Live House 38

The search for a Tokyo apartment for rent can start with the local newspaper if you understand Japanese. If not there are other options open to you like a real estate company, internet browsing, and asking around in the neighborhood you find interesting. A Tokyo apartment for rent for a foreigner planning to live in Japan has to be done through a real estate company with bilingual staff and brokers. This is because they can protect the interest of both parties better since they understand the communication problem and can address it professionally.

The biggest fear most newly arrived visitors to Japan have is being able to work with the locals and understand each other. It does not just pertain to the work environment but also going to the supermarket, shops, and even driving. Many products sold in Japan do not come with English translation and so the frustration level can be at it highest on the first year. If a broker can ease the process, then that would be one less item to worry about.
Not all lease contracts are cut and dried. In fact, most are signed after a series of negotiations between the two parties. Landlords in Japan generally don’t have the patience to deal with every potential tenant and would rather dialogue with brokers as well.
Unfortunately, the standard apartment rental system is not alien-friendly. Visitors planning on staying for more than a few weeks have to face a confusing system. For instance, many landlords prefer a 2 year contract and they can refuse a foreigner who cannot speak the language. It is important to realize that the Japanese have a way of life that is very different from the West. Late-night parties are not encouraged if done daily or weekly. Loud music is frowned upon, as is too much clutter.
Some of the daunting terms that will have to be negotiated are reservation fee or tetsukekin, guarantor, deposit or shikikin, reikin which is something like a non-refundable goodwill fee, and the service fee or chukai tesuryo.
With real estate companies that specialize on international clients, the possibility of getting a lease term for less than 24 months is highly likely. The real estate company can offer several options aside from an apartment like a shared apartment or gaijin houses which is Japanese for foreign houses.