Column · Apartment-hunting tips

The apartment-hunting column

Practical know-how for a search you won’t regret — from a leasing agent’s point of view. The tips agencies would rather not show you, made clear and simple.

Vol.01

Finding a home without the struggle

For a search you won’t regret, we’ve organized the apartment-hunting know-how that agencies would rather not show you.

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Vol.02

From application to move-in: when to start

Application to move-in takes about 2 weeks–1 month. Working back from move-out notice rules, start your search about 1–1.5 months before your target date.

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Vol.03

What to check at a viewing

A viewing is the most important step for preventing the “this isn’t what I expected” feeling after you move in. Here’s what to look at in limited time, from a leasing agent’s view.

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Vol.04

Layout types and how to choose

What’s the difference between “1K” and “1R”? How big is a “1LDK”? Knowing what the layout codes mean — and what suits whom — sharpens your search.

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Vol.05

The breakdown of initial costs

The “initial costs” needed in a lump at signing are generally said to be 4–6 months’ rent. Knowing the breakdown lets you read an estimate correctly.

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Vol.06

The contract flow and required documents

Once you’ve found a place you like, it’s time to contract. Knowing the flow and documents in advance keeps things smooth and shortens the time to move-in.

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Vol.07

Move-out notes and restoration

To prevent “I was billed more than I expected” at move-out, it helps to know how restoration works. Here are the basic rules, deposit settlement, and tips to keep costs down.

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Vol.08

The moving procedure and to-do list

Moving tends to feel like “so much to do — where do I even start?” Organized by timeline, you can proceed smoothly with nothing missed.

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Vol.09

Your first time living alone — what to get

What to buy, and in what order? You don’t need everything perfect from day one. Prioritize and start without strain.

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Vol.10

How to choose fire insurance for rentals

Fire insurance is nearly mandatory in a rental contract. Knowing what it covers — and whether you can choose your own — lets you prepare without waste.

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Vol.11

What is a rent guarantor company?

Lately, using a “guarantor company” rather than a personal guarantor is the norm. Knowing the mechanism, costs and screening flow makes contracting smooth.

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Vol.12

Renewal, re-contracting, and timing a move

As the contract term nears, you wonder “renew, or move?” Let’s sort out how renewal works and the smart timing for moving.

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Vol.13

How to find pet-friendly, instrument-OK and other condition properties

Want to live with a pet, or play an instrument? Properties with specific conditions are limited in number. Acting early and prioritizing your conditions is key.

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Vol.14

Pre-application, pre-contract & post-viewing application

Secure your order? Can you cancel? The risk differences between three application methods.

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Vol.15

What is a fixed-term lease?

No renewal, ends at term. Rent, mid-term cancellation and re-contract cautions.

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Vol.16

Why “only the units you can still apply for” is hard

Availability moves in real time. Why we can't pre-fix it, and how we cover it.

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Vol.17

Why we check foreign-national eligibility after you're interested

Eligibility needs a per-unit phone check. Why we can't pre-screen, and how we work.

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Vol.18

What are decoy listings (otori)? How to spot and avoid them

Bait ads you can't actually apply for. How to spot them, and why portals keep closed listings up.

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Vol.19

Points to be seen during rental screening

What can be seen during the rental inspection? We will explain the points you need to prepare in advance, such as annual income, workplace, guarantee company, correspondence, consistency of application details, etc.

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Vol.20

Can I negotiate rent? Cases that are easy to succeed and points to note

Rental negotiations are not always possible. We will explain properties that are easy to succeed in, times when it is difficult to negotiate, and things to be careful about when speaking.

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Vol.21

◯ minute walk from station: Don't judge based on numbers alone

The difference between a 5-minute walk and a 10-minute walk from the station cannot be understood just by looking at the numbers. We will explain the points to check the actual ease of walking, such as slopes, traffic lights, night roads, and ticket gate locations.

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Vol.22

Reasons why you should compare including management fees and common service fees

If you only look at the rent, the total amount will change due to management fees and common area fees. We will explain how to compare everything from the monthly total amount, initial cost, and impact on screening.

