Essential lease agreement terms HCMC tenants should know in 2025

Important Things to Clarify in a HCMC Vietnam Apartment Rental Contract

_Reference information for: Expat Housing Tips and Tips for Landlords & Property Owners

Renting an apartment in Ho Chi Minh City sounds simple, but "a stroke of the pen spells doom"! If the contract isn't clear, things can get difficult later. Don't let a loose contract ruin your living experience. Let's go through the "must-haves" in an apartment rental contract to enjoy life in Saigon with peace of mind!
  1. Personal Information and Apartment Details: "Know who you're dealing with"

Information of the Tenant and Landlord: This is obvious, but must be absolutely accurate. Full name, date of birth, ID card/Citizen ID number (or passport if a foreigner), permanent address, and contact phone number.

Apartment Information: Exact address (house number, street name, ward, district), type of apartment (how many bedrooms, how many bathrooms, balcony or not...), usable area. Must match reality to avoid disputes later.

2. Rent and Payment Method: "Business is business, keep it fair"

Rent: Clearly state the monthly rent amount, in numbers and words (for example: Fifteen million Vietnamese dong).

Payment Method: Payment by cash or bank transfer? Transfer to which account? Payment deadline is which day of the month?

Security Deposit: How much is the security deposit? What is the purpose of the security deposit (guarantee contract performance, compensation for damages...)? When will the tenant receive the security deposit back (usually at the end of the contract and after full payment of all fees)?

3. Lease Term: "How long will we be together?"

Contract Start and End Date: Clearly state the date, month, and year.

Contract Renewal Clause: If the tenant wants to continue renting after the contract expires, how far in advance must they notify the landlord? Can the rent change?

4. Rights and Obligations of Each Party: "Who does what, who is responsible for what?"

Rights of the Landlord:

Receive rent on time.

Inspect the apartment periodically (but must notify the tenant in advance).

Require the tenant to compensate for any damage to the apartment.

Obligations of the Landlord:

Ensure the apartment is in good condition, with all basic equipment (for example: lights, water, functioning toilet...).

Repair major damages (for example: broken water pipes, electrical system malfunction...).

Ensure the privacy of the tenant.

Rights of the Tenant:

Use the apartment for the agreed-upon purpose.

Request the landlord to repair major damages.

Enjoy the building's amenities (if any).

Obligations of the Tenant:

Pay rent on time.

Maintain cleanliness and order in the apartment and surrounding area.

Not to arbitrarily repair or change the structure of the apartment.

Notify the landlord if any damage or incidents occur.

Comply with the building's regulations (if any).

5. Arising Fees: "Clear from the start, avoid arguments later"

Management Fee: Who pays?

Parking Fee: Who pays?

Electricity and Water Bills: Calculated according to state prices or business prices? How is it calculated?

Internet, Cable TV: Who registers and pays?

6. Special Clauses: "Private agreements, protect your interests"

Regarding Pets: Are pets allowed? If so, what are the regulations?

Regarding Apartment Repairs and Renovations: Is the tenant allowed to repair or renovate the apartment? If so, it must be with the consent of the landlord.

Regarding Early Termination of the Contract: How far in advance must either party notify the other if they want to terminate the contract early? What is the compensation amount? (Usually, the tenant will lose the deposit if they unilaterally terminate the contract early).

7. Apartment Handover Procedures: "Handover must have minutes"

Inventory of Assets: Create a detailed list of the assets in the apartment (for example: furniture, electronic equipment...). Take photos or videos of the current condition of the apartment and these assets.

Confirm Apartment Condition: Clearly state the condition of the apartment (for example: cracks in the wall, stains on the floor...).

Sign the Handover Minutes: This document is important evidence to resolve disputes later.

Real-life Story:

I have a friend, named Lan, who rented an apartment in District 7. When signing the contract, Lan didn't pay close attention to the clause about early termination. Later, due to a job change, Lan needed to move out urgently. Because she didn't give enough notice, Lan lost her deposit. It was a costly lesson!

Landlord's Opinion:

As a landlord renting out apartments, I always try to draft contracts as detailed and clear as possible. I want the tenant to feel comfortable and secure living in my apartment. I am also always ready to answer any questions from the tenant and resolve any arising issues quickly.

Advice:

Read each clause in the contract carefully: If you don't understand something, ask immediately.

Agree clearly on all issues: Don't hesitate to make your requests or conditions.

Create detailed handover minutes: Take photos or videos of the current condition of the apartment and assets.

Keep in touch with the landlord regularly: To resolve arising issues quickly and effectively.

Why Choose 456.com.vn?

Are you looking for an apartment for rent in HCMC? Do you want to find a reputable unit to support you in the house rental process? Come to 456.com.vn!

456.com.vn - 456 Vietnam has over 13 years of experience in the real estate field, specializing in providing apartments for rent and sale in central districts of HCMC such as Districts 1, 2, 4, 7, Binh Thanh, Thu Duc, especially in Thao Dien, Thu Thiem, Phu My Hung areas... We have a variety of apartment types from high-end to affordable, suitable for all needs and budgets of customers.

We are proud to be a reliable partner of many Vietnamese and foreign (expat) customers from Europe, America, England, France, Germany, Korea, Japan...

Our Services:

1. Consulting: Consult on choosing apartments according to needs, budget, location, and lifestyle.

2. Legal: Legal support – bilingual contracts (Vietnamese – English, Korean... if needed).

3. Viewings: Schedule viewings – free apartment handover, even outside office hours.

4. Procedures: Guidance on temporary residence registration, procedures for foreigners.

5. Support: Support contacting the building management, registering for resident cards, internet, utility services.

6. Management: Manage apartments for rent for landlords: inspection, reporting, periodic maintenance.

Our Commitments:

Real apartment listings – real prices – updated daily.

Vietnamese & English consulting support.

Real reviews – Fast consignment – Legal support for renting/buying and selling.

Need more information or expert advice?

456 Vietnam – Your Trusted Real Estate Partner for Luxury Apartments in HCMC | Rent & Buy with Confidence

📲 Hotline/Zalo/WhatsApp: +84 09.3883.9977
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