Quang Ngai, rules about renting to non vietnamese.

The landlord has to be registered with police, make sure you ask that before you go ahead with anything. As usual the landlord will have to pay the police for the joy of being able to rent to a foreigner.

colinoscapee wrote:

The landlord has to be registered with police, make sure you ask that before you go ahead with anything. As usual the landlord will have to pay the police for the joy of being able to rent to a foreigner.

Yes, that is what my landlord had to do and then he showed me the paperwork.

There is no restriction to rent a house or apartment for you. Some landlords hesitate to accommodate foreigners because they don't want to pay anything to the ward police! Actually it's easy for them to register with your passport to the nearest police station or just give it to the police who has the charge of that area. Then they enter your details in the register kept in the police station. Simultaneously you too can go to the police station with your passport and register. But normally they don't welcome you with happy face because they cannot ask you 'something'
So better ask your landlord to register. It will help you to get any residence documents when you need. Some landlords exploit this and may ask you more money. I think apartment is safe for you!

http://www.vietnam-briefing.com/news/ho … tnam.html/

Legal Specifications

Renting
When renting apartments, lessee and lessor must fully exercise their rights and perform their obligations according to the Law on Housing and the Civil Code.

Foreign organizations and individuals renting apartments/houses in Vietnam must be allowed to enter and stay in Vietnam for three or more consecutive months.

House lease contracts must be written in accordance with the Laws on Housing. It is no longer required for these contracts to be notarized by a competent authority.

In order for an apartment/house to be put up for rent:

The owner must have right of ownership certificates that meet the provisions of the Law on Housing and the apartment
The houses or apartments need to be enclosed and separated from one another;
The quality and safety of the building must be ensured;
Electricity, water supply, environmental sanitation, security, and fire prevention safety standards need to be met.
The building must be free of disputes over ownership and use rights.
The house or building must be registered under a specific address and be outside of state security and defense areas.
- See more at: http://www.vietnam-briefing.com/news/ho … xq8aF.dpuf

Thanks everyone for the information.

You guys, remember, he's in Quảng Ngãi.  I don't think the Pony Express has reached there yet with all those administrative codes.  I have an alternative way I can share with you (you'll have to PM me).  The aforementioned posts are the American way - I can show you the Vietnamese way.  I tried both and one is cheaper than the other.  When in Rome...

A foreign individual is allowed to buy and own an apartment if he/she is: Employed as a manager by domestic enterprises, by foreign invested companies doing business in Vietnam, or if he/she invests directly in Vietnam. Contributes to Vietnam and is granted a medal by the President of the Socialist republic of Vietnam or is recognized by the Prime Minister; Works in eco-social fields, has at least a bachelor’s degree, and has special knowledge or skills needed in Vietnam; and/or Marries a Vietnamese citizen. - See more at: http://www.vietnam-briefing.com/news/ho … HF7k4.dpuf

Darn, if they took out the word Socialist in the "granted a medal..." bit, a few more of us would be eligible. ;-)  Oh well, sort of like that Confederate money we played with as kids.