What’s the Difference Between Being a Landlord in China vs. the U.S

1. Ownership Structure

In China, property ownership is tied to long-term land-use rights, while the government retains ultimate ownership of the land. In the United States, landlords hold full ownership of both the land and the property, offering more legal autonomy and long-term financial value.

2. Property Management Services

Chinese landlords typically engage real estate agents only for initial leasing. After that, they are responsible for all aspects of rent collection, tenant communication, and maintenance. In contrast, U.S. property management firms, such as GPS Renting in Seattle, provide comprehensive services including tenant placement, rent collection, maintenance, legal notices, financial reporting, and even tax support.

3. Tenant Screening

Tenant background checks are not standard practice in China. The primary criterion is the tenant’s ability to pay rent. In the United States, tenant screening is more stringent, involving employment verification, credit checks, rental history, and sometimes criminal background checks. Property managers typically present these findings to landlords for approval before lease signing.

4. Lease Agreements

Leases in China are usually brief—two to three pages—and focus on basic terms like rent, rental period, and included furnishings. In the United States, leases are typically 20 to 30 pages and include detailed terms governing tenant behavior, landlord obligations, penalties for breach, and legal recourse.

5. Furnishing Expectations

Chinese rental properties are often fully furnished by the landlord, including beds, sofas, and kitchen equipment. In the U.S., most rentals are unfurnished. Landlords provide essential appliances such as a refrigerator, stove, oven, and laundry machines, but tenants bring their own furniture.

6. Rent and Deposits

In China, tenants usually pay a deposit equivalent to one month’s rent along with three months’ rent in advance. In the U.S., standard practice involves one month’s security deposit and the first month’s rent. Rent is then paid monthly.

7. Maintenance and Repairs

Chinese landlords are responsible for major repairs, while minor issues may be addressed by the building’s homeowners’ association. In the U.S., landlords or their property managers handle all repairs. Labor costs are higher, but professional property management can help reduce expenses through efficient vendor networks. For example, GPS Renting claims to save landlords up to 60 percent annually on maintenance.

8. Legal and Regulatory Environment

China’s rental market operates with fewer regulatory constraints, and laws tend to favor landlords. In contrast, U.S. landlords must follow strict housing codes and anti-discrimination laws. Federal agencies like the Department of Housing and Urban Development enforce tenant rights, requiring landlords to provide safe, habitable living conditions.