WeCreditHong Kong tenancy agreement templates: essential clauses and signing checklist
Sources checked and updated：（GMT+8）
Direct answer
Start with the type of property and tenancy, then check each obligation rather than simply filling in names and rent. HKU CLIC provides a residential tenancy template, but it is not suitable automatically for every letting. Regulated subdivided units, corporate tenants and unusual repair arrangements need separate checks.
Scope：This guide focuses on ordinary written private residential tenancies in Hong Kong. Stamping and fixed-term / break-clause questions have separate guides.
Before choosing a template
- Identify residential or commercial use, and a whole flat or subdivided unit. An ordinary residential template cannot replace regulated-tenancy requirements.
- Verify the parties' legal names, ownership or agency authority, and authority for a company signatory.
- Read the notes and obtain the original file from CLIC. Keep the version used and have both parties confirm changes; remove contradictory alternatives.
Check the source: HKU CLIC: residential tenancy agreement template (Chinese) · Rating and Valuation Department: tenancy FAQs (Chinese).
Essential clause checklist
- Premises: full address, parking or other included areas, and an inventory of furniture and equipment.
- Term and rent: start / end dates, payment date and method, rent-free periods, and responsibility for management fees, rates and utilities.
- Deposit: amount, permitted deductions, evidence, repayment conditions and timing; avoid leaving everything to the landlord's discretion.
- Repairs and use: responsibility for structure, equipment and maintenance, defect reporting, access arrangements, subletting and permitted use.
- Termination and service: any break clause, who may use it, earliest date, notice period, service address and permitted method. Specify a renewal option separately.
Hypothetical example: an incomplete template
The parties fill in rent and a two-year term but leave deposit repayment blank, while the repair clause conflicts with the inventory. List the unresolved points, amend them in writing, then confirm the attachments and changes before signing. A verbal discussion does not reliably fill the gaps.
What to keep after signing
- The complete signed agreement, attachments, agreed amendments, authority documents and deposit / first-rent receipts.
- Handover photos, equipment condition and key count; arrange stamping and keep the stamp certificate with the agreement.
Check the source: IRD: stamping procedures and notes for tenancy agreements (Chinese PDF).
Frequently asked questions
Does signing a CLIC template guarantee protection?
No. It is a starting point. Check the property type, selected clauses, attachments and individual arrangements, and obtain legal review for disputed or complex terms.
Does stamping mean the government approves every clause?
No. Stamping is a stamp-duty procedure, not certification that every clause is lawful or fair.
Sources and verification
- HKU CLIC: residential tenancy agreement template (Chinese)
- Rating and Valuation Department: tenancy FAQs (Chinese)
- IRD: stamping procedures and notes for tenancy agreements (Chinese PDF)
These sources were checked on the date shown. Fees, deadlines and forms can change; recheck the official wording before acting. Hypothetical examples are not actual cases or guarantees.
Related guides
- Hong Kong tenancy stamping guide: 30-day deadline, duty and checklist
- Fixed terms, break clauses and early termination in Hong Kong
- Landlord withholding your deposit in Hong Kong? Evidence and recovery checklist
- Hong Kong CR109 guide: deadline, late fee and AR2
- Hong Kong rent receipts: fields, payment records and examples
Prepared by the WeCredit Editorial Team for general information, not individual legal or financial advice.