I don't think it necessarily the landlord trying to play shenanigans - the shell company might simply serve to circumvent stamp duty when selling the property, which is a perfectly legal albeit stupid loophole. And given how cumbersome it is to open a business bank account (no bank in HK will want to jump through the hoops just to get a customer who only receives deposits....), I don't find it hard to believe that the company owner (who is likely the sole director) prefers to use his personal account. @OP - just make sure the lease is stamped, the payment method is in the contract and that you receive receipts, and you're all good.