5. Housing

Looking for Housing

It is considerably difficult for a foreigner to find a house in Japan. In Japan, rent is expensive, in especially when one considers the size of most accommodations. (For example, it is hard to find a studio apartment under 30,000 yen a month.) We have our own system for such things as security deposit (shikikin) and gift money (reikin). When searching for a house or an apartment to rent, approaching a real estate agent for assistance is one option. Alternatively, you can look through some of the many housing information magazines available. The magazines are sold in book stores and convenience stores. If several conditions such as your income level are met, it is possible to rent public housing offered by regional public organizations and other organizations. Its rent is cheaper than a private apartment. When you look for a house, you should bring a Japanese friend who is able to explain the contents of the agreements. If you are an international student, go to the Student Affairs Office for International Students. If you work in a company, then ask your company.

Public Housing

Public housing is divided into prefectural housing and municipal housing. Several conditions must be met to apply, and the necessary documents differ individually. Please contact each housing organization for further information.

　

Private Housing

1. Think about your desired terms

1. Location
   Usually, the address is indicated as 「○○shi△△dai◇chou-me」or 「○○chou△△△ban-chi」. You should consider the distance from your house to things like university, company and public transport.
2. Rent, Fee for Common Services and Parking Fee
   With private housing, the rent is usually paid monthly. In addition, the fee for common services or the parking fee is required for maintenance and cleaning for common areas. This may be added to the rent or included in the rent.
3. House Size and Layout
   The size of the house includes rooms, bathroom, and kitchen. The layout is shown as "1DK" or "2LDK". The number indicates the number of the rooms; "D" indicates the dinning room, "K" indicates the kitchen, and "L" indicates the living room. The size of one room is indicated as "4.5-jou" or "6-jou" (jou means tatami mats). 1-jou is approximately 180cm×90cm.
4. Facilities
   In Japan, facilities such as electricity, water, air conditioners, flushing toilets, and bathrooms are well supplied, but electrical goods and furniture such as televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, and closets are generally not supplied. You need to buy these things. However, apartments which already have such appliances are becoming more available
5. Parking Lot
   It is important to note whether there is a parking lot for those who own a car. Some apartments do not have a parking area. Even if the apartment has a parking lot, it can incur a parking fee separate from your rent. If the parking lot in the apartment is full, you may have to rent a parking space outside of the apartment.

2. Visiting a Real Estate Agent

When you find a house you like, visit a real estate agent. They are well informed about the area, and they will give detailed advice if you have questions. Since it can be difficult to negotiate by yourself, go with a friend who can speak Japanese or with a Japanese friend. When you visit the agent, it is important to negotiate with the followings in mind.

• Explain the terms you desire.
• Ask for a drawing and the title of the house and confirm these by yourself.
• Once you have found suitable houses or apartments, your real estate agent will take you to see houses or apartments you are interested in at no direct charge to you and no tip. You should make sure there is no difference between your image of the house and reality. Examine the condition of the house and environment around the house as well.
• If possible, ask neighbors about the convenience to shops and security.
• There is always a "Real Estate Transaction Specialist" with knowledge in the real estate agent. If you have anything you do not understand or you do not agree with, consult this person.

It is good idea to visit several agencies and compare houses.

3. Before Signing Your Contract

1. Receive the "Juuyoujikousetsumeisho" ("Manual for Important Matters") In Japan, it is required by law that the document called "Juuyoujikousetsumeisho" must be read before contracting, in order to protect the affairs between the owner and applicants. In the document, the address, house size, rent and leasing stipulations of the apartment are mentioned. Conform the contents of the document, and if you have questions, you can always ask the Real Estate Transaction Specialist. When you receive the explanation of the important matters, you will be informed about such matters as electricity, gas, and water as well. Find out if you will be able to use them from the day you move in.
2. The lease agreement is very important to define the right or duty between you and a owner of the house. Once you have made a contract, you cannot cancel the contract without owner's permission, even if you are dissatisfied with it. Therefore, confirm the content of the contract sufficiently before signing. It is required by law that the real estate agent delivers the contract to both the owner and you, and that they also attend the contract's signing and sealing. When you rent an apartment, the following documents are generally required:
   ・A Certificate of Alien Registration
   ・A Certificate of Income (A Certificate of Employment, Certificate of Expected Income, and Student Identification)
   ・A Certificate of Personal Seal Registration
   ・Passport
3. Guarantor
   In Japan, when you sign your lease, you need more than two guarantors who will guarantee your identity and responsibility. Ask a teacher in your college, a superior in your company, or your friends.

