Vietnam Lease Requirements: Mandatory Terms and Formalities

Residential lease agreements in Vietnam must comply with the Civil Code 2015 and the Housing Law 2023. A well-drafted lease is the single most important tool for protecting the rights of both landlords and tenants.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney in Vietnam for guidance specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

Form Requirements

Mandatory Lease Terms

Every residential lease must include:

Party Information

• Full names, ID card/passport numbers of landlord and tenant
• Permanent addresses
• Contact phone numbers

Property Information

• Exact address
• Usable area (square meters)
• Property condition and included furnishings/equipment
• Ownership certificate number

Financial Terms

• Specific rent amount (in VND)
• Payment schedule (monthly, quarterly, annually)
• Payment method
• Security deposit amount and refund conditions
• Utility costs (electricity, water, services)

Duration and Termination

• Specific lease term
• Renewal conditions
• Grounds for unilateral termination
• Required notice periods

Recommended Additional Clauses

1. Rent escalation — Increase amount, frequency, and calculation method
2. Maintenance responsibilities — Clear division between landlord and tenant
3. Late payment penalties — Fee amounts for overdue rent
4. Subletting — Whether it is permitted
5. Renovations — Conditions and permitted scope
6. Dispute resolution — Negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or court
7. Force majeure — Handling of unforeseen events

Special Provisions for Foreign Tenants

When leasing to foreigners, the contract should also include:

• A translation in English or the tenant's language
• Clauses regarding temporary residence registration
• Specification that payment must be in VND (currency conversion references can render contracts void)
• Provisions regarding foreign ownership restrictions

Oral Agreements

While oral agreements may still be recognized in certain circumstances, they are strongly discouraged because:

• Difficult to prove agreement terms in disputes
• Insufficient basis for completing residence registration
• Landlords may face administrative penalties

Best Practices for Landlords

1. Use standard templates — Reference templates issued by competent authorities
2. Notarize — Notarization adds legal weight and enforceability
3. Handover report — Attach a detailed inventory of equipment and condition
4. Regular updates — Review and update lease templates when laws change
5. Secure storage — Keep originals in a safe location

How Landager Helps

Landager provides standard lease templates, manages key contract milestones, and stores lease documentation — ensuring full compliance with legal requirements.

Back to Vietnam Landlord-Tenant Laws Overview.