China has issued new regulations for the housing-rental sector that will take effect on 15 September, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported. The rules aim to expand the supply of rental units, strengthen tenant protections and foster market-oriented, professionally managed rental enterprises. Agencies must verify ownership, conduct on-site inspections, disclose service fees and register transactions, while landlords and brokers face stricter liability for violations. The policy underscores Beijing’s effort to build a “rent and buy” housing system as prolonged weakness in home sales weighs on the broader economy. According to a government-backed blue paper, the combined rental population in China’s four largest cities—Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen—has climbed to nearly 40 million, or about half their residents. Local authorities are adding support. Chengdu on Monday announced 17 measures to steady its property market, offering down-payment subsidies, easing resale restrictions and providing education incentives for families that purchase homes. The municipal package complements national steps to stabilise the real-estate sector while expanding affordable rental supply.