Do you need a contract when renting a serviced apartment?

Do You Need a Contract When Renting a Serviced Apartment?

When looking for accommodation in major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, many people choose serviced apartments because they offer the comfort of home combined with hotel-like services. However, a common question many renters still ask is: “Do I need a contract when renting a serviced apartment, or is messaging and bank transfer enough?” It’s highly recommended to have a contract.

What Is a Serviced Apartment and Who Typically Rents One?

A serviced apartment is a fully furnished unit equipped with essential amenities, allowing tenants to move in and live comfortably right away. Typically, it includes a sleeping area, a small living space or shared area, a kitchen or kitchenette, a washing machine or laundry service, and appliances such as a refrigerator, stove, air conditioner, and Wi-Fi.

What sets serviced apartments apart from traditional rentals is that they usually come with hotel-style services, such as regular housekeeping, linen changes, equipment maintenance, reception services, security, and on-site support when issues arise.

The tenant profile for serviced apartments is quite diverse. Many expatriates, foreign experts, and long-term business travelers choose this option because they don’t want the hassle of furnishing an apartment themselves. Young families, couples, and working professionals also favor serviced apartments because they offer a functional kitchen, comfortable living space, and fewer operational concerns. Recently, freelancers, hybrid workers, and remote workers have increasingly opted for serviced apartments, as they allow for both living and working comfortably without worrying about repairs or cleaning.

So, Do You Need a Contract When Renting a Serviced Apartment?

In principle, any rental transaction involving significant value or lasting more than a few months should be documented with a written contract. A contract clearly defines which apartment is being rented, the rental period, rental price, payment method, security deposit, move-out conditions, responsibility for damages, level of cleaning services provided, and how utilities such as electricity and water are calculated.

When everything is clearly written down—whether in a physical contract or a digitally signed agreement—both parties have a reference point in case of misunderstandings or disputes.

In practice, when renting serviced apartments short-term through platforms such as Airbnb, Booking, or Agoda, the platform itself acts as a “framework contract.” You may not sign a paper contract, but your rights and obligations are governed by booking terms, cancellation policies, and platform rules. However, when renting directly from a serviced apartment operator or private landlord—especially for monthly, quarterly, or yearly rentals—skipping a contract and relying solely on messages is extremely risky for both sides.

Short-Term Rentals: When You Don’t “See” a Contract but Are Still Protected

If you rent a serviced apartment for a few nights or up to a week through online booking platforms, you usually won’t receive a physical contract. Instead, the terms are embedded in booking conditions, house rules, cancellation policies, and platform terms of service. Essentially, this still constitutes a form of electronic contract.

As long as the booking and payment are made through the platform, and important communications are kept within the platform’s messaging system, you retain a certain level of protection if problems arise.

However, if you rent short-term directly from a landlord, transfer money privately, and communicate only via personal messages, it is advisable to have at least a written confirmation. This can be a simple contract or a receipt clearly stating the terms. Spending a few extra minutes documenting the agreement can help avoid disputes over check-out times, property damage, or unexpected extra charges.

Long-Term Rentals: Why a Contract Is Almost Mandatory

When renting a serviced apartment for one month or longer—especially for long-term stays of 3–6 months or even 1–2 years—a contract is no longer optional; it should be considered essential.

At this stage, you’re not just renting a place to sleep—you’re creating a home. This often involves temporary residence registration, receiving mail, hosting guests, working online, keeping pets, parking vehicles, and using shared facilities. Without a contract, it becomes difficult to protect yourself if the landlord changes terms unexpectedly, raises the rent suddenly, asks you to move out early, withholds your deposit, or refuses to repair issues that are their responsibility.

From the landlord’s perspective, a contract also provides protection against tenants overstaying without payment, misusing the apartment, disturbing other residents, or damaging property without accountability. A clear and transparent contract allows both parties to start the relationship professionally and respectfully, significantly reducing the risk of conflict or “drama” later on.