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Vol.23

Things to be careful about when purchasing properties with zero deposit

While zero deposit can reduce initial costs, you need to be careful about move-out costs and cleaning costs. We will explain the points you should check before signing a contract.

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Vol.24

Are zero key money properties really a good deal?

Zero key money can reduce initial costs, but you need to balance it with rent, renewal fees, and short-term cancellation penalties. I will explain the decision points.

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Vol.25

Should I avoid rooms on the first floor? Advantages and precautions

Rooms on the first floor are often avoided when renting. We will summarize the benefits and points to note, such as rent, soundproofing, ease of movement, security, and humidity.

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Vol.26

Advantages and disadvantages of rooms on the top floor

While the top floor has the advantage of a view and no noise from the upper floors, you do have to be careful about the heat, rent, and waiting for the elevator. I will explain how to choose.

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Vol.27

South facing is not the only correct answer

A popular property facing south. However, depending on your living hours and home situation, facing east, west, or north are also options. I will explain the concept of squares.

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Vol.28

Points to consider when looking at older properties

While it is easier to keep the rent low for older properties, it is important to check the equipment, soundproofing, plumbing, and management condition. We will explain the checkpoints during the preview.

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Vol.29

Security points to check even in auto-lock properties

Auto-locking doesn't necessarily mean you'll feel safe. We will explain the points you should look at in terms of security, such as common areas, entrances, windows, delivery boxes, and the surrounding environment.

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Vol.30

Convenience and precautions for properties with delivery boxes

Delivery boxes are convenient equipment, but their usability varies depending on their number, size, and management status. We will explain the points you should check during the preview.

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Vol.31

What is a rent guarantee company?

We will explain the role, costs, screening, difference from a joint guarantor, and points to check before signing a contract regarding rent guarantee companies, which often appear in rental contracts.

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Vol.32

Can additional services such as 24-hour support be removed from the contract?

We will explain how to check whether you can exclude the ancillary services included in the estimate at the time of the rental contract, such as 24-hour support, deodorizing and antibacterial services, and pest control, and what to keep in mind.

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Vol.33

Is it possible to make multiple applications?

We will explain whether it is possible to apply for multiple properties at the same time when looking for a rental room, the benefits, risks, how management companies view them, and things to be careful about when cancelling.

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Vol.34

Points to note when asked for application fee/deposit

We will explain the points to check if you are asked for an application fee or deposit when applying for rental, refund conditions, and how to read receipts and deposit slips.

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Vol.35

What is short-term cancellation penalty?

We will explain the conditions for short-term cancellation penalties, which are common in rental contracts, the approximate amount, contract clauses to check, and things to keep in mind for those planning to move.

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Vol.36

Can I choose my own fire insurance?

Regarding fire insurance to be purchased in a rental contract, we will explain the treatment of specified insurance, cases that can be selected by yourself, compensation contents, and the importance of tenant liability insurance.

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Vol.37

How are the move-in date and rent accrual date determined?

We will explain the important move-in date and rent generation date in a rental contract, cases in which you can negotiate, points to note when moving in immediately, and ways to avoid double rent.

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Vol.38

Are properties with no renewal fees really a good deal?

We will explain the benefits and points to note of properties with no renewal fees, how they compare with monthly rent and management fees, and how to view the total amount if you live in the property for a long time.

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Vol.39

By when should I give notice of cancellation?

Regarding the cancellation notice required when moving out of a rental property, we will explain the difference between 1 month and 2 months notice, how to give notice, and points to check to avoid paying double rent.

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Vol.40

How to avoid trouble with restoration costs

We will explain the difference between normal wear and tear and intentional negligence, the importance of taking photos when moving in, and points to keep in mind when checking estimates regarding the cost of restoring the property to its original condition when you move out.

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Vol.41

Will there be any costs if I cancel before signing the contract?

Regarding cancellations from the time you apply for a rental until before the contract is signed, we will explain the cases in which costs are likely to be incurred, how to handle application fees, and how to communicate to avoid trouble.

