Frequently Asked Questions about Apartment Search in Japan

Looking for an Apartment
Can you help me find accommodations for a short term stay?
We can introduce a furnished apartment or a private room in sharehouses.
As for private apartment renting, owners are looking for tenants who will stay a year or more at the same location. If you are planning on staying for less than a year, we recommend that you look into a company that specializes in short term stay/vacation rental apartments.
Am I able to preview accommodations before making my decision? If so, are there any costs involved?
There are no costs involved for looking at accommodations. Once you find a place that suits your needs and sign a leasing agreement, We will ask agent fee equivalent to one month rent.
Do your properties come furnished with furniture, appliances, etc?
Depending on the size of the property, some apartments may come furnished, but, in general most of our properties come unfurnished, and you will have to make your own accommodations for a refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher, ceiling lights, furniture, etc. Should you be in need of these items, we will be happy to arrange for a rental service that can provide them, so please let us know if this is the case ahead of time.
Are utilities such as gas, water, electricity or internet included in the rent?
As a general rule, utilities are not included in apartments or rental homes. You will need to make monthly payments for these services yourself, either via monthly withdrawals from your bank account or by taking the bill to a convenience store and paying there. Please feel free to ask our support to arrange lifeline set up when you move in.
I came to Japan under a Tourist Visa. Is it possible to rent accommodations for my stay?
It can be very difficult to rent accommodations under these circumstances. Generally, landlords will require that you possess a long-term stay visa such as a working visa or student visa.
What do "LDK", "DK", "K", and "One Room" refer to?
LDK stands for Living, Dining, Kitchen. This type of layout places each area in its own room..
DK stands for Dining, Kitchen. In this layout, there is a separate room for the dining room and kitchen, but there is no specific space for a living room.
K stands for Kitchen. This sort of layout includes only a kitchen and bedroom.
One Room (1R) is effectively a studio-type apartment, with the kitchen and bedroom in the same room with no separating doors.
What is a "Fixed Term Lease?
A fixed term lease is a type of contract with a fixed duration (for example, one year). This type of contract is often used by landlords in the case where they only desire to rent a room for a certain period of time, due to a transfer, etc.
Recently, landlords have increasingly been offering a “conditional renewal fixed term lease” style contract, wherein the landlord will agree to a lease renewal on the condition that the tenant has reliably paid their rent and not caused any problems during the previous term. This type of lease also allows the landlord for ask for an increased amount of rent as a condition of the lease renewal.
What costs are typically associated with renting accommodations in Japan?
This depends on the type and size of property you’re looking for, but in a typical example, in addition to the monthly rent, up front costs would include a security deposit, key money (a fee paid to the landlord), guarantor fee, brokerage fee, and fire insurance fee. Please alo look at “essential knowledge of rentals in Japan”.
We do have options and campaigns for clients who would like to keep initial costs as low as possible, so please contact us!

Contract and Move in
What information and paperwork do you require in order to rent an apartment?
Is a joint guarantor required to rent a property? What should I do if I cannot provide my own?
How soon after moving in will I be able to use internet?
How soon after moving in can I use utilities such as electricity, water and gas?
I need accommodations in a hurry. Is it possible to move into an apartment in a week or less?
Yes, we have a vacation rentals option so please feel free to ask.

Daily Life
Am I allowed to have a pet in my accommodations?
Am I required to separate my garbage? If so, how?
What should I do if I lose my key?
What should I do if I encounter a problem with the property?
What should I do if I have a noise complaint about a neighbor?
How often must I renew my contract?

Contract termination and moving out
When I want to move out, who do I inform, and how much notice should I give?
Moving out support
If you contact us, we can arrange for a cancellation notice to be sent on your behalf.
How do I turn off my electricity, gas, water, etc when I leave?
Moving out support
We contact TEPCO, Tokyo gas, internet provider etc on your behalf. Please ask.