Vietnam has introduced Decree No. 339, which started on August 26. The decree adds new penalties for foreign owners who do not follow housing rules, so anyone planning to buy or rent property should read it.

For foreign individuals, the decree says a fine of VND20 million to VND30 million is charged if they do not give written notice to the authorities before renting out a home or before ending a lease. The written notice must be sent to the proper agency.

Foreign individuals who own a house without permission, break ownership conditions, pay for a house without a Vietnamese credit institution, or apply for an ownership extension after the deadline face fines of VND30 million to VND50 million. Foreign organizations that break similar rules, or let non‑employees live in the house, or pay outside Vietnamese banks, can be fined VND60 million to VND100 million. In these cases, owners must give written rental or termination notices, and any foreign owner who is not eligible must return the property and get a refund.

The new rules mean foreign buyers and companies must keep proper paperwork and use Vietnamese banks for payments. Ignoring the rules can lead to heavy fines and may require giving the property back.