In short: a short-term rental in Ho Chi Minh City – a few nights to a few months – costs more per month but gives you flexibility, with utilities and cleaning usually included. A long-term lease of 6–12 months is the cheapest way to live here and gives you the widest choice of apartments, but ties you in. Stays of under 30 days in apartment buildings have been allowed again since 25 April 2026, but only with hosts registered as accommodation providers. Most newcomers book a short stay first and sign a long lease once they know the city.
We see the same pattern with almost every new arrival: a month somewhere central and flexible, a few weekends exploring areas, then a 12-month lease in the area that fits. Here’s how the options compare.
The three ways to rent
| Option | Typical length | How you pay | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short stay (hotel, licensed apartment) | Nights to a few weeks | Per night or week | First days, house-hunting |
| Monthly / serviced apartment | 1–6 months | Per month, often all-inclusive | Trial period, short assignments |
| Long-term lease | 6–12 months or more | Monthly or quarterly, plus deposit | Settling in |
What a short-term rental in Ho Chi Minh City costs
Short stays carry a clear premium. Once you work out the monthly equivalent, a nightly or weekly booking can cost far more than leasing a similar apartment for a year, though it usually includes utilities, internet and cleaning. Monthly serviced apartments sit in between. For long-term rents by area, see our guide to apartment rent prices in Ho Chi Minh City.
The 2026 rules for short stays in apartments
In 2025, Ho Chi Minh City banned stays of under 30 days in residential apartment buildings, which hit platforms such as Airbnb. On 25 April 2026, Decision 19/2026/QĐ-UBND took effect and reopened short stays under tighter conditions: owners and operators must register as licensed accommodation providers, comply with tourism law and tax obligations, keep order and make sure guests follow building rules. Revenue from shared areas goes to the building’s maintenance fund.
For guests, the practical advice is simple: book with hosts who can confirm they’re registered, or with licensed serviced apartment operators and hotels.
Paperwork for both
Whatever the length of stay, your host or landlord must declare your temporary residence to the police within 12 hours of check-in. Hotels and licensed operators do this routinely. In a long-term rental, make sure the owner does it – our guide to temporary residence registration in Vietnam explains how.
Which option should you choose?
- Just arrived or still job-hunting: a short stay or one month in a serviced apartment.
- Assignment of 2–6 months: a monthly serviced apartment – compare it with a 6-month condo lease.
- Staying a year or more: a long-term lease. You’ll save money and get a much better apartment for it.
- Not sure yet: book one month centrally, then use our area guide to plan viewings.
Weighing a serviced unit against a private condo? Read serviced apartment vs condo in HCMC.
Find a short or long-term rental
Apartment.vn lists long-term rentals across the city, plus serviced apartments for shorter stays. Browse apartments for rent in Ho Chi Minh City or tell us your dates and we’ll suggest the best option for your stay.
Before booking a short-term rental in Ho Chi Minh City, read Vietcetera on Ho Chi Minh City’s 2026 short-stay rules, and see the Immigration Department’s guidance on declaring foreigners’ residence for the registration every host must make.
Frequently asked questions
Is Airbnb legal in Ho Chi Minh City apartments?
Stays under 30 days in apartment buildings were banned in 2025 and reopened from 25 April 2026 under Decision 19/2026/QĐ-UBND, for owners registered as licensed accommodation providers who meet tax, tourism and building rules.
What is the minimum lease for an apartment in Ho Chi Minh City?
Most private owners rent for 6 or 12 months. For shorter stays, look at serviced apartments or registered short-stay hosts.
Is short-term rental more expensive than a long lease?
Yes. Per month, short stays cost considerably more, though they usually include utilities, internet and cleaning.
Do I need to register if I stay short-term?
Your host must declare your temporary residence to the police within 12 hours, as for any stay.
Can I switch from a short stay to a long lease in the same building?
Often, yes. Ask the owner or operator for a long-term rate – it is usually much lower per month.