Now that you've decided to make the big move to Japan you've probably spent a lot of time reaching out to random real estate agents and foreign housing companies.
The process to renting an apartment can seem super easy for you as foreigner because a simple Google search in English will show you countless share houses and "foreigner friendly apartments" that all seem to cost about the same amount and be about the same distance from your job, school or train station of choice. However your perception of what's close and far, as well as what's cheap versus expensive will all change upon actually moving here. Unfortunately once you've signed your lease it'll be a bit too late and the only way out would be to fork over some more money.
Renting an apartment in Japan is a lot easier than it is in America. The process is very fast and there isn't a lot of stuff required to move in, that is if you already have your basics such as a phone number and a bank account here. However as a foreigner their are a lot of things that you should consider before you sign a 2 year contract for what could be a total scam or disaster.
You will probably spend a lot of time in a very small space with walls that are usually thin and not sound proof. Your home will not be insulated so the weather outside will not differ much within your home and having the heat on overnight means waking up to a sore throat due to dry air instead of simply feeling warm.
You will also have to do a lot of walking to and from your job, the train station, grocery store, post office, and shopping malls so it is very important that these things are within close range of your home.
You should always try your best to ask as many questions as possible and exam the apartment thoroughly before you sign your name and give them your stamp of approval.
Some of these questions are for you to ask yourself as your housing agent or landlord might not be this familiar with your apartment of choice but that is why it is very important that you do your own research on the house and neighborhood before you make such a lengthy and big commitment.
If you aren't currently living in Japan then you can simply use Google Maps to see how far it is to get to and from these places below.
Before you can rent an apartment you will need to have the 10 following things (that is unless you are using a share house or a foreigner friendly apartment).
- Valid Passport
- Valid residence card (with permission to work)
- Contract (proof of salary/income)
- Personal stamp
- Japanese phone number
- Japanese bank account
- 1-2 emergency contacts (At least one that is located in Japan)
- A Japanese guarantor (you an pay for one through the housing agency or buy your own)
- 1-2 headshots (profile pictures)
- 1-2 months rent, a security deposit, key money, fire insurance fee, cleaning fee (other) $1,500-$4,000 USD)
50 Questions to Ask Before You Move In
1.) How much is the rent?
2.) Is the apartment located in a residential area?
3.) Is the apartment in a busy area?
4.) Is there keyed or password entry at the front door of the building?
5.) Is there a doorbell with a security camera?
6.) Can you use a credit card to pay the rent?
7.) How long is the leasing contract/rental agreement good for?
8.) Is there a 24 hour maintenance phone number?
9.) Who owns the complex?
10.) Are children allowed?
11.) Is there a maximum occupancy?
12.) How much notice must you give before moving out?
13.) How much will you owe if you break the contract and decide to move out early?
14.) Are there any late fees or penalties if the rent is past due?
15.) How old is the apartment complex?
16.) How many tenants does the apartment have?
17.) Does this building commonly rent to other foreigners (are there other foreign tenants)?
18.) Are pets allowed?
19.) Is smoking allowed?
20.) Is there a fee for bicycle or car parking?
21.) How is the garbage disposed of (is there a storage room or dumpster for the garbage)?
22.) Is there a garage?
23.)How far away is the closest police station, fire department and hospital?
24.) What’s the name of the closest train station?
25.) Where is the closest Laundry mat?
26.) How often do trains run here?
27.) When is the first and last train?
28.) How far away is the closet convenience & grocery store?
29.) How far away is the closet post office?
30.) How far away is the mall?
31.) How far away is the electronics store?
32.) How long will your commute to and from work be?
33.) How far and how long will you have to walk or ride your bike?
34.) How far away is the airport?
35.) How far away is the closest terminal?
36.) Is there a private balcony?
37.) Is there a hookup for a washer and dryer in the unit?
38.) Is the apartment furnished
39.) Does the apartment have a stove?
40.) Does the apartment have a refrigerator?
41.) Does the refrigerator have a freezer section?
42.) Are their cabinets?
43.) Is there a closet and storage space?
44.) Is there parking available for the complex?
45.) Is there hot water in the bathroom and kitchen?
46.) Is there a bathtub?
47.) What style sink & toilet is there (western or Japanese)?
48.) Is there a cleaning fee or move out fee?
50.) How many units are being occupied?
51.) What kind of mailbox is there?
52.) Are there any reoccurring annual fees for the apartment (besides the rent)?
53.) Do the windows have screen (most homes don't have vents so you'll want to have netted screens to keep out insects and animals).
There's an infinite list of questions that you ask and think of for yourself. If you have any more advice and would like to add something to this list please leave a comment with your advice down below or send me an email.
I hope that you found this list and video to be helpful and I wish you the best of luck in your search for the perfect apartment to start off your new life here in Japan!
Please feel free to ask me any questions if you need some help or advice during your search or clarity about these questions.
Stay Tuned!
Please Subscribe to my Blog and Follow Me on my other social media pages.
Follow My Miscellaneous Adventures in Japan!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comic95/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoMic95/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Comic95?lang=en
Email: comic95thesavior@gmail.com
Blog: http://www.comic95.com
YouTube:
Gaming & Entertainment
PSN/Wii: CoMic95TheSavior
Xbox: CoMic95
Help Support My Channel & Blog by Making a Donation
PayPal
$Cash App
CoMic95
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/CoMic95
CoMic95TheSavior
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.