Two major cities are to begin allowing renters to acquire urban hukou - a registered resident's permit - in a move experts say will attract more skilled workers and boost rental markets.
Tianjin government promised to offer favorable hukou registration for new graduates who find jobs in the northern city but went to school in other provincial areas.
Qingdao, Shandong province, issued a notice on Tuesday that said people who have a stable residence in the city, including renters, can now obtain local hukou.
The city government said it would accelerate steps to scrap several other limits on hukou registration.
Under the current system, local hukou holders have more rights and advantages in employment, education, social security, pension, house purchases and other legal interests.
Usually, people from outside the urban area have to spend a large sum of money to purchase an apartment in order to acquire hukou.
"The new policy will have a positive effect on population flow and unleash a substantial demand for house purchases and rental properties," said Yan Yuejin, research director at E-house China R&D Institute.
Housing prices in some cities have doubled over the past two years, causing many complaints about unaffordable prices. The status quo is especially obvious in major cities, setting up a barrier for people from outside to start living there.
Insiders say that granting renters hukou would protect their rights, and they have urged more cities to follow suit.
Two major cities are to begin allowing renters to acquire urban hukou - a registered resident's permit - in a move experts say will attract more skilled workers and boost rental markets.
Under the current system, local hukou holders have more rights and advantages in employment, education, social security, pension, house purchases and other legal interests.
Housing prices in some cities have doubled over the past two years, causing many complaints about unaffordable prices. The status quo is especially obvious in major cities, setting up a barrier for people from outside to start living there.