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Vol.42

What should I check in the explanation of important matters?

We will clearly explain the important points to check before signing a rental contract from the perspective of costs, prohibitions, equipment, cancellation conditions, and special agreements.

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Vol.43

In what cases do you need a joint guarantor?

We will explain the reasons why a guarantor is required even in the era when a guarantee company is used, the required documents, and what to do if you cannot ask for one.

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Vol.44

Difference between emergency contact and joint guarantor

We will explain the emergency contact information required for rental applications, the difference from a joint guarantor, who can be designated, and how to respond to confirmation calls.

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Vol.45

Is it possible to apply before viewing?

We will explain the benefits, risks, precautions to be taken when canceling, and how to use it with online previews regarding pre-viewing applications, which are increasing in popularity for popular properties.

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Vol.46

Points to check during online preview

We will explain points to check, such as sunlight, noise, storage, common areas, measurements, and communication environment, which are often overlooked during online previews.

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Vol.47

How can I check if the property has been damaged by an accident?

We will explain how to check for rental properties with psychological defects or notices, how to read the explanation of important matters, and how to ask questions if you have any concerns.

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Vol.48

What is a fixed-term rental contract? Differences from a normal rental contract

We will explain the difference between a fixed-term rental contract and a regular rental contract, whether or not you can renew the contract, early cancellation, why the rent looks cheap, and points to check before signing a contract.

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Vol.49

Conditions to check for free rental properties

We will explain the advantages and precautions of rental properties with free rent, short-term cancellation penalties, handling of management fees, and how to compare total prices.

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Vol.50

Contract conditions to check for pet-friendly properties

We will explain the types and number of pets that can be kept in a pet-friendly rental property, additional security deposits, fees when moving out, management regulations, and measures to prevent problems with neighbors.

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Vol.51

Things to keep in mind when looking for properties that allow consultation on musical instruments

Regarding rental properties where musical instruments can be negotiated, we will explain the instruments that can be played, time of day, soundproofing, problems with neighbors, and points to check on contract conditions.

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Vol.52

Difference between office use and SOHO use

We will explain the differences between office-useable, SOHO-ready, and residential-only rental properties, including points to check regarding registration, visitors, signboards, contract conditions, and costs.

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Vol.53

Things to be confirmed in the corporate contract

We will explain the documents that are likely to be needed in a corporate rental contract, review, tenant information, company regulations, contract name, and points to check regarding cost burden.

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Vol.54

Required documents for foreign nationals renting a property

We will explain the points that foreign nationals need to check when renting a rental property in Japan: residence card, passport, work certificate, emergency contact information, and guarantee company.

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Vol.55

Schedule and flow of contract start and key handover

We will explain the differences between the contract start date, rent accrual date, key handover date, and moving date, which are often confused with rental contracts, as well as the general flow from application to move-in.

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Vol.56

What is a “renewable” fixed-term rental contract? Dangers and points to check

The fact that you can renew your fixed-term rental contract does not necessarily mean that you will be able to continue living there. We will explain the difference from a regular rental contract, the risks of not being able to renew the contract, and points to check before signing a contract.

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Vol.57

How to find your next home when your current lease requires two months' notice

If your current lease requires two months' notice, timing is crucial when looking for your next home. This article explains how to reduce double rent, when to give notice, and why giving notice too early can be risky.

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Vol.58

What should I do next if I fail the entrance examination?

We will explain whether you will be told the reason when you fail the rental screening, what you should do in your next application, and how to review your guarantee company and property selection.

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Vol.59

Items to check when estimating initial costs

When estimating the initial rental cost, we will explain the items to check, such as security deposit, key money, advance rent, guarantee fee, fire insurance, ancillary services, and brokerage fees.

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Vol.60

Can I change the conditions after applying?

Can I change the move-in date, rent accrual date, initial fee, contract holder, cohabitant, etc. after applying for rental? We will explain when changes become difficult and points to be aware of.

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Vol.61

What will they ask you when you get a call from the insurance company?

