Top Mistakes for Renting a Serviced Apartment in HK
Mistakes to Avoid from
Renting a Serviced Apartment in Hong Kong
Avoid costly mistakes when renting a serviced apartment in Hong Kong. Learn what to check before signing and how to choose the right apartment for your needs to maximise your benefits and savings.
Why is it easy to make the wrong choice for your serviced apartment in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a fast-paced, expensive, and competitive market — especially when it comes to finding short-term accommodation. Serviced Apartments/ Aparthotels have become a popular choice, but with so many options available, it can be easy to make mistakes that cost time, effort and cost.
Below are the top mistakes to avoid when renting a serviced apartment in Hong Kong:
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A nice apartment in a remote area is a common regret especially when you are new to Hong Kong. Do not choose a serviced apartment solely based on the condition and design, but with:
Proximity to your workplace or school.
East of access to transportation.
Availability of groceries, gyms, cafes nearby.
These can help tenants to settle down in Hong Kong faster. It might be a better area to choose the popular areas first including serviced apartments along the Hong Kong Island MTR line.
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Serviced apartments often advertise an all-inclusive price, but there are exceptions, so always double check if you have a specific preference and request a full breakdown of what’s included — and what isn’t.
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Some tenants assume all serviced apartments have the lease term they expect, for instance:
They expect all serviced apartments accept 1-month lease term, but in fact some have a minimum lease term of e.g. 6 months.
They can terminate with advanced notice, but in fact 99.9% of the serviced apartments in Hong Kong do not have early termination right, and it will lead to penalty if you do so.
They might consider deposit is just a gesture and it will be refunded anyway even they have done damages to the serviced apartments.
Therefore, consulting a reliable serviced apartment booking platform is crucial to save you the hassle.
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Unless you are using a reliable serviced apartment booking platform or if you are away from Hong Kong, try to visit the unit in person or ask for a live video tour if possible to check e.g.:
Wi-Fi strength
Water pressure and hot water supply
Noise levels (especially near busy roads or construction zones)
Air conditioning performance
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Some apartments come with everything from dishes to ironing boards — but some don’t. If this is a concern to you, before moving in:
Ask for an inventory checklist.
Note the condition of appliances and furniture.
Ask for photos to avoid deposit disputes later.
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Do not rent a serviced apartment without checking the review unless you can find a reliable booking platform to help, try to research:
Online ratings/ reviews of the serviced apartment or management company
Social media mentions
Experience of past tenants (if available)
Working with a reputable serviced apartment booking platform in Hong Kong can protect you from scams or poor service.
Renting a serviced apartment in Hong Kong will no longer be a nightmare if you can avoid common pitfalls. From understanding lease terms to evaluating location and services, taking a few extra steps will help you find the right place without regrets. Consult our serviced apartments’ specialist now for a personalized recommendations:
