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Looking for a Home
The best way to find a house or apartment to rent is to go to a real estate agency. If you specify such conditions as rental rate, size, moving date and location, the real estate agent can locate various accommodations that meet your conditions. If they cannot find a place that you like, you will not be asked to pay any fees. If you cannot make an immediate decision, the agent will hold a place for you for four or five days if you pay between ¥10,000 and ¥20,000 in advance. However, if you decide not to finalize a contract, this money will not be returned.
Finalizing a Rental Contract
When you rent an apartment or house, you must first pay the following fees in addition to the rent:
- Reikin (Key money or Customary fee): Paid to the landlord when the contract is finalized. Usually, equivalent to one or two months’ rent. It is also called “kenrikin” (authorization fee). This fee will not be returned.
- Shikikin (Damage deposit): Collateral paid to and held by the landlord in case you fall behind in your rent payments. When you move out and cancel the rental contract, some money may be deducted from this deposit to cover any repairs for damages. Usually, equivalent to one or two months of rent.
- Tesuryo (Handling fee): Paid to the real estate agency who serves as the liaison with the landlord. Usually, the equivalent of one month’s rent.
- Rent calculated on a daily basis: Rent is calculated on a daily basis from the day the contract is finalized until the end of that month.
Make sure you understand the terms of the contract before you finalize it. It is important to particularly note the clauses for such conditions as the renewal fee, procedures for canceling the contract and costs for repair, as these may later cause problems.
Contract Renewal and Cancellation
- The average contract is renewed every two years. Rent is often increased and an amount equivalent to one month of the new rent is requested as a new deposit.
- You must give notice of cancellation of the contract to the landlord one month in advance. If this notice is not given, the deposit will not be refundable under breach of contract.
Moving In — Electricity, Gas and Water
- Electricity
Once you flip on the circuit breaker in your new residence, you can start using the electricity. Look for the postcard attached to the breaker. Complete the card with the required information and mail it to the electric power company.
Inquiries: Tokyo Electric Power Company, Tokyo Customer Center
Tel: 0120-995-001 (For moving, contract or changes)
0120-995-002 (Other than the above)
- Gas
Call the Tokyo Gas Company to send a serviceman to open the valve in your new residence. When the serviceman comes, he will also check your gas appliances to make sure they match the type of gas in your area.
Inquiries: Customer Service Center, Tokyo Gas Company, Tel: 0570-00-2211 / 3603-0361(from mobile phones and PHS)
- Water
Please notify Bureau of Waterworks Customer Service Center when you would like to use the water. You will be able to start using it right away.
Inquiries: Bureau of Waterworks Customer Service Center, Tel: 03-5626-1100
Checklist When Moving Out
Remember to complete the following procedures when moving out.
- Electricity and Gas
Notify the electric company and the gas company of your intended moving date one week to two days prior to your move. A serviceman will come directly to your house on the day you move and settle your account.
- Water
Notify Bureau of Waterworks between one week and two days prior to your move. Your account will be settled on the day of, or prior to, your move.
- Telephone
As soon as your moving date is final, call the telephone company and make arrangements for telephone service, for installing a new telephone or for transferring your old telephone line. Dial 116 without an area code.
- Post Office
Complete the change of address form available at the post office and fill in your new address. The post office will then forward your mail to your new address for one year.
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LIVING IN EDOGAWA
