• General information related to Japanese housing
• Housing offered by Waseda University for overseas researchers
• Information about accommodation other than that owned by Waseda University
• Hotels

General information related to Japanese housing

Housing and Moving / Multilingual Living Information /
Council of Local Authorities for International Relations

http://www.clair.or.jp/tagengorev/en/m/index.html

Housing offered by Waseda University for overseas researchers

For the details including eligibility, see:

Overseas researcher accommodation regulations /
Waseda University International Office
http://www.waseda.jp/intl-ac/iss/eng/guest-house/index.html

Information about accommodation other than that owned by Waseda University

Public rental housing

Urban Renaissance Agency (UR)
http://www.ur-net.go.jp/sumainoshiori/english/

Private accommodation

1. Types of private accommodation

1. Apartments
   An apartment could be a room only, or a room equipped with kitchen, bath, and toilet. For a room only, shared kitchen, bath, and toilet facilities are provided. Most apartments in Japan are built of wood or are prefabricated.
2. "Mansion" (condominiums)
   The inside of a mansion is almost the same as an apartment; however, a mansion is usually made of ferroconcrete. Generally mansion rents are much higher than those for apartments.

2. Accommodation charges

There are great differences in accommodation costs in big cities compared to rural areas. Even within a big city, cost depends on transportation access and the distance from the center of the city. It goes without saying that the cost also varies according to the size and appearance of the room, and the facilities provided. In Japan, before taking up residence it is customary to pay a lump sum of money in the form of key money (non-returnable), a deposit, and one month's rent in advance.

KEY MONEY (non-returnable)
The person renting a house or room in Japan generally pays a certain amount of money to the owner as a gratuity, equivalent to about 2 months' rent. Please note that this money is non-returnable.

DEPOSIT MONEY
A deposit is paid to the owner as security for any failure to pay the rent and for any damage to the room or the equipment. This is refunded when the tenant vacates the accommodation, unless there has been any neglect in paying the rent or any damage to the accommodation. The deposit is usually equivalent to 1 or 2 months' rent.

PUBLIC AMENITIES CHARGE
The Public Amenities Charge covers the electricity and water supply charges for areas in common use, the garbage charge, and a charge for the cleaning of the apartment. Usually it should be paid every month along with the rent, but sometimes it is included in the rent.

3. Searching for accommodation

1. Where to find information and get advice
   1. Private real estate agents
      Private real estate agents for apartments or mansions can easily be found around railway stations. They usually have a large signboard saying "XXX Fudosan" (real estate). Details of room vacancies are posted in the window.
   2. Housing magazines
      Many housing magazines are sold at bookstores and at kiosks at railway stations.
   3. Searching on the Internet
      Using search engines such as Google and Yahoo, first input the name of the desired area and key words such 'apartment,' 'mansion' and 'rental,' to get the names of realtors and the details of each property.
2. When visiting a real estate agent
   When looking for an apartment or mansion, we recommend that you be accompanied by your guarantor or a Japanese friend. Before going to the real estate agent, you should have a clear idea of your desires in terms of such factors as location, room size and rent. You should not hesitate to ask if anything is unclear to you. There should be no charge for inquiries, even if you look at a room and then decide not to rent it. When you decide to rent a room, you must pay a charge equivalent to one month's rent as a handling fee.
   If you see a room but cannot decide at once and want to make sure that you have first priority on the room, you will be asked to pay a deposit known as Tetsuke-kin to the agent. This fee will be used as a part of the money paid to the owner if the contract is signed. If no contract is signed, the Tetsuke-kin will not be refunded.
3. In case of rental-related trouble
   If you have any problems with rental matters, please consult your host administration office, host faculty.

4. Points to remember when renting accommodation

When you find a satisfactory room, you will need to make a contract with the owner. After moving into the room, please keep in mind the following.

1. When you sign the contract, a Japanese guarantor is usually required to be present. In principle, you are required to find a guarantor yourself. Before signing the contract you ought to pay attention to the details of the contract pointed out by your guarantor.
2. Room rent contracts are effective for 2 years.
   If you want to rent a room for only several months or one year, you should tell your real estate agent beforehand.
3. Monthly payment of rent
   According to the Japanese custom, rent is paid on a monthly basis, with the rent for the next month usually paid by the end of the current month.
4. You should notify the owner one month or two months in advance if you intend to vacate the room.
   If you leave the room without any advance notice, a further one or two months' rent may be charged by the owner. This sum of money is usually deducted from the deposit money.
5. There may be some special clauses in a contract.
   All the clauses are supposed to be fully explained to you in person, but please make sure that everything is clear to you before signing the contract.
6. You should leave the room in the same condition as when you moved in. If you have put nails in the wall, or left any dirty stains in the room, you will have to compensate for the damage. Therefore, you should clean up the room and invite the owner to check it thoroughly. Deposit money will be refunded afterwards.

5. Important advice about moving into Japanese lodgings or apartments

1. Permission from the landlord is absolutely necessary when persons other than those specified in the contract are to live in the room. Permission from the landlord is also required even for overnight stays by friends.
2. Once the contract has been signed, rent and any key money paid will not be refunded even if you change your mind and decide not to take the room.Rent in Japan is paid on a monthly basis, one month in advance, and is usually due by the last day of the month to cover the following month's rent.

Hotels

Hotels around Waseda, Toyama and Okubo campuses

Hotel Sunroute Takadanobaba
http://www.sunroutehotel.jp/takadanobaba/

RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo
http://www.rihga.co.jp/rihgacom/index.html