4. Contractual Expenses and Items

1. Rent and Fee Common Services (Maintenance Fee)
   Rent is a monthly payment. Usually you should pay the rent for the following month by the end of each month. The rent depends on the size of the house, location, distance from the city, and the furniture and utilities provided. If the fee for common services (maintenance fee) is not included in the rent, it should be paid separately. If you sign the contract in the middle of the month, you pay rent from the day you signed to the end of that month.
2. Security Deposit
   A security deposit is paid to the house owner for the security of the rent payment. In principle, this amount will be refunded when you move out the house. However, if you are in arrears with the rent or there are expenses needed to repair your room from damage, this money will be deducted from the security deposit and the balance will be returned. Usually the security deposit equals two or three times the amount paid for monthly rent.
3. Gift Money
   This is a system peculiar to Japan. It is paid to the owner of a house for gratitude and will not be refunded. Usually the gift money equals one or two times the amount paid for monthly rent.
4. Mediation Fee
   This is a handling fee for the real estate agent and usually equals one-month rent.
5. Parking Fee
   If you rent a parking space, you usually pay the fee with your rent. If you have signed the contract in the middle of the month, it is paid by the day, just like your rent payment.
6. Personal Seal
   Your personal seal is needed for the contract. You cannot use a Shachihata seal.

5. Troubles

1. No Outdoor Shoes Allowed
   In Japan, take your shoes off at the entrance and then enter the house. Do not enter with your shoes on.
2. Security Deposit
   A security deposit is "deposited" to the owner when the contract has been made, and it will be returned without interest when you move out. However, if you change the design of your room (driving nails, changing the wallpaper, and etc.) without the owner's permission or break the room facilities or equipment, the repair expense is deducted from the security deposit and the balance will be returned. Therefore, the total of the deposit is not always returned. If the room is badly damaged and the deposit cannot cover the repair expense, the owner may claim damages. Details of the arrangement about the security deposit are included in the contract. Read it carefully and follow the arrangements outlined.
3. Number of the Residents
   When signing a contract, you must report the number of the residents you live with. No more than the number you report can live in the residence.
4. Loud Noise
   Late at night or early in the morning, do not make loud noises (e.g. television, stereo, or karaoke). In an apartment the noise resounds under stairs more than you expect. Since the sound of flushing a lot of water can also be annoying, try not to take a bath, or wash your cloth at night.
5. Pets
   There are few private and public apartments which allow residents to have pets. Even if you can keep pets, abide by any regulations set out in your contract.
6. Garbage Disposal
   Garbage is collected by the municipality. The place, date, and time for disposing of garbage vary according to the area you live in. You cannot dispose of garbage at an undesignated place or on an undesignated date. Garbage should be divided into "burnable garbage" and "non-burnable garbage". The method of dividing garbage is different in every municipality. Recyclable garbage such as bottles, cans, drink bottles, used paper, or cloth materials should be also disposed of at a designated place and date. When you want to dispose of over-sized garbage, call the municipality and ask them to take your garbage. Televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines cannot be disposed of as over-sized garbage.
7. Leaving Your House More Than a Few Days
   When you are out of your house more than a few days because of traveling or returning to your country, notify the owner to prevent crime. If you are buying the newspaper, ask for it not to be delivered during your absence.
8. Altering Rooms
   In almost all apartments, altering rooms such as driving nails into pillars, attaching hooks to the wall to hang up clothing, or changing wallpaper is prohibited. Detailed information is mentioned in the contract. Read it carefully and keep to the regulations.
9. Other Things
   When you smoke, ventilate the room.

Checklist for Moving