Guide
to Renting Apartments in Japan
Finding the right apartment is very important when relocating,
especially when moving overseas. Finding that perfect
place in a mega-city like Tokyo can seem overwhelming,
so be prepared to spend some time house-hunting to get a good
idea of the kind of apartments available. Typically, you will
probably need to see about 10 - 20 properties before finally
making a decision. However, whether you are coming to Tokyo
on an expat package with a housing budget or otherwise there
will be an apartment to meet your needs.
Typical Japanese Apartments
Typical Japanese style
apartments are generally under ¥350,000/ month and have
special conditions:
- do not come with any appliances
- require 2-4 months security deposit, and 2 months key money
- have a contract renewal fee payable every 2 years
Expat Apartments
Expat apartments are generally
over ¥350,000/month and have special conditions:
- come with all
major appliances - washer, dryer, dishwasher, phone and phone-line,
and refrigerator
- require 4-6 months security deposit but no key money
Once you have found your new apartment or house you will need
to make the necessary contractual arrangements before moving
in. Before signing
it you should also familiarize yourself with some of the rental
regulations and customs in Japan.
Understanding some of the differences and planning ahead will
help to prevent any problems that may arise in the future regarding
your new home or apartment.
Agents Commission
There is a standard agents commission of one month's rent plus
5% tax.
Security Deposit (Shikikin)
Landlords will often request a security deposit of 4
– 6 months rent in advance. When you move out
or at the end of the lease, the cost of cleaning or repairs
will be deducted from this security deposit.
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Key
money (Reikin)
In the case of a typical Japanese style apartment key
money is usually required. Key money a non-refundable
up-front payment to the landlord for letting you rent the property.
It is usually the equivalent of two months rent but can sometimes
be negotiated, and in the case of the more expensive properties
key money is not usually requested. Expat properties will not
require key money. In some cases, you may be able to pay the
key money in monthly payments spread out over 2 years.
- for example, if the rent is ¥120,000/ month and the key
money is ¥240,000 you would pay ¥130,000/ month.
Monthly Maintenance Fee
(Kanrihi)
In some typical Japanese style apartments a monthly
building maintenance fee will be added to the rent.
In the case of expat apartments maintenance fees are almost
always included in the monthly rent.
Renewal Fee (Koushinryou)
In the case of typical Japanese apartments (usually under ¥350,000
- ¥400,000/ month), a renewal fee is often charged
at the at the end of the contract, usually two years,
to renew the contract. This renewal fee is typically equal to
1 months rent and is paid to the building owner.
Parking
It is important to know that you cannot own a car in Tokyo without
having a parking space first. Almost all apartment buildings
or homes offer parking spaces for tenants but if you need parking
it is still important to check if the property you are interested
in has parking available.
In some cases the cost of a parking space is not included in
the monthly rent. Parking spaces usually cost from ¥40,000
– ¥70,000/ month depending on the building
and area.
Pets
Some landlords will not allow you to keep pets.
If you own or are planning to keep a pet, it is important to
inform your real-estate agent and request to see apartments
or houses whose owners will allow pets. In some cases a landlord
may allow cats but not dogs, (or vice versa), or small dogs
but not big dogs.
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