Guide
to Renting Apartments in Japan – the Timeline
The process of renting apartments
and houses is quite particular in Japan. Therefore it is important
for newcomers to familiarize themselves with the basic procedures.
These 7 steps outline the process from house hunting,
through the duration of your stay, to moving out. |
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House
Hunting - Inquiries
It is a good
idea to make a list of requirements for your new apartment or
house and start house hunting about 2 months before your desired
move-in-date. Check our listings on line and begin
to get an idea of what type/ location you are interested in
(for example, an 80m2 2LDK apartment in Hiroo). Choose several
properties from our online showroom, keeping in mind that our
inter-office database includes 1000s of properties so our agents
will be able to recommend many more properties based on your
requests and initial choices.
Send an inquiry to Housing Japan Inc. using our our online request
form, email, or phone. It will also help if you indicate
any properties you like, and have a clear idea of the requirements
for you new apartment or house.
For
more information about house hunting and apartment viewing click
here |
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Viewing
Apartments - Tours
As the leasing market
in Tokyo moves quickly, it is better to view your favorite places
as soon as possible before they are taken.
Based on your top choices, our agents will arrange some apartment
viewingsfor you. Part of the tour will include an orientation
of the areas and local amenities.
You should prepare a checklist of requirements for each property.
For more information click here
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Application
One of our real-estate agents will send an
application on your behalf to the owner. The
application, signed by the human resources department
of your company, will include a bid for the rent, desired
move-in date, and any other requests you may have. |
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Negotiation
and Contracts
After negotiations, and
both parties have agreed on the rent and terms, the owner
will send a draft of the contract to your company
(usually the human resources department). The contract
will normally be for 2 years.
After both parties have agreed to the draft the owner
will make an original contract for both parties to sign. |
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Property
Inspection and Moving In
On the move-in date
you will receive the keys from the agent or owner and an orientation
of your new apartment or house.
At this time, you should ask the owner to make a note
of any existing damage (if any) so that you will not be responsible
to pay when you move out.
When you move out, you or your company will be responsible to
pay for any damages that may have taken place during your stay.
So take care to check the condition of the property thoroughly.
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Full
Support During your Stay
During your stay
in the property you can call the management company or real
estate agent at any time if you have any questions or problems
with the apartment - the A/C unit is not working, plumbing
issues, TV or internet assitance, or if you need a parking-permit
for your car.
For general information about setlting into your new apartment
or house check the lifestyle section of our
Tokyo Life Guide |
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Moving
Out
When it is time for you to move out,
your company and the owner will do a final house inspection
and you will return all the keys to the owner. At this
time, you and your agent will be able to negotiate with the
owner over the damage fees.
Note: For security reasons, if you have
lost a key you will probably be charged for changing the locks
- not for just making a new key. |
| Note:
For more info about damage fees and tips to avoid damage
click here |
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