1. Setting a budget

Monthly rent budget

It is best to set your monthly rent budget to 25-30% of your monthly income.

-Initial cost

Normally, moving in costs 4-6 months' worth of rent. If you cannot provide as much initial cost, try looking for apartments without deposits or key money.

2. Area

Commuting time

Think about how much time you can use to commute to your work or school.

Most workplaces are in urban areas, so living close to work would mean higher rent.

-Train lines

Living along popular train lines like Yamanote Line, Marunouchi Line, and Ginza Line in Tokyo is convenient, but the rent is expensive. By living along other train lines, you can reduce your monthly rent easily but still live close to the city. Feel free to contact us if you need assistance deciding on which areas suit your preferences.

3. Room layout and structure

Room types

The necessary room layout and number of rooms depend on the number of tenants that will live in the room. For example, if a person plans to live alone, then 1Room, 1K, 1DK, 1LDK room types are most suitable. If two people plan to live together, then 2K, 2DK, 2LDK room types are more suitable.

Two people living in 1K is not preferred in most cases but negotiable. Please let us know if you prefer to share your apartment with another person.

-Structure

Apartments in Japan are wooden structured, steel-structured, reinforced concrete structured, or steel-reinforced concrete structured.

Normally we use "apartments" and "mansion" in Japanese to refer to different types of structures.

Mansion type building is stronger and tends to be more expensive to rent.

-Age of the apartment

Newer apartments are more popular and tend to be more expensive to rent. Older apartments are usually cheaper.

4. Facilities

Security system

An auto-lock main entrance is a common security system used in Japanese apartment buildings. There are also apartments with intercom, security cameras, a doorman, and other security systems.

-Delivery box

It is a box designed to keep your packages that were delivered while you were away.

-Loft

Loft floors help to create large storage areas and reduce unused space.

-Electric stove and gas stove

You can use electric or gas stoves in the kitchen. Electric stoves are just as strong as gas stoves and are very useful. It also prevents housefires.

-Bathroom dehumidifier

In some bathrooms are equipped with a dehumidifier and a heating system. It is useful when drying laundry indoors.

-Floor heating

Some apartments have heating floors that help to warm the room from bottom up.

-Other facilities

Other useful facilities include a built-in kitchen unit, bathroom cabinets, internet, and BS/CS cable TV. Check and see which facilities are available in your apartment.

5. Others

Neighborhood areas

It is good to check if there are supermarkets and convenience stores nearby.

-2nd floor or higher

Some tenants prefer to live in a higher part of the building to prevent burglaries, and for better natural lighting. The rent is sometimes more expensive on higher floors due to its popularity.