We'll explain what you're likely to hear about the confirmation phone call you receive from the guarantee company after applying for a rental, what to do if you can't get through, and how to contact emergency contact information.

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Vol.62

Points to check when you feel that the cost of moving out is high

When you feel that the cost of moving out of a rental property is high, we will explain the breakdown of restoration to its original condition, normal wear and tear, special clauses in the contract, photo records, and how to proceed with checking estimates.

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Vol.63

Things to keep in mind when writing a rental contract when starting to live together

We will explain the points you should check in advance on the rental contract when you start living together, such as whether two people can move in, the contract holder, a joint guarantor, combined income, moving out in the event of separation, and changing names.

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Vol.64

What are deposit depreciation and shikibiki?

Explains deposit depreciation and shikibiki in Japanese rentals, how they affect refunds, how they relate to restoration costs, and what to check before signing.

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Vol.65

Types of rent guarantor companies and what they check

Learn the main types of rent guarantor companies in Japan and the screening points they often check, from income to phone response.

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Vol.66

Why guarantor company rules and fees differ

Explains why screening rules, fees, renewal costs, payment methods, and emergency contact handling differ by guarantor company.

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Vol.67

Documents to prepare before rental screening

A checklist of documents to prepare before rental screening, including ID, income proof, employer details, emergency contacts, and residence card information.

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Vol.68

What rent guarantor companies may ask by phone

Explains common questions in guarantor company verification calls, missed-call handling, emergency contact checks, and answer tips.

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Vol.69

What to do after failing rental screening

Explains what to review after a rejected rental screening: reasons, rent range, guarantor company, application details, and documents.

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Vol.70

Can you apply for a rental from overseas?

Can you apply for a Japanese rental from overseas? Learn possible cases, difficult cases, documents, online viewings, contracts, and key handover.

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Vol.71

When Nihon Safety is the guarantor company: what to check

What to check for fees, renewal, verification, and emergency contacts when Nihon Safety is specified.

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Vol.72

Points to check when Zenhoren is the guarantor company

How to check Zenhoren fees, verification, documents, and next steps after screening.

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Vol.73

What to check when Casa is the guarantor company

Casa as guarantor: fees, bank transfer, verification, and emergency contact points.

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Vol.74

What is Japan Identification (JID)? Checks before screening

JID as guarantor: documents, fees, verification, and guarantor handling.

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Vol.75

Key points when Orico Forrent Insure is the guarantor company

Orico Forrent Insure: fees, payment method, and credit-related screening concerns.

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Vol.76

When GTN is the guarantor: checks for international residents and overseas applications

GTN for international residents and overseas applications: documents and contact setup.

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Vol.77

How to find a rental when you are worried about your credit history

How to search when credit history is a concern: guarantor company types, rent level, documents, and what to tell the agent before applying.

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Vol.78

When エポスカード ROOM iD is the guarantor company: what to check

エポスカード ROOM iD as guarantor: fees, verification, emergency contacts, payment method, and documents to prepare.

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Vol.79

When ジェイリース is the guarantor company: what to check

ジェイリース as guarantor: fees, verification, emergency contacts, payment method, and documents to prepare.

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Vol.80

When ナップ賃貸保証 is the guarantor company: what to check

ナップ賃貸保証 as guarantor: fees, verification, emergency contacts, payment method, and documents to prepare.

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Vol.81

When いえらぶパートナーズ is the guarantor company: what to check

いえらぶパートナーズ as guarantor: fees, verification, emergency contacts, payment method, and documents to prepare.

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Vol.82

When エルズサポート is the guarantor company: what to check

エルズサポート as guarantor: fees, verification, emergency contacts, payment method, and documents to prepare.

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Vol.83

When フォーシーズ is the guarantor company: what to check

フォーシーズ as guarantor: fees, verification, emergency contacts, payment method, and documents to prepare.

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Vol.84

Installment payment for rental initial costs: partner services and fees

How installment payment for rental initial costs works, including smooth, Pocket Card QR installment payment, APRs, screening, and cautions.

