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For English teachers & international school staffTeaching in China? See your apartment before you fly.
Whether your school gives you an apartment or a housing allowance, you usually commit before you've seen the place. We visit it, walk you through it on live video, and send you an English report.
Two situations, one risk
School-provided housing
You're told it's "a nice apartment near the school". Ask for the address and have it checked before you accept: condition, distance, noise, air conditioning and hot water.
Housing allowance
You find your own place, often from abroad and in a hurry. Use a live viewing that starts at the street, and pay nothing until the address, the unit and the contract match. Read the rental scam warning signs.
What we check for teachers
The commute
Walking or transit time to your school, filmed.
Heating, cooling, hot water
Switched on and shown on camera.
Noise and light
Windows closed and open, day and, with Elite, at night.
See all Property Check packages → · How to rent before you arrive →
For recruiters and schools
Teachers who arrive to a bad apartment leave early. Offer FangScout to your incoming teachers, and we'll check the housing before they fly.
Ask about a partner arrangementQuestions
Does my school provide housing?
Some schools provide an apartment; others pay a housing allowance and you find your own. Ask in writing which applies and what the allowance covers before you sign your teaching contract.
Should I rent before I arrive?
If your school expects you to start immediately, yes, or arrange a short stay for the first week or two. If you rent remotely, use a live video viewing and pay nothing until the contract matches.
Can FangScout check school-provided housing?
Yes. We can visit the apartment your school offers and show you its condition before you accept, as long as the school or landlord lets us in.
Do you work with recruiters and schools?
Yes. Recruiters and schools can offer FangScout to their teachers. Email us about a partner arrangement.
Do I need to register my address?
Foreigners must register their residence with the local police within 24 hours of arriving at the address. Your school or landlord usually helps.
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