JST Housing Support: We Make Renting in Japan Easy!
Service: JST Housing Support: Let us find you your ideal share or private accomodation!
Overview:
Finding an apartment or room to live in Japan as a foreigner can be extremely challenging. The process can be complex and time-consuming, with many different fees, requirements, and deadlines to keep track of. Additionally, the language barrier can make it difficult to communicate with real estate agents and other service providers. Some places look great online but really aren't, and knowing where you're going to want to live, and if you're going to look for shared accomodation or private can get complicated.
Our Language Student Housing Support Service is here to help you every step of the way. We provide comprehensive support to help you find a suitable rental property, navigate the rental process, and connect with essential service providers.
Services:
- Real estate company recommendations and introductions: We will connect you with reputable real estate companies that specialize in assisting foreigners.
- Japanese apartment information: We will provide you with detailed information about available rental properties that match your preferences, lifestyle, and budget.
- Introduction accompaniment: We will accompany you during property viewings to ensure effective communication and a smooth experience.
- Interpretation and translation: We will provide interpretation and translation services to help you comprehend all the necessary information accurately.
- Communication support with real estate agencies / agents / management companies: We will liaise with real estate companies and other relevant parties on your behalf to ensure effective and clear communication, and to ensure that all fees and obligations are clear up-front so there are no surprises.
JST Utility Set-Up
Benefits:
- Save time and hassle: We will take care of all the logistics of the housing search and rental process, so you can focus on other important aspects of your move to Japan.
- Avoid costly mistakes: We have extensive experience in the Japanese housing market and can help you avoid common pitfalls.
- Get expert guidance and support: Our team of experienced professionals is here to answer your questions and provide you with personalized guidance throughout the process.
Can't I take care of this myself?
The short answer is "some people do BUT..."
For a more detailed explanation of why having professional support can make all the difference:
Why Shouldn't I Just Do This On My Own?
Cost:
US＄200
Cancellation Policy:
- You can cancel your application for housing arrangement services for free up until the point you submit the application form.
- If you cancel your application after submitting the application form, you will not be refunded the initial fee.
- If you cancel your application within one month of the contract start date, you will be charged 50% of the contract fee for the relevant room.
- If you cancel your application within seven days of the contract start date, you will be charged 100% of the contract fee for the relevant room.
Request for cancellations:
- Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel your application.
- If you cancel your application due to a force majeure event, such as a natural disaster or an infectious disease (such as COVID-19), we may be able to waive the cancellation fee if you contact us early.
Real Students, Real Problems.
They Don't Speak English.
Q. What difficulties did you face when you first got to Japan?
A. ...finding apartment/sharehouse company that can communicate in english.
Connections Needed
Q. What difficulties did you face when you first got to Japan?
A. I heard it was difficult for others to find good housing, although I had a family connection that helped me.
Pets Make it Harder
Q. What difficulties did you face when you first got to Japan?
A. Finding suitable housing for me and my pet was hard.
Finding Housing = Hard Mode
Q. What would have been helpful to know before arriving in Japan?
A. How hard it is to rent an apartment when you first move here.
JST Does it for You!
Q. Are there any preparations you regret not doing before moving to Japan that's you'd recommend other people to do?
A. Maybe do more research about daily life things: which doctor's have english support and accept NHI? What is the cheapest SIM card option? How can I find a foreigner friendly apartment? Who can I contact for these questions? etc
JST surveyed real Japanese language students about the issues they faced before and after coming to Japan, and designed our services to make sure immersive language students in Japan never face the hard parts alone.
Why hiring a Pro makes all the difference:
How hard can finding or renting a place to stay in Japan really be?
Renting a house in Japan can be extremely daunting, especially for foreigners starting a new life here.
The initial cost alone, including security deposit, key money, two months' rent, brokerage fee, and insurance premiums, adds up to about five months' rent.
On top of that, finding properties that accept foreign residents can be challenging, and furnished options are limited.
Even after finding a place, the struggles don't end there. Communicating in Japanese becomes essential for handling various situations, such as contracts for gas and electricity. With numerous gas and electric companies to choose from, making the right selection can be tricky.
Our Housing Support Service is here to assist you every step of the way. From finding a property that aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and budget to helping you navigate through contracts with real estate companies, gas, electricity, and more, we've got you covered.
JST Utility Set-Up
The "Hoshonin" Conundrum
One of the most significant challenges foreigners face is the requirement for a "Japanese guarantor" (Hoshonin) in rental contracts. For those new to Japan, securing such a guarantor can be nearly impossible. This requirement stems from the guarantor's responsibility to pay rent on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Even a Japanese person may not be accepted as a guarantor if they are unemployed or financially unstable. Submitting various documents, including personal information, is necessary, making the process even more daunting.
Rental contracts in Japan are usually for two years, requiring you to renew the contract after this period. To continue your stay, you'll need to submit both your and your guarantor's information for the new contract. Hence, it's advisable to stick with a guarantor you trust and have a long-standing relationship with.
Apart from the rental contract, handling gas, electricity, water, and internet services can also be quite challenging. These are typically handled by separate companies, and the basic contracts in Tokyo are gas = Tokyo Gas, electricity = Tokyo Electric Power, and water = Tokyo Waterworks Bureau. However, the number of available options can be overwhelming, and selecting the best ones for your needs is critical.
