Your Hanoi lease is in Vietnamese. Here is what to check before you sign.

Most Hanoi leases are written in Vietnamese, and where there is a bilingual version, the Vietnamese text is the legally binding one. Signing something you cannot fully read is the root of many disputes.

The five clauses to check

• Deposit amount and the exact conditions for getting it back
• Notice period and any early-termination penalty
• Who pays for repairs, and the electricity rate basis
• Annual rent increase, capped or open
• Whether the landlord registers your temporary residence

Protect yourself

Get a faithful English translation, not a summary, and make sure the English and Vietnamese say the same thing. Never rely on a verbal explanation of a clause you cannot read.

The Nest standard

We translate and explain every lease in plain English before you sign, walk you through these exact clauses, and negotiate the risky ones on your behalf.