A foreigner may find a house in Beijing through a real estate intermediary.

You should avoid renting a house or apartment if any of the following apply:
(1)   There is no certificate of ownership;
(2)  The house is sealed up by ruling or decisions of judicial or administrative organs or housing and land rights are restricted in other ways by these organs;
(3)  The house is jointly owned and consent of one or more joint owners is lacking;
(4)  Ownership is disputed;
(5)  The building is illegal;
(6)  The house does not meet safely standards;
(7)  The house is mortgaged and consent of the mortgagee has not been obtained;
(8)  The house fails to meet requirements set by public security, environmental protection, health or other competent    authorities;
(9)  The house may not be rented according to other laws, regulations and rules.