie
Explore Hangzhou with a local English- and German-speaking guide: West Lake and the causeways, Longjing tea villages, Lingyin Temple, water towns and Qiandao Lake.
Learn more →Service · Settling inSettling in and making friends in Hangzhou
New in Hangzhou? Leonie answers your everyday questions after you move in, shares tips on where to eat, drink and have fun, and introduces you to friends.
Learn more →Guides
Renting in Hangzhou, explained
Practical guides for anyone moving to Hangzhou: how renting works, where to live, and the paperwork.
Moving to Hangzhou: your first-week checklist
Everything foreigners need in their first week in Hangzhou: visa basics, police registration, residence permit, SIM card, Alipay and WeChat Pay, bank account, apps and getting around.
Read the guide →Guide · RentingRenting an apartment in Hangzhou as a foreigner
How foreigners rent an apartment in Hangzhou: documents, viewings, checking the landlord, deposits and lease terms, police registration and the costs to expect.
Read the guide →Guide · Short-term staysShort-term rentals and serviced apartments in Hangzhou
How foreigners find a furnished short-term rental in Hangzhou for one to six months: serviced apartments, monthly rentals, prices, registration rules and what to check.
Read the guide →Guide · CostsCost of living in Hangzhou for expats
What it costs to live in Hangzhou in 2026: rent by area, utilities, internet, phone, food, transport, international school fees and sample monthly budgets for expats.
Read the guide →Guide · NeighborhoodsThe best areas to live in Hangzhou for expats
Where expats live in Hangzhou: Binjiang, Qianjiang New City, West Lake, Wulin, Gongshu, Future Sci-Tech City, Xiaoshan and Qiantang compared, with typical rents.
Read the guide →Guide · NeighborhoodsLiving in Binjiang: an expat guide
What it is like to live in Binjiang, Hangzhou: who it suits, Hangzhou International School, tech companies, riverside parks, compounds, rents and getting around.
Read the guide →Reviews
Kind words
Contact
Let's find your home.
Message me in English, German or Chinese with your budget and dates, and I'll start sending you homes. Or ask me anything about life in Hangzhou.
+86 130 5680 6883HappyPelingFAQ
Renting in Hangzhou as a foreigner
Anything else on your mind? Just ask, I'm happy to help even if you're only starting to plan your move.
Ask Leonie →How do I see available homes?
Send me your budget, bedrooms, area and move-in date on WhatsApp or WeChat. I'll send you homes available right now, with photos and videos, and keep sending new ones as they're listed.
Can I view apartments before I arrive?
Yes. We view homes together on a live video call, I check the apartment in person for you and explain the lease. Once you're happy, a deposit holds the home until you arrive.
Do you have short-term rentals?
Yes. Furnished homes for one to six months are available, for internships, project work, or your first weeks in the city.
What do I pay upfront?
Most landlords ask for a deposit of one or two months' rent, plus rent in advance, often every three months. You'll get every amount in writing before you sign.
What is police registration?
Foreigners in China must register their address with the local police station within 24 hours of moving in. I can go with you or help prepare the documents.
Can you help me meet people?
Of course. I have many friends here, locals and expats, and I'm happy to introduce you, plus share tips on where to eat, drink and have fun.