Does a rental contract in Vietnam need notarising?

This article is general information only and does not replace advice from a lawyer or the competent authority. Rules can change; check the regulations in force and ask the office handling your procedure.

Does a rental contract need notarising in Vietnam? Landlords and tenants ask this constantly, whether they are renting a whole house, a room or a shop unit. The short answer for housing: under the 2023 Housing Law, residential lease contracts do not have to be notarised or certified unless the parties want them to be. But “not required” does not mean “keep it vague”. This guide explains when notarisation is still worth it and what a lease should cover. It is general information for both Vietnamese and foreign tenants, not legal advice.

Does a rental contract need notarising? Homes vs business premises

For residential leases, the rule above applies. For business premises, warehouses or workshops, the position can differ depending on the type of property and the governing law, and other administrative procedures, such as residence registration or business registration, may require proof of address in their own way. If you plan to use the lease for another procedure, ask that office in advance what it needs.

Related: Documents to bring to a notary in Vietnam

When notarisation is still worth considering

• Long terms, high rent or a large deposit.
• The landlord is not the registered owner (subletting or acting under a power of attorney), so the right to let needs to be clear.
• The parties do not know each other and want a third party to confirm signatures and capacity.
• You intend to rely on the lease for another procedure.

Notarisation costs time and fees set by regulation and by the notary office, so ask first. See also what to bring to a notary.

What a lease should cover

Attach a handover record with photos of the condition and an inventory. Both parties should initial every page and keep a copy. If either party does not read Vietnamese well, a bilingual contract or an independent translation helps avoid misunderstandings.

Is a handwritten lease valid?

Whether a contract is handwritten or typed does not by itself decide its validity; what matters is the content, the parties’ capacity and compliance with any form requirements for that type of contract. For residential leases, a written contract signed by both sides is important evidence if a dispute arises. If you are already in a dispute, consult a lawyer or the competent authority rather than relying on a general article.

Practical tips for foreign tenants

If you are renting as a foreigner, ask to see the owner’s ID and the house ownership or land-use certificate, or a written authorisation if an agent or relative is letting on the owner’s behalf. Agree in writing who handles your temporary residence declaration, because the landlord and tenant each have roles in it and local practice varies. Pay rent by bank transfer so there is a record. Note meter readings for electricity and water on the handover day. These steps cost nothing and prevent most of the disagreements that arise at the end of a tenancy.

Keep the contract and receipts safe

Store the original in a document folder or a home safe and keep a photo copy elsewhere. Keep transfer receipts for rent and deposit. When you move out, sign a return record that confirms the deposit refund.

Want a checklist for a lease? Leave your Zalo number and choose “Renting a home or shop space” for a reference list.