Finding Housing in Taiwan
Taiwan's rental market is accessible to foreigners. Unlike many countries, credit history isn't required - landlords focus on employment verification and deposit.
Requirements
Documents needed:
- Passport
- ARC (preferred) or visa
- Proof of employment or bank statement
- 2 months rent as deposit + first month rent
Good news for foreigners:
- No credit check required
- No guarantor usually needed
- Furnished apartments widely available
- Short-term (3-6 month) leases possible
Rental Prices by Area (2026)
Taipei (Central Districts)
| District | 1BR | 2BR | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Da'an | $900-1,300 | $1,400-2,000 | Near NTU, cafes |
| Xinyi | $1,100-1,600 | $1,600-2,400 | Taipei 101, business |
| Zhongshan | $800-1,200 | $1,200-1,800 | Entertainment, dining |
New Taipei City (Suburbs)
| Area | 1BR | 2BR | MRT to Taipei |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yonghe | $500-750 | $800-1,100 | 15-20 min |
| Banqiao | $550-800 | $850-1,200 | 20 min |
| Xindian | $500-700 | $750-1,000 | 25 min |
Other Cities
| City | 1BR | 2BR |
|---|---|---|
| Taichung | $400-700 | $600-1,000 |
| Kaohsiung | $350-600 | $500-900 |
| Hsinchu | $500-800 | $700-1,100 |
Where to Search
English-friendly:
- Taiwan Housing (taiwanhousing.tw) - expat-focused
- Facebook groups: "Apartments & Housing in Taipei"
- Forumosa classifieds
Chinese (larger selection):
- 591.com.tw - largest site
- Facebook: 租屋 groups
- LINE groups
Agents:
- Fee: typically 1 month rent
- Helpful for language barrier
- Can negotiate on your behalf
Types of Housing
Apartments (公寓):
- Walk-up buildings (no elevator)
- Usually older, cheaper
- Often better ventilation
Buildings (大樓):
- Modern high-rises with elevator
- Often include gym, security
- Higher rent
Share houses:
- Popular with young expats
- Furnished, all-inclusive
- $400-700/month for private room
- Home Sweet Home, BorderlessHouse
Lease Terms
- Standard lease: 1 year
- Deposit: 2 months (refundable)
- Breaking lease: Usually 1 month penalty
- Utilities: Often separate (electricity expensive in summer)
- Management fee: NT$1,000-3,000/month for buildings
Tips for Apartment Hunting
- Visit in person before signing
- Check AC condition - crucial in Taiwan's hot summers
- Test water pressure and hot water
- Ask about landlord responsiveness
- Negotiate - especially for longer leases
- Get everything in writing (bilingual if possible)
Pro Tips
- •New Taipei suburbs offer 30-40% savings with good MRT access
- •No credit check - just ARC and deposit
- •Taiwan Housing (taiwanhousing.tw) has English listings
- •Summer AC bills can be $100+/month - factor this in
- •Share houses are great for newcomers needing flexibility
Have questions about housing in Taiwan?