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Vol.85

Repayment planning before splitting rental initial costs

初期費用を分割払いにする前に、月々の返済額、支払総額、家賃とのバランス、引越し後の出費を確認しましょう。

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Vol.86

Credit card payment vs installment payment for initial costs

クレジットカード払いと分割払いの違いを整理。決済方法、審査、手数料、対象費用、支払いタイミングを解説します。

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Vol.87

Items you can discuss when you want to reduce initial costs

初期費用を抑えたい方へ。礼金、フリーレント、入居日、付帯サービス、仲介手数料、分割払いの相談ポイント。

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Vol.88

How to set rent for smoother guarantor company screening

保証会社審査で大切な家賃設定。手取り収入、固定費、初期費用分割払い、申込前の見直しポイントを解説。

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Vol.89

Applying for a rental when you do not have an emergency contact

緊急連絡先がいない・頼みにくい方へ。連帯保証人との違い、親族以外の可能性、事前説明の注意点を解説。

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Vol.90

What to do when a joint guarantor is required

連帯保証人が必要と言われたときの対応。保証会社との違い、緊急連絡先、用意できない場合の探し方を解説。

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Vol.91

Does rental screening include employer verification?

Does rental screening include employer verification?

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Vol.92

Rental screening for job offer holders and recent job changers

Rental screening for job offer holders and recent job changers

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Vol.93

Rental screening tips for freelancers and sole proprietors

Rental screening tips for freelancers and sole proprietors

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Vol.94

Can you rent while unemployed or on leave?

Can you rent while unemployed or on leave?

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Vol.95

Rental screening for students and new graduates

Rental screening for students and new graduates

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Vol.96

What to watch in screening for couples and room shares

What to watch in screening for couples and room shares

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Vol.97

How to search for the next room before giving move-out notice

How to plan applications, double rent, move-in dates, notice deadlines, and screening before giving move-out notice.

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Vol.98

How far can you negotiate the move-in date?

What affects move-in date negotiation, when rent start can be delayed, and what to prepare before asking.

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Vol.99

Things to avoid during rental screening

Actions that can slow or hurt rental screening, including delayed documents, false information, missed calls, and multiple applications.

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Vol.100

What to know when canceling after applying for a rental

How cancellation differs before screening approval, after approval, before contract signing, and after signing.

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Vol.101

Checklist to avoid regrets with pre-viewing contracts

A checklist for signing before viewing: photos, floor plan, equipment, measurements, cancellation terms, and mismatch risk.

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Vol.102

How to respond when the management company asks for extra documents

Why extra documents are requested in rental screening and how to submit income proof, bank records, job offer letters, residence cards, and more.

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Vol.103

What guarantor company identity calls usually ask

Common questions in guarantor company identity calls and how to respond without delaying screening.

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Vol.104

What to know about emergency contact checks by guarantor companies

Why guarantor companies check emergency contacts, who to choose, and how this differs from a joint guarantor.

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Vol.105

When are guarantor company renewal fees charged?

When guarantor company renewal fees are charged and how annual, monthly, and no-renewal plans differ.

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Vol.106

How to read initial, monthly, and annual guarantor fees

How initial, monthly, annual guarantor fees and withdrawal fees affect upfront and monthly costs.

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Vol.107

Can you reapply after failing guarantor company screening?

When reapplication may be possible after guarantor company denial and what to review before trying again.

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Vol.108

When a joint guarantor is still required with a guarantor company

Why a joint guarantor may still be required with a guarantor company, including student, unemployed, corporate, and income-risk cases.

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Vol.109

How far can the rent start date be delayed after applying?

Usually the rent start or contract start date can be delayed no more than about one month after application, and many managers require two to three weeks.

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Vol.110

How fast can you move in when you need the quickest possible schedule?

Some management companies can allow move-in in about one week, and same-day move-in may be possible in rare cases when every condition is ready.

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Vol.111

When are keys handed over, and can you receive them before the contract starts?

Key handover usually happens on or after the contract start date. Learn when earlier handover may or may not be possible.

