Column · Apartment-hunting tips · No.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.

Free rent is a condition in which rent is free for a certain period of time.

This is attractive because it reduces initial costs, but if you choose one without checking the contract details, you may end up incurring unexpected costs later on.

Check the free range

In some cases, only the rent portion is free with free rent.

Management fees, common area fees, parking fees, guarantee fees, etc. may be incurred as usual. Even if you hear "1 month free", let's check what is free.

Beware of short-term cancellation penalties

In properties with free rent, there may be penalties if you move out within a short period of time.

For example, if you move out within a year, you will have to pay one month's rent and have the free rent paid back.

Be especially careful if you don't plan to live there for a long time.

See if the total price is really low

Free rent makes the initial cost seem cheaper.

However, if the rent is higher than the market price, the total amount may end up increasing if you live there for a long time.

Compare not only the initial cost but also the total cost if you live for one or two years.

Compatibility with move-in period

Free rent can also help reduce double rent.

If the move-out date of your current room and the rent start date of your new room overlap, having free rent will make it easier to reduce the burden.

However, you need to check when the free period starts.

summary

Free-rent properties are attractive for those who want to reduce initial costs.

Make sure you understand the terms and conditions before making your choice by checking the scope of free rentals, short-term cancellation penalties, total amount, and compatibility with your move-in period.

Find your home with a pro.

If contract terms or initial costs feel unclear, feel free to ask. Our AI can also suggest matching rooms every day.