◆Payments
In Japan, new apartment tenants may be required to pay reikin (key money) and shikikin (a security deposit) in addition to the rent. The tenants usually have to make all these upfront payments in full, including the rent of more than one month. Be sure to check which payments you must make to rent an apartment.
◆Important Move-in Reminders
① Pay your rent by the due date
You must pay your monthly rent and maintenance fees by the required date. Even if you go on an extended vacation, you must make your payments on time. If you fail to do so, you may be forced to move out of your apartment.
② You are not allowed to make modifications to your room.
You cannot make modifications to your room without the permission of your landlord. You must talk to your landlord before making any small changes including putting nails in the wall.
③ Only the tenant may live in the housing
It is a breach of contract to house a person whose name is not written on the contract. If you wish to share an apartment with another person, you must talk to your landlord first.
Note: Even if your family comes to visit, they may not stay for an extended period of time. You are advised to talk to your landlord when your family members or relatives visit your apartment.
④ Resident behavior
Tenants should not cause trouble with neighbors by making excessive noise (screaming, shouting, or talking) or having parties. You must follow the rules of the apartment.
⑤ Garbage classification
Each city or town has separate garbage classification rules and collection days for garbage disposal. Garbage disposal rules differ for each municipality and apartment, so please check and follows the rules of where you live.
◆Moving Out
① Submit your moving out form
In most situations, you must notify your landlord or the real estate agency of your departure at least one or two months before the move-out date. First, please submit your moving out form to the real estate company. Please note that informing your building maintenance or security staff is not sufficient, you must notify the real estate agency in writing.
* If you submit your moving out form late, you will have to pay additional rent until your notice has been processed.
② Please cancel electricity and other service contracts and throw away household appliances and oversized garbage as necessary according to the rules of your municipality.
③ You must be present during the room inspection upon moving out.
You must leave your room in the same condition it was when you moved in. You may face trouble if garbage, personal belongings, damage, and stains are found during the inspection. You should ask your real estate agency or landlord on how to return the apartment keys prior to your move-out.
④ Complete security deposit procedures.
◆Other
Other types of housing such as city and prefectural housing are also open to students periodically. If there are any terms you do not understand related to real estate such as reikin, shikikin, or koshinryo, please make sure to check the terms as well as the contents of the contract at the time of contract.