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Taiwan · Housing & Relocation

Renting in Taiwan

Partially verified Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

Taiwan's long-term rental market is dominated by the Chinese-language portal 591 (rent.591.com.tw), where the vast majority of listings appear; English-speaking nomads typically supplement it with foreigner-oriented services (Taiwan Housing), Facebook rental groups, and Airbnb. Standard residential leases run one to two years, with one year being the common minimum. By law (Rental Housing Market Development and Regulation Act, Art. 7) the security deposit cannot exceed two months' rent, and a one-to-two-month deposit is the norm in practice (three months is not unheard of in high-demand areas). Where an agent is involved, a brokerage commission of roughly half a month to one month's rent applies; many landlords also rent directly with no agency fee. Smaller units (studios, 1-2 bedrooms) often come furnished, while larger apartments and houses are frequently unfurnished, so furnished availability is mixed. A practical hurdle for new arrivals is that some landlords request a local Taiwanese guarantor, though this can often be negotiated, especially through an agency. Foreign residents holding an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) must register a change of residential address with the National Immigration Agency within 30 days of moving. For the first weeks, serviced apartments and monthly Airbnb/Booking stays provide a workable mid-term bridge, though at a premium over a standard lease.

The rental basics

Typical lease
1 year
Deposit
2 mo rent
Furnished
Furnished + unfurnished
Mid-term market
Moderate mid-term market
Address registration
Required

Agency fee: When renting through an agent, the tenant typically pays a brokerage commission of roughly 0.5 to 1 month's rent. Many landlords list directly (especially on 591) without any agency fee, so agent involvement is avoidable.

Address registration

Foreign residents holding an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) must apply to the National Immigration Agency (NIA) to register a change of residential address within 30 days of moving (counted from the day after the change); failure to do so is subject to a fine. Foreigners on an ARC do not enter Taiwan's traditional Household Registration system, which applies to citizens.

Your rights as a tenant

Taiwan's framework is judged by the Global Property Guide to be slightly pro-landlord, but baseline protections exist: the Rental Housing Market Development and Regulation Act caps the security deposit at two months' rent, and landlords may only terminate a lease on legally recognized grounds (Art. 10). Disputes can go to free mediation (via the Consumer Protection Committee or the municipal/county government) or to court. In practice, informal contracts and uneven enforcement can leave tenants exposed, so a written, signed lease is important.

Good to know

  • Security deposit is legally capped at two months' rent (Rental Housing Market Development and Regulation Act, Art. 7), and 1-2 months is standard
  • 591 aggregates the overwhelming majority of listings, giving a deep, well-priced long-term market once you navigate the Chinese interface
  • Smaller furnished units exist, and serviced apartments plus monthly Airbnb provide an easy mid-term landing pad while you search
  • Many landlords rent directly, so agency commission (about half to one month's rent) is often avoidable

Watch out for

  • 591, the main portal, is almost entirely in Chinese, creating a language barrier that pushes some foreigners toward pricier English-friendly channels or agents
  • Some landlords request a local Taiwanese guarantor to co-sign, which can be difficult for new arrivals (though often negotiable, especially via an agency)
  • ARC holders must register a change of address with the National Immigration Agency within 30 days or face a fine
  • Furnished availability is uneven - larger apartments are often unfurnished - and short-term furnished stays carry a clear premium over a normal lease

Where to look

591 (rent.591.com.tw) - dominant, mostly Chinese-languageTaiwan Housing (taiwanhousing.tw) - English-friendly alternativeFacebook rental/housing groupsAirbnb / Booking.com - for furnished short and mid-term stays

Platforms are listed for orientation only — we don't endorse or rank them.

Renting in Taiwan: FAQ

Renting in Taiwan: FAQ

How much deposit do I need to rent in Taiwan?

Landlords typically ask for around 2 months of rent as a security deposit, on top of the first month upfront, plus any agency fee (when renting through an agent, the tenant typically pays a brokerage commission of roughly 0.5 to 1 month's rent. many landlords list directly (especially on 591) without any agency fee, so agent involvement is avoidable.). Budget for that as a lump sum before you arrive.

Do I have to register my address in Taiwan?

Yes — Foreign residents holding an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) must apply to the National Immigration Agency (NIA) to register a change of residential address within 30 days of moving (counted from the day after the change); failure to do so is subject to a fine. Foreigners on an ARC do not enter Taiwan's traditional Household Registration system, which applies to citizens.

Can I find furnished or short-term rentals in Taiwan?

Furnished + unfurnished and the mid-term market nomads rely on is moderate mid-term market. Start your search on 591 (rent.591.com.tw) - dominant, mostly Chinese-language, Taiwan Housing (taiwanhousing.tw) - English-friendly alternative, Facebook rental/housing groups.

Sources