A rental contract includes the ``contract start date'', ``rent accrual date'', ``key handover date'', and ``move date''.
Although the words are similar, they have different meanings. Understanding this will make it easier to avoid double rent and troubles on the day of your move.
What is the contract start date?
The contract start date is the date on which the right to rent the room and the payment of rent begin.
In many cases, the contract start date and rent accrual date are the same. Basically, you cannot put your luggage or enter the room before the contract start date.
Keys are often handed over the day before or on the day of the contract start date.
Keys will be handed over after payment of the contract deposit, submission of contract documents, explanation of important matters, confirmation of required documents, etc. are all completed.
In practice, in many cases you receive the keys the day before or on the day of the contract start date. However, this varies depending on the management company and landlord's policies.
``Even though you reserved a moving company in the morning, you may not be able to receive the keys until the afternoon,'' so be sure to check the time until the key handover time.
General flow from application to key handover
Generally, the process includes viewing, application, tenant screening, finalizing contract conditions, explanation of important matters, payment of contract fee, submission of contract documents, handing over of keys, and moving.
If everything goes smoothly, it may take around two weeks from application to handing over the keys. However, additional days may be required if the examination, document preparation, corporate contract, and guarantee company confirmation take time.
Set the moving date after handing over the keys.
It is safe to set your moving date after you receive the keys.
If you decide on a moving company before handing over the keys, you may need to change the schedule if the screening or contract procedures are delayed.
It is difficult to make reservations for moving companies, especially during busy seasons, so be sure to confirm the contract start date and key handover schedule early.
Consider this in conjunction with the move-out date of your current residence.
Not only is the contract start date for your new home important, but also the move-out date for your current room.
The period of double rent will vary depending on whether the cancellation notice for the current room was given one month or two months in advance. One way to do this is to ask your agent if it is possible to adjust the rent due date for your new home.
summary
The contract start date, rent generation date, key handover date, and moving date each have different roles.
Rent begins on the contract start date, and keys will be handed over after contract procedures and payment are completed. It will be safer to decide on your moving date after checking the date and time for handing over the keys.