For students who prefer to explore living options beyond university residences, our non-university accommodation advising support is designed to provide you with the information and guidance needed to find your own apartment or share a flat with friends and fellow HKU students. By choosing to live outside the campus, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant Hong Kong community.
Explore the information and support services available on this webpage to make informed decisions about your non-university accommodation options.
Get advice on renting non-university accommodations
We are here to provide guidance and tips to help you navigate the local housing market and protect yourself from rental scams.
MUST-READ Tenancy Guide for Non-local Students in Hong Kong
Tenancy Guide for Non-local Students in Hong Kong by the Estate Agents Authority (EAA)
非本地學生在香港租屋指南
地產代理監管局
Beware of rental scams
Fake landlord or fake estate agent scams 假房東或假地產代理騙案
Fake online listings 虛假網上廣告或假租盤騙案
Illegal commission or fee collection 非法收取佣金或費用
監管局「專家分享：來港租買房屋避坑指南」
Learn Your Non-university Accommodation Options
Must-Read Guides For Renting Non-university Accommodations
Tenancy Guide for Non-local Students in Hong Kong (非本地學生在香港租屋指南) - Chinese & English version
Notes on appointing Estate Agents (委託地產代理需知) - Chinese & English version
Key information of Residential Properties (住宅物業開門7件事) - Chinese & English version
Smart Property Transaction Tips - English version
精明物業交易錦囊 - Chinese version
Estate Agents Authority (地產代理監管局 – 牌照確認) - Chinese & English version
Gain practical tips on navigating the rental and property purchase process in Hong Kong: Webinar 2025「專家分享：來港租買房屋避坑指南」- Cantonese only
For further advice on tenancy matters, please email CEDARS at cedars.housing@hku.hk.
RENTING YOUR FIRST ACCOMMODATION
Step 1
Evaluate your needs
When planning to rent a flat, consider the following:
Budget: Is the monthly rent affordable?
Location: Is it close to campus and convenient?
Accessibility: Are public transit options accessible and affordable?
Safety: Is the area well-lit with nearby amenities? Any security control service?
Furnishings: What furniture and appliances are provided, and are they in good condition?
Rental Period: How long is the lease term? Discuss this with the agent.
Size: How much space do you need, and is it within your budget?
Step 2
Search for options
Reliable source
It is important to look up reliable source of non-university accommodation. You can consider to look for options with:
CEDARS non-university accommodation options: Pre-vetted housing list
Direct operators (co-living spaces/hotels)
Licensed Hong Kong property agents*
*Verify the licences of the agencies from the Licence List and read the information from Estate Agents Authority (地產代理監管局)
Estimated rent of properties in the vicinity of HKU Main Campus (for reference only)
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is located in Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong Island. When choosing your accommodation, you may wish to consider the district and its proximity to the campus.
| Estimated rent (in HKD $/month) | |||
| Area close to HKU | Studio / Shared flat (100–200 sq. ft.) | Single apartment with 1-2 bedrooms (200–400 sq. ft.) | Single apartment with 2-3 bedrooms (500–700 sq. ft.) |
| HKU MTR Station, Sai Ying Pun MTR Station, Shek Tong Tsui | 6,000-8,000 | 12,000-22,000 | 18,000+ |
| Kennedy Town MTR Station | 5,000-7,500 | 10,000-20,000 | 15,000+ |
| Sheung Wan MTR Station | 6,000-8,000 | 12,000-22,000 | 25,000+ |
| Mid-Levels | 10,000-15,000 | 15,000-25,000 | 30,000+ |
| Pok Fu Lam, Chi Fu Fa Yuen, Southern District | 5,000-8,000 | 12,000-20,000 | 15,000+ |
*Verify the licences of the agencies from the Licence List and read the information from Estate Agents Authority (地產代理監管局)
Step 3
Visit and checking
Sign an "Estate Agency Agreement" before viewing properties: Estate Agency Agreement for Leasing of Residential Properties in Hong Kong
Verify the landlord's identity and property status.
Tour the apartment with a friend or relative.
Examine the layout, condition, and facilities thoroughly.
Observe the apartment during both day and night.
Step 4
Tenancy agreement
Carefully review the "A Guide to Tenancy" (安心租屋指南) published by the Estate Agents Authority and Consumer Council before signing any contract.
Step 5
FAQs
Q: Is off-campus housing in Hong Kong expensive?
A: Rental prices in Hong Kong may be higher than you expect, and the living conditions may differ from those in your home country. We recommend researching the local market to understand typical rents and conditions.
Q: Can I break my lease early?
A: Yes, but landlords may claim security deposits for unpaid rent. Confirm all terms with landlord first before signing.
Q: What if my landlord sells the property?
A: New owners must honour existing lease terms.
Q: Can HKU inspect a place for me before I arrive?
A: HKU cannot inspect rooms or make decisions for you; if you can’t view in person, ask a trusted friend/relative to help.
Q: Is it safe to sign/pay before viewing?
A: We advise signing and paying only after viewing in person to reduce scam risk.
Beware Of Rental Scam
Types of rental scam cases 主要騙案類型
Fake landlord or fake estate agent scams
假房東或假地產代理騙案
Fraudsters impersonate landlords or agents, asking for deposits or down payments for properties that are not theirs.
騙徒冒充房東或代理，要求預付訂金或首期，但與真正業主無關。
Fake online listings
虛假網上廣告或假租盤騙案
Posting fake property listings online to lure victims into paying deposits.
在網上發布虛假房源，誘使受害人查詢並支付訂金。
Illegal commission or fee collection
非法收取佣金或費用
Unlicensed agents collect excessive fees or commissions and then disappear.
無牌代理收取高額佣金或費用後失聯。
How to deal with these scams 預防及應對方法
1. Verify landlord and agent identity 驗證房東及地產代理身份
Verify IDs and licensing status; do not deal with unlicensed persons.
查核身份證明與持牌資格，勿與無牌人士交易。
2. Be cautious with online ads and strangers 不要輕信網上廣告及陌生人要求
Better to pay after inspecting the property and meeting in person.
最好先親身視察及見面才付款。
3. Use formal contracts 使用正規租賃或買賣合約
Always sign formal contracts and consult a lawyer / CEDARS if needed.
必須簽訂正式合約，必要時諮詢律師 / 學生發展及資源中心。
4. Pay carefully and keep records 付款方式需謹慎並保留紀錄
Use bank transfer and keep records; avoid cash or suspicious accounts.
用銀行轉賬並保留收據，避免現金或不明賬戶。
5. Report suspicions immediately 發現懷疑即時報警或向地監局求助
Report to police or contact the Estate Agents Authority (EAA) if you suspect a scam.
懷疑受騙時立即報警或向地產代理監管局（地監局）求助。
Disclaimer
The information and links to third-party websites on this site are for reference only. The University of Hong Kong is not affiliated with any service providers, landlords, or real estate agents and is not responsible for any loss or damage related to this information. Users should assess all information carefully and verify its authenticity or seek independent advice before taking action.
