Apartments
From 1 room Studio Apartments to luxury 5LDKs (5 bedrooms, living room (L), dining room (D) and a kitchen (K), some with tatami matting and others western-style flooring, Japan has apartments to fit a wide range of needs and budgets. When looking you should be aware that property in Japan, especially metropolitan areas such as Tokyo, is very expensive. Apartments in Tokyo and other large cities are also generally very small and the storage available can be somewhat limited.
When looking for an apartment it is common to use a real estate agent rather than renting directly from a landlord. Those hoping to live with a partner in an apartment should be aware of that living together will require both people’s names to be on the rental contract, failing to do so could void your contract.
Many agents require you to provide information about your financial situation as well as demand that a guarantor co-signs the rental contract. The guarantor works as a security measure in case you are unable to pay your rent. There are special conditions as to just who can be a guarantor. Normally it has to be a Japanese national with a stable financial situation. It could also be the company at which you are employed at; however if the company has only recently set up business in Japan you could have difficulties in proving that the company has a good and stable financial background (it does not matter even if the company has been established outside of Japan for a long time).
Apartments usually come unfurnished and utilities are rarely included. Many apartments come with items such as air conditioners; however ovens, dishwashers and refrigerators are things you will usually need to buy.
You are generally not allowed to keep pets in your apartment unless your tenancy agreement specifically permits you to do so.
Contents |
Getting started
Types & sizes
Procedures & terminology
Tips
See also
Recommended links
Some content adapted from Wikipedia.org.
