If you request a good place (i.e., a large apartment, close to a trainstation, etc.), the rent will be more expensive. Therefore, please indicate below only what is absolutely necessary, unless you want to live in a high class residential section.
1. The point of searching for a room
The followings are things you need to dicide before searching for a room. And you have to confirm the check items when we accompany you to the room.
①Where is your preferred area, what is your preferred line? (Transportation) Where is your office?
In Japan, access is shown by the amount of time that it takes to the nearest train station. For example,
x minutes on foot from xx station. x minutes by bus from xx station and then x minutes on foot.
Generally, 1minute by walk = 80 meter in the real estate world.
②What style of building do you want to live in? (Type of Housing) There are three basic types of housing.
③How much is your maximum budget? (Rent and Public maintenance fees)
It is usually better if your rent (including maintenance fees) is under 25% to 30% of your income. Rent varies according to area, the distance to the nearest trainstation, the newness of the building, facilities, and size of the building. You must take into consideration that when signing a lease the tenant usually pays 5-6 months' rent ( 1-2 months' rent for present-money, 2 months' rent for deposit, 1 month rent for rent in advance, 1 month's rent for agent commission).
You should also consider that in Japan, rooms are nomally unfurnished, so you will have to purchase new appliances, bedding, etc. before moving-in. Moreover, you must consider the cost of utilities.
④How old are the buildings?
Usually the older the housing is the cheaper and larger it is. A building more than 10 years old is generally much less expensive.
⑤What is your preferred floor plan? Please see the page of floor plan.
⑥What kind of furnishings and facilities do you need?
You have to confirm if using a heater is allowed in the apartment. To prevent a fire, some owners do not allow a gas and kerosene stove to be used in the apartment.
⑦What type of conveniences do you want to have near your home?
If you have children, it is best to ask ahead of time about local childcare facilities and schools. If you do not have a washing machine, it is important to have a coin laundry in the area. If you do not have a bath, it is important to have a public bath nearby.
⑧How long are you going to live? (Lease Duration)
If the team of your stay is too short (under a year), you might be refused as a tenant. You had better search for a monthly Chintai. And also, if your moving date is too far in the future, the owner might not accept your request. It is typical to move in within 2-3 weeks at the latest from the day you make a contract.
⑨Do you want to keep a pet? Some of owners do not accept your request, because the room is damageable.
⑩Do you want to practice on a musical instrument?
Some of owners do not accept your request, because of nuisance to your neighbors.
Room check : Size of the room, height from floor to ceiling. Whether there are any differences from the plan. Whether there is space for a fridge, washing machine,and so on. Sun light, is the room too dark or too bright? Noise and smell.
Room check : Number of outlet for TVs, phones, and other electrical appliances. Whether there is an air conditioner. Size of kitchen, whether it has a gas range or electric range. If you have furniture you plan to move into the apartment, we recommend that you measure it in advance and then bring a tape- measure with you to the room inspection to make certain that all your funiture will fit.
Distance check : Distance from the nearest station slso whether express train stops there or not, and the time of the last train. Stores, Park, Post office, Hospital, Coin laundry, Parking lot for cars and bicycles, and Garbage dump.
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