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Vol.112

Initial cost payment deadlines and the risk of late payment

Initial rental costs are often due before contract start or key handover. Learn the risks of late payment and how to prepare.

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Vol.113

Can the important matters explanation be done online?

Important matters explanation for rental contracts may be handled online. Learn the flow, preparation, and cautions.

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Vol.114

Document checklist for the fastest possible move-in

For the fastest move-in, prepare ID, income proof, emergency contact details, residence card, and initial funds in advance.

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Vol.115

When should you apply for electricity, gas, and water before moving in?

Learn when to arrange electricity, gas, water, internet, and gas opening appointments before move-in.

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Vol.116

How to adjust rent, keys, and moving plans when the move-in date changes

If screening or contract preparation shifts your move-in date, adjust rent start, key handover, movers, and old lease timing carefully.

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Vol.117

Room checklist right after moving in

A checklist for floors, walls, fixtures, water areas, windows, keys, air conditioners, and photo records right after moving in.

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Vol.118

When should you report scratches or stains found at move-in?

How soon to report scratches and stains found at move-in, how to photograph them, and how to avoid move-out disputes.

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Vol.119

Can you choose your own fire and household insurance?

When you can choose rental fire and household insurance yourself, when it is designated, and how to check coverage.

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Vol.120

Address change procedures people often forget after moving

A practical list of address updates after moving: resident registration, mail forwarding, license, banks, cards, employer, and school.

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Vol.121

Garbage rules and bulky waste checks before moving in

Check garbage days, sorting, bulky waste, moving waste, and garbage area rules before moving into a rental.

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Vol.122

What to check for bicycle, car, and motorcycle parking contracts

Check availability, fees, size limits, timing, cancellation, and unauthorized parking risks for bicycle, car, and motorcycle spaces.

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Vol.123

What is a rental renewal fee and when is it paid?

When rental renewal fees occur, typical amounts, the difference from renewal admin fees, and what to check before paying.

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Vol.124

What is a renewal administration fee?

The meaning of renewal administration fees, how they differ from renewal fees, who receives them, and what to check in the contract.

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Vol.125

What is an early termination penalty?

When early termination penalties apply, common one-year and two-year rules, free-rent properties, and what to check before moving out.

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Vol.126

When should you give move-out notice?

Move-out notice may be one or two months, affecting the next search and double rent. Learn what to check before giving notice.

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Vol.127

What is checked during move-out inspection?

What inspectors check at move-out: damage, stains, fixtures, keys, cleaning, restoration costs, and day-of cautions.

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Vol.128

How to avoid disputes over restoration costs

Avoid restoration cost disputes by checking move-in photos, contracts, special terms, estimates, and basic guideline concepts.

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Vol.129

Common misunderstandings about luxury rental apartments

Common misunderstandings about rent, fees, screening, shared facilities, concierge service, initial costs, and move-out costs.

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Vol.130

Misunderstandings when considering La Tour apartments

Points to check when considering Sumitomo Realty’s La Tour luxury rental series: concierge, facilities, screening, and costs.

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Vol.131

What to check when considering Park Axis

What to check for Mitsui’s Park Axis rental residences: location, floor plan, management, pets, and initial costs.

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Vol.132

Misunderstandings when considering Comforia

What to check with Tokyu Land’s Comforia rental residences: brand image, pets, sound, facilities, and cost terms.

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Vol.133

What to check when considering Prime Maison

What to check for Prime Maison premium rental apartments: facilities, sound insulation, initial costs, and management terms.

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Vol.134

How to compare apartments beyond the series name

How to compare series such as La Tour, Park Axis, Comforia, and Prime Maison by rent, management, screening, facilities, and move-out terms.

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Vol.135

What people miss when viewing luxury rentals

When viewing a luxury rental, check not only the lobby and equipment but also sound, daily routes, shared-area rules, moving-in access, and cost terms.

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Vol.136

Common misunderstandings about renting tower apartments

What to check in tower rentals: views, elevators, shared facilities, management fees, disaster procedures, and moving-in rules.

