Hong Kong tenancy guide
Hong Kong Tenancy Templates
Find tenancy agreement templates and check Hong Kong signing terms, deposits, repairs, inventory and termination. Distinguish regulated tenancy forms.
Quick answer
A template is a starting point. Identify the tenancy type, complete the payment and term details, and review repair, termination and renewal provisions. A regulated subdivided-unit tenancy has specific statutory requirements.
Choose a suitable template
HKU CLIC provides a residential tenancy template and guidance. The RVD template linked below is for the specified Part IVA regulated tenancies; it is not a universal residential agreement. Read the notes before adapting a document.
Agreement checklist
| Item | Confirm in writing |
|---|---|
| Parties | Identity, company capacity and any representative’s authority. |
| Property and term | The precise premises, permitted use and start/end dates. |
| Money | Rent, deposit, due dates, receipts and other charges. |
| Repairs and inventory | Equipment, existing defects, notice and cost arrangements. |
| Ending or renewing | Who may act, when, how and subject to which conditions. |
Check every version and attachment
Compare any provisional agreement with the formal version and earlier promises. Do not assume a document called provisional has no legal effect. Keep agreed amendments, the inventory and all attachments with each signed copy. For bilingual documents, compare amounts, dates and the stated priority of language versions.
Hypothetical example
The rent is completed but an agreed inventory is missing. Attach and confirm the correct inventory with the agreement before signing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sign a standard template unchanged?
Only after checking its scope, blanks, attachments and whether it reflects the actual agreement.
Does an oral arrangement mean there is no tenancy?
No. Preserve the agreement, payment and occupation evidence and obtain advice about the actual circumstances.
What can document an oral tenancy arrangement?
Arrange payment acknowledgements, discussions of rent and term, key handover or occupation records and other evidence of agreed terms by date. Distinguish agreement from a later unilateral proposal; do not create a document and present it as an original signed lease. The absence of a written agreement alone does not resolve validity or the applicable tenancy requirements.
What if the provisional and formal agreements differ?
Compare parties, rent, term, deposit, termination provisions and attachments, and obtain written clarification of the intended version and changes. Identify signatories and witnesses; witnessing a signature does not supply letting or company authority. Do not assume a document is non-binding because it is called provisional, or alter a signed document unilaterally.
Sources and further reading
- HKU CLIC: residential tenancy template and guide
- RVD: Part IVA regulated tenancy template (Chinese PDF)
- RVD: residential tenancy, CR109 and regulated tenancy FAQs (Chinese)
- HKU CLIC: rent receipts and evidence of a tenancy (Chinese)
General Hong Kong tenancy information. Check current official requirements and obtain advice for your circumstances.