Hi everyone, I'm currently living in Beijing and will be moving to Kunming end of August.

In addition to (I presume) a one month's deposit, I was wondering if there is a standard for how often rent is usually paid e.g. every 3 months?

Cheers!

usually 6 months minimum, most landlords prefer to have the whole 12months + deposit upfront. I think its ridiculous, but there you go.

Ouch, that's going to be difficult to stretch to. Thanks Haali

If you go through an agent you can expect to pay the agent's fee as well - usually equal to another month's rent.

I can also confirm that it is often 12 months rent, plus one month rent deposit and one months rent (equiv) for the agents fee.

Going through an agent you get a proper legal contract that actually offers you some protection. Despite what some people think to the contrary.

Actually, most of thiese contracts are downloaded from internet. 58.com.cn is useful for you to find an apartment, find posts by personal landlords, instead of agent, will help you save one-month rent cost(agent fee).
Yes, like everyone said that it is often 12 months rent, you will find short-term rental unless you would like to share an apartment with some rooms with others, or find posts of short-term rental, but it's not cheap.

Veronica. Do you know that, or are you basing your response on hearsay?

Any contracts that I have signed have been from a big buff colored book, carbon copy, three copies (white,pink, blue/green). I am almost certain the it had a government title on the cover. It is a legal document.
Government have really clamped down on this sector in recent years.

It's ture, my contract just two copies(white), not carbon copy :(

Fomal real estate agents offer three copies contract(white,pink, blue/green) like yours, but there are also so many small-scale agents in Kunming offer the printing contract on regular A4 paper.

Sorry to hear that Veronica.
For any expats new to Kunming I would seriously recommend only going to a formal government registered real estate agent.

Absolutely no need for that; any piece of paper with the signature or fingerprint of both parties is valid. The agents' one is different of course, and looks so professional because it's standardised and they make hundreds a month. CC is just to save time and triple CC is because the agent also keeps a copy.

I've been on standard contracts bought from your average paper shop for the last three years without a single problem.

I've also been paying 6 months upfront, that's the least I've been able to get.