Can You Move During Ghost Month? Is Renting, Signing a Lease, or Moving In Allowed in the 7th Lunar Month? 5 Key Points Explained

As the 7th lunar month approaches, many individuals preparing to relocate, transfer for work, or renew expiring leases face the same question: Can you move during Ghost Month? Is it acceptable to view apartments, rent, sign contracts, or move into a new home? According to calendar data from Taiwan's Central Weather Administration, the first day of the 7th lunar month in 2026 falls on August 13 in the Gregorian calendar, with September 10 marking the 29th day of the 7th lunar month, and September 11 entering the 8th lunar month.

Traditional customs do suggest avoiding major events like moving in during the 7th lunar month. However, this is part of folk belief and cultural practice—not a legal prohibition. If your lease happens to expire during this period, renting, signing contracts, and moving remain entirely feasible. What truly should not be overlooked are the details of the lease agreement and the handover inspection of the property.

### When is Ghost Month in 2026? The 7th Lunar Month Begins on August 13

According to the 'Republic of China 115 Calendar Data' released by the Central Weather Administration, August 12, 2026, is the 30th day of the 6th lunar month, and August 13 marks the beginning of the 7th lunar month. September 10 corresponds to the 29th day of the 7th lunar month, and September 11 enters the 1st day of the 8th lunar month. Therefore, the full 7th lunar month spans from August 13 to September 10, 2026.

The 7th lunar month is commonly referred to as "Ghost Month" in folk culture, giving rise to taboos around weddings, groundbreaking ceremonies, and moving in. However, these are rooted in tradition and belief, lack scientific validation, and carry no legal enforcement. Whether to observe them depends entirely on personal or family beliefs.

### Moving During Ghost Month #1: Can You View Apartments or Search for Rentals in the 7th Lunar Month?

Yes, you can.

From a practical rental standpoint, there are no rules prohibiting apartment viewings or rentals during the 7th lunar month. If your lease is ending soon, you're starting school, or relocating for work, you can continue searching for housing as usual.

Instead, focus more on the actual condition of the property during viewings—check for leaks, mold, lighting, sound insulation, water heater placement, emergency evacuation routes, and whether plumbing, electricity, gas, and appliances are functioning properly.

The Executive Yuan’s Consumer Protection Committee also reminds renters to physically inspect the unit before signing and carefully review all terms in the lease agreement to avoid disputes after moving in.

In short, rather than worrying about whether viewing apartments during Ghost Month is appropriate, it's far more important to ensure the property itself has no issues.

### Moving During Ghost Month #2: Can You Sign a Rental Agreement in the 7th Lunar Month?

Yes. A lease does not lose its legal validity simply because it was signed during the 7th lunar month.

Under current regulations outlined in the 'Standardized Residential Lease Contract Clauses and Prohibited Terms,' the 7th lunar month is not designated as a prohibited period for signing leases. As long as the contract complies with relevant laws, its effectiveness is not affected by being signed during Ghost Month.

However, what truly requires attention is the content of the contract. According to current standardized lease requirements, tenants must have at least a three-day review period before signing. Security deposits cannot exceed two months’ rent. Landlords must provide proof of ownership or right to lease, along with valid identification, for tenant verification.

Additionally, the contract should clearly state rent amount, management fees, utility cost responsibilities, lease duration, early termination conditions, and repair obligations.

Therefore, if a landlord pressures you to sign immediately—saying “sign today or it goes to someone else”—what matters more than the lunar date is whether you have enough time to thoroughly review the contract.

### Moving During Ghost Month #3: Is It Really Forbidden to Move During the 7th Lunar Month?

While some avoid it due to superstition, there is no actual rule stating you cannot move.

Recent reports from Housefun News cite feng shui master Tsai Shang-Ji’s cultural perspective: traditionally, the 7th lunar month is seen as Ghost Month, leading to a custom of avoiding major activities like moving or settling in. However, this reflects a cultural tendency toward seeking auspiciousness and avoiding misfortune.

Notably, even according to traditional almanacs, not every day in the 7th lunar month is considered unsuitable for moving in. The 2026 almanac indicates several days within Ghost Month are actually marked as favorable for "moving in," showing that folk beliefs do not equate to a blanket ban on relocation.

Thus, if you must move due to lease expiration, job transfers, school starts, or other real-life needs, you don’t need to believe it’s absolutely forbidden just because it’s the 7th lunar month. If you or your family strongly value tradition, you can simply choose a mutually agreeable date.

### Moving During Ghost Month #4: Can You "Move Into" a New Home During the 7th Lunar Month?

First, distinguish between "moving" and "moving in" in folk terms.

In modern usage, "moving" typically means transporting furniture, appliances, and daily items into a new residence. In contrast, "moving in" (ru cuo) in traditional contexts may involve selecting an auspicious date, performing rituals, offering prayers, and installing ancestral altars.

If you don’t care about such customs, you can naturally move in based on your lease and schedule. However, if elders in your household are concerned about Ghost Month taboos, consider separating the physical move from the formal moving-in ceremony to minimize conflict arising from differing beliefs.

### Moving During Ghost Month #5: What Should Never Be Overlooked When Moving Into a New Home During Ghost Month?

Regardless of whether it’s the 7th lunar month or not, the most critical step before moving into a rental unit is conducting a thorough handover inspection and keeping detailed records.

The Executive Yuan’s Consumer Protection Committee advises renters to carefully inspect the actual condition of the property before leasing. Current residential lease agreements require clear documentation of the rental scope, attached facilities, maintenance responsibilities, utility costs, and other fees.

On move-in day, take photos or videos to document existing damage to walls, floors, furniture, and appliances. Confirm meter readings for water and electricity, and list all provided items—such as furniture, air conditioners, refrigerators, and water heaters—in the handover record.

For renters especially, pre-existing wall cracks, broken furniture, or unclear electricity billing methods can lead to far greater financial losses than any Ghost Month taboo.

### Can You Move During Ghost Month? Quick Reference Table

| Item | Allowed? | What to Note | |------|----------|--------------| | Apartment Viewing / Rental Search | Yes | Check for leaks, equipment, evacuation routes, surroundings | | Signing Lease | Yes | Review period, deposit, rent, utility cost terms | | Moving | Yes | Some avoid due to superstition; decide based on personal belief | | Moving Into New Home | Yes | Conduct full property and equipment inspection before entry | | Traditional Moving-In Ceremony | Depends on belief | Those who follow customs can choose another date |

In summary, there are no legal prohibitions against renting, signing contracts, or moving during Ghost Month. While some people choose to avoid formal housewarming rituals in the 7th lunar month due to tradition, this is a matter of personal faith. For renters, rather than solely worrying about whether a date is lucky, ensuring clarity on contract terms, property condition, deposit, utilities, and handover records is what truly cannot be skipped before settling into a new home.

### Sources and References

- Central Weather Administration, "ROC 115 Calendar Data" - Executive Yuan / Ministry of the Interior, "Standardized Residential Lease Contract Clauses and Prohibited Terms" - Executive Yuan Consumer Protection Committee, "Lease Contract Review for Peace of Mind in Rental Housing" - Housefun News, "No Need to Fear Moving in the 7th Lunar Month! Favorable Dates and Taboo Breakdown Explained": Used to compile folk perspectives and almanac information regarding 2026 7th lunar month moves and housewarmings.

Disclaimer: Content related to Ghost Month, moving-in rituals, and date selection in this article pertains to Taiwanese folk customs and beliefs, provided for cultural reference only. It does not represent scientifically proven facts.