Reviewed 2026-11-01. General independent information; check current official immigration, financial and medical guidance before acting.
Expert take — Cost of Asia editorial team Under rules in force since 1 July 2026, your landlord, not you, must declare your stay to the local police within 12 hours of you moving in, and late or missing declarations can complicate visa extensions and residence card applications. Before paying a deposit, ask the landlord directly whether they will register you. If they hesitate, look elsewhere, however good the price.
This page is for anyone looking for a rental of six months or more in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang or another Vietnamese city. The best listings are often in Vietnamese, many owners prefer a phone call or a Zalo message to an app, and listing photos are often misleading. Expect to combine several methods.
The trade-off is convenience against price. English-speaking agents and expat groups save time but tend toward higher rents. Vietnamese-language portals and dealing directly with owners take more effort, and can get you a better deal.
At a glance
| Best for | Method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| New arrivals | Short stay first, then search locally | Lets you view in person before signing |
| Non-Vietnamese speakers | Local real estate agent | Handles viewings and negotiation in your language |
| Widest choice | Vietnamese portals (Batdongsan, Nha Tot) | Largest local inventory, including owner listings |
| Quick leads in English | City expat housing groups | Fast responses, English-speaking landlords |
| Relocating employees | Employer or word of mouth | The most common route, according to Expat Arrivals |
How we chose
- Access to inventory, especially owner-direct listings
- Language barrier for newcomers
- Risk: misleading photos, upfront payments, and registration problems
We used Expat Arrivals' Vietnam accommodation guide, an expat.com forum thread from Ho Chi Minh City, industry coverage of Vietnam's property portals, and Vietcetera's explanation of the 2026 residence declaration rules. Checked on 1 November 2026.
1. Short stay first: best for new arrivals
Expat Arrivals notes that many newcomers stay in a guest house while they search, and advises against signing anything you haven't seen. One member of the expat.com forum suggests booking an Airbnb for 28 days or more, then asking the host about a long-term rate in person. A month on the ground also lets you check noise, traffic and new construction nearby. Expat Arrivals singles out building work as a common nuisance in Ho Chi Minh City, especially on weekend mornings.
2. Local real estate agents: best for non-Vietnamese speakers
Agents often see properties before they are advertised, and can negotiate the lease if you don't speak Vietnamese, according to Expat Arrivals. Ask up front who pays the commission, and ask for the owner's details on the contract, not just the agent's.
3. Vietnamese property portals: best for the widest choice
Batdongsan.com.vn is a major Vietnamese property portal owned by PropertyGuru. Its main competitor, Nha Tot, was spun off by Carousell from the Cho Tot classifieds site, according to Online Marketplaces. Alonhadat.com.vn also lists apartments and houses for rent, according to Mytour's portal overview. These sites are in Vietnamese, so use a browser translation tool, and contact posters by phone or Zalo, which many owners prefer.
What would this move really cost you?
Use your own rent, insurance, transport and visa assumptions. Compare options before committing.
4. City expat housing groups: best for quick leads in English
Each major city has English-language Facebook groups for housing, where landlords and agents post units with prices. They move quickly and are easy to use, but listings are largely unmoderated. Expat.com members warn that misleading photos are common, so treat every post as a lead to view, not a reason to pay a deposit.
5. Employer or word of mouth: best for relocating employees
Expat Arrivals says most people find housing through contacts or their employer, and some job packages include accommodation. If you're relocating for work, ask HR whether it has buildings or agents it has used before.
What to check before you decide
- Registration. Confirm the landlord will declare your stay within 12 hours. Vietcetera notes that a move to a new address needs a new declaration.
- Deposit. Expat Arrivals says one to two months is normal. Be wary of landlords asking for the whole lease upfront.
- Documents. Landlords will ask for your passport and visa. Expat Arrivals notes they must report these details to the authorities.
- Area names. Vietnam merged and renamed many districts and wards in 2025. Listings and locals still use familiar names such as "District 2 / Thao Dien" or "Tay Ho", but contracts and police records may use the new official names.
- Viewing. Visit in person or by live video. Check water pressure, air conditioning and street noise.
FAQ
Can foreigners rent an apartment in Vietnam?
Yes. Most foreigners rent rather than buy, according to Expat Arrivals. You will need your passport and visa, and the landlord must register your stay with the local police.
How much deposit do landlords in Vietnam ask for?
Usually one to two months' rent, according to Expat Arrivals. Paying the full rental period in advance is uncommon and risky.
Which website is best for renting in Vietnam?
For volume, Batdongsan.com.vn and Nha Tot, used with a translation tool. For English-language leads, city expat housing groups. Combine both and view in person.
Related guides
- Vietnam cost of living
- Housing support
- Da Nang monthly apartment rent
- Best areas to live in Ho Chi Minh City
- Best areas to live in Hanoi
- Budget calculator
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