A month’s rent is often required as a holding deposit while the lease is being signed. This is later used as the first month’s rent or is refundable, but make sure you get this in writing.

Management fees are also payable, to cover the maintenance of facilities, a cleaning and security service, and sometimes for maintenance and use of air-conditioning.

A stamp duty fee, 3% of the monthly rental, is shared between you and the landlord.

If a lawyer is consulted about the lease there will be legal fee to pay. If you share the lawyer with the landlord, then you share the fees too. Charges are based on the scales set by The Law Society of Hong Kong (2846 0500, www.hklawsoc.org.hk).

Deposits for gas ($200-$700) and electric ($2,000-$4,500) and water ($100) connections will also be required. Sometimes landlords will let you continue the use of utilities and pay the monthly charges without having to go through the reconnection and deposit.

Telephone and fax installation ($110), Internet installation ($138 with broadband high-speed internet, $196 for unlimited use for single user) and extra charges for extensions also have to be factored into the rental costs.

Since most apartments do not come with light fixtures, buying and fixing them will also be part of your additional expenses.