Renting an Apartment
Update date: November 1, 2024
Procedures for Renting an Apartment
- In Japan, most people look for an apartment through a real estate agent (please see “Important Terms”).
Generally, the agent asks you about the type of apartment you are interested in and then shows you what is available according to your conditions. - When you find an apartment that meets your needs, you begin the leasing procedure. The lease contract needs to be signed and stamped by a co-signer (please see “Important Terms”).
- Once the lease contract procedures are complete, the agent gives you your keys, and you are free to move in.
Important Terms
| Real-estate agent | A person/organization that shows customers apartments and handles lease contract procedures. |
|---|---|
| Agent fee | A fee paid to the agent who helps the customer find an apartment. |
| Lease contract | A contract that allows a customer to rent a property. To take effect, the contract must list the names, be signed, and be stamped by the landlord, renter, and co-signer. |
| Lease contract explanation sheet | This document contains important points regarding the state of equipment, handling of the security deposit, the dissolution of the contract, etc. After the agent explains the contents of the document, the renter will be required to sign it. |
| Co-signer/Guarantor | A person that acts as a substitute should anything happen to the actual renter; if the actual renter is unable to pay their rent, the landlord can demand payment from the co-signer, and the co-signer must comply. In most cases, the co-signer is usually a parent, sibling, or other relative. (Refer to p.48) |
| Security deposit | A deposit made to the landlord when the customer enters into the lease contract; the security deposit is returned when the contract is terminated but is often not returned as it is used in lieu to cover room repair expenses. |
| Contract term | Usually, a lease contract term is for two years. |
| Penalties for breach of contract | A penalty fee is charged if you breach the terms of your apartment lease. If you choose to terminate your apartment lease early, you are required to pay a penalty fee to the landlord. Usually the penalty fee is equivalent to one month’s rent. |
| Property Management Company | A company which is set up to manage a group of properties. You should contact them after your move-in. |
| Landlord | A landowner who leases to others. |
Points to Keep in Mind When Renting an Apartment
- Agents in Japan deal with customers in Japanese, which means that almost all explanations, contracts, and related documents are written in Japanese only. If you are not entirely confident in your Japanese abilities, it is a good idea to have a fluent Japanese speaker with you when you look for an apartment.
- Once you decide on a room, you need to check the room conditions with the landlord and/or the agent. If there is any damage, discoloration, or dirty areas in the room, take pictures and show them to the landlord and/or the agent. If you do not have any proof that the damage, discoloration, or dirty areas were there before you moved in, you may have to pay for repairs when you move out.
Note:
When you live in a, there are many rules you are asked to follow. Be sure to pay particular attention to the following rules:
Rent Payment
In Japan, the rent fee must be paid generally by the designated date the month before (e.g., July’s rent is paid in June). If you do not pay your rent by the due date, you will have to pay a late fee and the landlord could terminate your lease. In addition, a bill will not usually be issued for a fixed rent. Be sure to pay the monthly rent fee by the designated due date of the month before.
Room-cleaning
You need to clean your rented room regularly.
This is known as “a good resident’s duty,” if your room is too dirty you may have to pay the cost of damages. As a general rule, when moving out, you should return the room in the same condition as when you moved in.
If you make it a habit to keep your room tidy, you’ll have a worry-free stay.
Noise Issues
In several apartments, next-door or downstairs neighbors can easily hear sounds. Listening to music at a high volume, chatting online late at night, and using things like laundry machines and the shower after midnight may inconvenience your neighbors. Please be conscious of the noise you are making, especially between 9 p.m. – 7 a.m., and remember that you live in a shared complex, so be a good neighbor by keeping noise levels down.
Waste Disposal
Due to Japan having limited space for dealing with waste, you are required to dispose of your waste in a certain way, under strict city regulations. It must be separated according to categories prior to being put out, and you may be required to place your waste at the collection point on certain days of the week depending on whether it’s burnable, non-burnable, glass, plastic, etc. disposal day. If waste is not disposed of properly, it may be left at the collection point. This left-behind waste can attract neighborhood pests like crowns. To avoid problems like these, be sure to keep the waste rules.
Frozen Water Pipes
During winter when the outside temperature drops below -4℃ (24℉), water in pipes may freeze causing them to burst. This takes time and costs a lot to repair. Buying fire insurance is highly recommended while living in an apartment. When leaving your place of residence for an extended period during the winter, be sure to turn off the main water valve and turn on the faucets to empty the excess water from the pipes. Upon returning, turn it back on and run water through the pipes.
Moving Out
You need to inform your landlord/management company of your leaving date at least one to two months prior to leaving. Where this has not been done, additional rent will be charged. Your room should be in the same condition as when you moved in. If you happen to leave behind personal belongings in your room, a disposal cost will be charged. In the event of any damage to the premises or items within, you will be liable for all costs. Depending on the apartment contract you may also be required to pay a mandatory cleaning fee.
Breach of Contract
The room you are renting is the landlord’s property. It is forbidden to renovate the room or remove attachments. Please also note that only the contract holder(s) are permitted to live in the apartment and subleasing is strictly prohibited. Breaking these rules could result in a cancellation of the contract.
Other Precautions
When renting an apartment in Japan, it is necessary to apply to a guarantor company. The application is typically submitted to the guarantor company specified by the landlord or management company. You can complete the procedure through a real estate agent. Additionally, some landlords may require a joint guarantor in addition to the guarantor company. Even if you do not need a guarantor, an emergency contact other than yourself is required. Obtain consent from relatives in your home country and acquaintances in Japan and put them down as emergency contacts.
When signing a rental contract, you will need to apply for fire insurance (includes tenant’s liability insurance and personal liability insurance) and to a guarantor company. As a resident, you will be responsible for paying the guarantor fee to the guarantor company, the cost of associated living support services, fire insurance, etc.
Reference
- Private Apartments
For inquiries regarding monthly apartments, please contact the UniLife Hokkaido University Store at the link provided above.