Zero-deposit scheme
Neutral Neutral
What it really means
Instead of a full deposit, you pay a smaller non-refundable fee (often one week's rent) to an insurance company. It sounds cheaper, but you never get that fee back and you still pay for any damage at the end. Read the terms carefully.
Chinese explanation
"零押金"方案：不交全额押金，而是向保险公司付一笔较小且不退还的费用（通常为一周房租）。听起来便宜，但这笔钱不会退还，退租时如有损坏仍要赔偿。务必仔细阅读条款。
Example conversation
A: The agent offered a zero-deposit option.
B: Remember that fee is non-refundable — a normal deposit comes back to you.
A：中介提供了零押金选项。
B：记住那笔费用是不退的——正常押金最后是会退给你的。
Official sources
Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.
Go deeper
All Renting & Housing
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake