Is it safe to pay a reservation deposit for an apartment in Da Nang before signing a lease, and how can you verify the landlord?

From messages by 3 participants in 3 sources · Last activity: 11 days ago

TL;DR

Paying a deposit before move-in without a signed lease carries risk: travelers report non-refundable deposits and difficulty getting short-term contracts. For a more predictable stay, book serviced apartments through established platforms or use a hotel with services included.

What the community said

With short-term apartment rentals in Da Nang, a lease may not be provided and deposits can be difficult to recover. A prepayment alone should not be treated as a guaranteed reservation without a signed agreement.

12 days ago Short-term lease and deposit

Rather than using an informal apartment rental, consider booking an apartment through a reservation platform or staying in a hotel. One reported hotel option included cleaning, laundry, and replacement bathroom amenities in the rate.

12 days ago Platform-booked apartment or hotel

In one case, a renter was asked to leave US$300 with a building guard to reserve an apartment, later reduced to US$100, while the contract was deferred until move-in day. This leaves the tenant without written confirmation of the terms before arrival.

19 days ago US$100–300 reservation deposit