Since the number of students who can live in student dormitories is limited, many international students rent private apartments. In this section, we will introduce how to move into a private apartment.
Go to a realtor and tell them what you want in terms of rent, room layout, location, etc., and ask them to introduce you to an apartment that meets your needs. If you like it, you can sign a contract. If you wish, the International Affairs Division will send you information on realtors in advance. When you sign the contract, you will need about 300,000 yen to pay the deposit, key money, realtor’s commission, rent in advance, common service fee, fire insurance, etc.
In Japan, a joint guarantor is required when signing a contract for private apartment. A joint guarantor is a person who pays the rent or renovation fees*1 to the landlord on behalf of the renter when the renter is unable to pay*2. This insurance covers damages caused to the landlord by fire, water leakage, or explosion, as well as the amount paid by the joint guarantor on behalf of the renter. Pamphlets in various languages are available, so please consult with the International Affairs Division if you need one.
*1 If the room smells of cigarettes or yellowing, or if mold or insects develop due to lack of daily ventilation, all household goods and wallpaper will have to be replaced, and you may be charged a large renovation fee.
*2 The renter must repay the amount to the joint guarantor.
When moving into a new apartment, check to see if there are any dirty or broken parts. If you find any, tell the landlord and take pictures of them. This will help you prove that you are not responsible when you are asked to pay for the damages when you move out.
Do not smoke in the apartment. Please pay attention to ventilation and hygiene, and try to maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle. In addition, noise, illegal parking, and trash dumping may cause problems with your neighbors. In some cases, you may be asked to move out, so make sure you follow the rules to avoid disturbing your neighbors.
When you move out, you must contact the landlord by the time specified in the contract. This is because the landlord will be looking for new renters. If you are late, you may be charged for the rent after you move out, so please check your contract carefully. When you move out, throw away all the garbage and clean the room before leaving.