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| photo courtesy of sakura-house |
Normally, your employer should help set you up. But if this isn;t happening and you're alone on your hunt, here are what you need to know about finding a place in Tokyo:
- In Tokyo the different residential units are called: dormitories, gaijinhouses (foreigner houses), guesthouses or share houses, and mansions (apartments and condominiums).
- Rooms vary from western to ‘tatami’ style rooms. Tatami is the
traditional style room with straw-mat flooring, sliding cabinets and doors, and
a futon for bedding. Mostly comes unfurnished save for a futon or a low table. These rooms are quite small.
- Do
understand that in Tokyo, space is very precious so, unless you live in a
cosmopolitan city similar to it, rent will be comparatively pricey.
- Another
factor that makes the property expensive is if it’s located in a major /popular
town or high-end residential area. Example, Shibuya, Ginza, Omote-Sando, etc.
- One
important thing to consider is the distance to the train station. Walking 15-20
minutes in winter isn’t entirely fun. Neither is it when too close, you can
hear the train pass every 2 minutes.
Personal Experience: The first place I
lived in was 15 minutes to and fro the station. Apart from it being such an exhausting walk, Tama Plaza is a very hilly area so it was excruciating in the cold.
The last place I lived in for 2 years
was 2-3 minutes to the station with the train tracks a stones-throw away from my
balcony. Yes I could hear the train but it didn’t bother me at all.
- Check
the property. Do not only trust the photos on the website. See it for yourself.
- Familiarize
yourself with the property lingo: 2LDK, 3LDK, 1DK, etc. 1,2,3 = number of
rooms; L= living area, D= dining, K=kitchen. By the way, the toilet is
separated from the shower in Japan.
- Some
rental companies require the renter to pay more than just the 1st
month’s rent. More on this below.
- Unless
you can afford to live by yourself, most properties require you to live with
other people.
Personal Experience: I once lived in a
house with 19 other people. It was so much fun and a great learning experience!
Next, I lived with 2 nice girls, and the last was with 2 guys who became some
of the greatest friends I’ve ever had. So, this is definitely one way you meet
wonderful people in Tokyo.
THE SHIKIN & THE REIKIN
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RENT AND DEPOSIT MONEY IN
TOKYO
Some people end up broke even before they move in to
their new place and this is because of the crazy ‘rental deposit’ culture in
Japan.
Basically,
you will be asked to pay:
1st month’s rent
+ “shikikin" or key money / advance
deposit (about 1-2 months’ rent) that is refundable
if they see no damage done to the room / unit – most people don’t get this back.
if they see no damage done to the room / unit – most people don’t get this back.
+ “reikin”
or gift money to the landlord (about 1 month’s rent, non-refundable)
+ agent’s commission (1 month rent, non refundable).
+ some
apartments are not furnished so, you have to buy your own furniture and
utilities.
____________________
= YOU ARE BROKE.
So, to avoid all this hassle, headache, and heart ache,
know that there are loads of companies that offer good places to live at
reasonable prices without demanding so much money from you. All they require is your first month and a minimal
deposit fee (acts as both “shikikin” and security fee in case you suddenly
leave without finishing your contract).
Requires 1st month + Y30,000 deposit only.
Personal Experience: I have rented from them twice and had no problems whatsoever. The agents are
nice and speak English well so communicating isn't an issue. I told them what I wanted in a place, preferred
location, and budget. They were able to provide me quality options immediately.
The last unit I rented from them, I enjoyed living in very much.
Here are others that may help in your search:
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