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Vol.137

Misunderstandings about pet-friendly luxury rentals

What to confirm in pet-friendly luxury rentals: pet type, number, weight limits, extra deposit, move-out costs, and shared-area rules.

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Vol.138

What apartment concierge service can and cannot do

What to check in concierge apartments: available requests, unavailable tasks, reception hours, delivery, cleaning, taxi arrangements, and fees.

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Vol.139

Reservation, fees, and rules for apartment shared facilities

What to check for gyms, lounges, guest rooms, workspaces, and other shared facilities: reservation method, fees, hours, guest rules, and restrictions.

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Vol.140

Things to check when renting luxury apartments under a corporate contract

For corporate contracts on luxury rentals, check company housing rules, resident information, screening, contract name, payment method, cancellation, and renewal terms.

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Vol.141

Misunderstandings when considering Residia apartments

When considering rental series such as Residia, check not only the series name but also age, management, initial costs, pet rules, and renewal terms.

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Vol.142

What to check when considering The Parkhabio

When considering urban rental series such as The Parkhabio, check station access, layout, facilities, screening, shared areas, and contract terms.

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Vol.143

Misunderstandings when considering Proud Flat

For rental series such as Proud Flat, check brand image, layout, facilities, sound, initial costs, and move-out terms.

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Vol.144

What to check when considering Brillia ist

When considering rental series such as Brillia ist, check not only design but also management, facilities, storage, internet, and contract terms.

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Vol.145

Easy-to-miss points when considering Gran Paseo

When considering rental series such as Gran Paseo, check initial costs, rent start date, screening, facilities, area environment, and move-out terms.

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Vol.146

Why terms differ even within the same apartment series

Even within the same apartment series, rent, initial costs, screening, move-in timing, pet rules, and move-out costs can differ. Here is how to compare.

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Vol.147

Misunderstandings about luxury rental screening

Common misunderstandings about luxury rental screening: income, employer, corporate contracts, guarantee companies, household members, and application speed.

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Vol.148

Why initial costs for luxury rentals look high

Why initial costs for luxury rentals can look high: deposit, key money, advance rent, guarantee company, insurance, key exchange, and move-out costs.

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Vol.149

What to check when apartment management fees are high

What to check when management fees are high: shared facilities, concierge, cleaning, security, internet, and total monthly cost.

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Vol.150

How to avoid mistakes with views and sunlight in luxury rentals

When prioritizing views and sunlight, check direction, floor, nearby buildings, time of day, future construction, and window usability.

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Vol.151

What to check in luxury rentals with parking

For luxury rentals with parking, check availability, size limits, mechanical parking, fees, contract period, garage certificate, and EV charging.

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Vol.152

Noise and daily routes people miss in luxury rentals near stations

For luxury rentals near stations, check train noise, foot traffic, restaurants, delivery vehicles, nighttime routes, trash access, and shopping routes.

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Vol.153

Common misunderstandings about La Tour rental screening

Before applying for Sumitomo Realty’s La Tour luxury rental series, check screening, income documents, corporate contracts, SOHO use, reapplication risk, and false declarations.

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Vol.160

Why it can be worth applying as the second or third applicant

The first applicant may cancel, and the people ahead of you may withdraw. A later position can still become your chance.

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Vol.287

If you are looking for a used 1LDK near Musashikoyama, know the market first

For a used 1LDK in Musashikoyama (Shinagawa Ward), around 10 years old and in the 40-square-meter range, a rough price range is approximately ¥45–55 million. Here is how to read that figure and what to check.

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Vol.288

Queue Order or Simultaneous Review: Two Ways Rental Applications Get Screened

Rental applications are handled either first-come, first-served or through simultaneous review. Which method applies changes how you should approach applying.

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Vol.289

The Building's Management Company and the Room's Management Company Can Be Different

Rental properties often have two separate management companies — one for the building, one for the room. Here is how to tell them apart.

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Vol.290

9 Things Worth Buying Before Your Rental Move-In Date

A few simple items, bought before move-in, help keep your new home clean and pest-free — fog-type fumigators, gap-sealing putty, water-repellent coating, and more.

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