During Tenancy

1. Who do I speak to if I have problems with my tenancy?

If any maintenance problems occur with the property (electric, plumbing, heating, etc) the building management will typically take care of it. Your JRE Consultant will make sure you have your the contact number of the building management team. If problems like this arises, appliances need to be replaced or there is a problem with your landlord you can easily reach us at +86 136 5184 4539 or by email at after-service@joannarealestate.com.cn.

2. Who is responsible for contacting utility companies after I move in?  

As the tenant, you are responsible for setting up all accounts with utility companies directly when you move in. Upon check-out, JRE can assist with utility cancellation. In some cases, the utility contract is under the landlord’s name (usually when the property is owned by an individual landlord) so as a temporary tenant you will need to arrange a convenient way of paying directly with your landlord. Internet will always be handled by you as the tenant.

3. How do I pay utility bills?        

Water, electric, gas, telephone and internet should be paid for by the tenant and can be paid at any local convince stores, offices of utility companies or by Alipay. Be sure to ask your JRE consultant what you are responsible for paying and what is automatically included in the rental fee. Some compounds offer a more expensive “commercial rate” for electricity, water and gas. You should  always have your consultant check with the property manager to advise you on the different pricing options before making any choices. Floor heating may also be added as an extra utility in some homes or may be considered part of gas consumption. Air conditioner usage is sometimes charged at a high rate by compounds as well.           

4. How do I pay for my rent?        

Long Term Let - Rent is paid one month in advance by cash, Alipay, WeChat or Bank Transfer depending on arrangement with the landlord. 

Short Term Let - Full rent is due prior to the commencement of your tenancy.      

5. What happens if my rent is paid late?        

This is dependent on your individual contract. Typically, a daily penalty of 0.5% of the monthly rent will be charged or, if 1 month late, a compensation fee and termination of the contract.

                                At the End of the Tenancy               

1. How do I serve notice to vacate my property?      

3 Months prior to your lease's expiration, our sales team will issue a termination notice and check in to see if you would like to A. Renew the lease B. Look for new property or C. Proceed with your check out.  Joanna Real Estate's departure services include pre-inspection of the property, termination of utilities and phone lines, assistance with check out handover, deposit retrieval and school cancellation.  In case of early termination, you should contact your JRE consultant or the After Sales Team as soon as possible.

2. What penalties will I incur should I break my lease agreement early?  

The landlord will be entitled to compensation equivalent to two months rental. In practice, this normally means that you will lose your deposit. It is always worth trying to negotiate the amount of compensation with the landlord. Many landlords will be willing to forego compensation claims if the existing tenant introduces them to a new tenant who will take over the lease on the same terms.   

3. How will my utility payments cease at the end of my tenancy?  

Our Tenancy Team will assist you with the termination of utilities and phone lines.          

4. What expenditure should I expect at the end of a tenancy?        

Any discrepancies between the check in and check out may result in deductions from your deposit. Discrepancies include damaged appliances or illegal modification to the apartment's original structure, layout or design.                       

5. When is my deposit returned?        

Once the check out has been conducted, the property has been satisfactorily cleaned and JRE has received deposit retrieval instructions from the landlord, your deposit will be returned. This process can take up to 38 working days. JRE Consultants and the After Sales Team are available to provide you with further details.         

6. How do I renew my contract?         

Three months prior to your lease's expiration, our sales team will check in to see if you would like to renew the lease. If you choose to renew your lease, our team will immediately contact the landlord and begin negotiations with the goal of reaching the best possible terms. Once accepted, JRE will organize all lease renewal documentation.