Services
English-speaking apartment search help in Taipei
We find listings, view them with you in person, talk to landlords in Chinese and go through the lease line by line. We're not paid by landlords or agents, so we work for you, not the other side.
Since 2017
Helping foreigners rent in Taipei
3 to 5 days
Typical time to find a place once viewings start
One fee
Same whatever your rent, never paid by landlords
Is this for you?
- You don't speak Chinese, or not well enough to call landlords and negotiate
- You don't know where to start or how to reach landlords who rent to foreigners
- You're not sure what a fair price is for the size and area you want
- You found a place but can't tell if the contract is fair
- You're busy and need a place quickly
- You want someone at viewings who knows what to look for and what to avoid
How it works
STEP 01
Consultation
We meet in person (or call first if that's easier) to understand your budget, area, and what actually matters to you in a place.
STEP 02
Search & viewing
We line up listings that fit and walk through them with you in person, handling every conversation with the landlord in Chinese.
STEP 03
Lease
Once you've picked a place, we go through the contract with you line by line so you know exactly what you're signing.
STEP 04
Move in
We help finalize the deposit and signing on the spot, so you can move in with everything settled.
Not in Taiwan yet? We can talk by call before you arrive. Book 1 to 2 weeks of short-term accommodation and we'll start viewings the week you land.
TRA vs doing it yourself vs a landlord's agent
Most foreigners try 591 first. Here's what changes when someone on your side handles the Chinese and the negotiation.
Works for
TRA
You
On your own (591, Facebook)
You
Landlord's agent
The landlord
Language
TRA
English with you, Chinese with the landlord
On your own (591, Facebook)
Listings and calls mostly in Chinese
Landlord's agent
Usually Chinese
Viewings
TRA
With us, in person
On your own (591, Facebook)
On your own
Landlord's agent
Only that agent's listings
Contract
TRA
Gone through line by line before you sign
On your own (591, Facebook)
You read a Chinese lease alone
Landlord's agent
Explained from the landlord's side
Cost
TRA
One fee, quoted upfront, same whatever your rent
On your own (591, Facebook)
Free, plus your time
Landlord's agent
Often half a month's rent from the tenant
| On your own (591, Facebook) | Landlord's agent | TRA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works for | You | The landlord | You |
| Language | Listings and calls mostly in Chinese | Usually Chinese | English with you, Chinese with the landlord |
| Viewings | On your own | Only that agent's listings | With us, in person |
| Contract | You read a Chinese lease alone | Explained from the landlord's side | Gone through line by line before you sign |
| Cost | Free, plus your time | Often half a month's rent from the tenant | One fee, quoted upfront, same whatever your rent |
If a place we find is listed through an agent, their fee is paid separately. Most of our searches end up renting directly from a landlord.
What clients say
Read all reviewsGreat service from Ray recently to help us find a place in Tianmu. Great communication and advice, good negotiation and guidance through the contracting process and some follow up for moving in. Even if you use an agent and especially if you don't speak Mandarin, I advise you to get Ray to represent you as tenant.
Ray was very helpful and professional in helping us find our apartment. We met with Ray initially to discuss what we were looking for and the next day we found an apartment and signed our lease. If anyone is looking for an apartment in Taipei I would highly recommend Ray.
Free from conflict of interest. Ray is a caring gentleman whose primary motivation is helping people find homes that make them happy and comfortable. His fee is the same no matter what price your home ends up costing you. His rates are reasonable enough for even those with a fairly tight budget.
Pricing
Personalized to your search
We quote based on your budget, timeline, and what you need, so we'll walk you through the fee before you commit to anything. Either way, we're never paid by the landlord or an agent, and our fee is the same no matter what your rent ends up being, so there's no incentive for us to push you toward a pricier place.
Get a quoteOptional add-ons
Handled by our TRA Live team.
Common questions
Can we start before I arrive in Taiwan?
Yes. We can talk by call before you land so we understand what you need. We'll recommend booking 1 to 2 weeks of short-term accommodation so viewings can start as soon as you arrive. We don't sign you into a place from photos or listing links alone.
How long does it take?
Most renters find a place within 3 to 5 days of starting the in-person search, and almost always within two weeks. If your situation is urgent, tell us and we'll move accordingly.
How much does it cost?
We quote based on your search, budget and timeline, and you'll know the fee before you commit to anything. We're never paid by the landlord or an agent.
Do I still pay an agent fee?
Only if the place we find happens to be listed through a real estate agent. Most of our searches end up renting directly from a landlord, so there's no extra agent fee on top of ours.
Doing some research first?
- How to rent an apartment in Taipei as a foreigner
- Taipei rental costs in 2026, by area
- 591 explained for foreigners
- Renting in Taipei from abroad
Tell us what you're looking for
Budget, area, move-in date. We'll reply with how we'd approach your search and a quote.
Start the service