Mieten in Taiwan

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.