How do I find an apartment

Housing in Japan - one-storey houses, apartment in a high-rise condo or a five-storey-buy is not difficult. But it is very expensive.
And take mortgages for a temporary resident of the country is not easy. Most often this is not necessary. Large Japanese firms, inviting foreigners to work, have housing for their employees. However, as a rule, the Japanese themselves in such apartments in houses, dorms are living temporarily, until podyschut not currently suitable permanent housing.
If you are not satisfied with the purchase option, then accommodation can be removed. Usually when tenancy use the services of the municipal authorities, public corporations or real estate agents. Municipalities have at their disposal social housing. Get him those foreigners who have residence permit, is on the status of resident but has a monthly income below a certain level. Among the applicants for public housing highlights the single-parent families, elderly couples and people with disabilities. In addition to municipal authorities, about the same conditions of social housing grant special public corporations. In some cases, constructed housing is played by applicants through a lottery.
Those who can not or will not use the services of the municipality hired accommodation in the private sector. In this case it is necessary to clearly define for the agent to the level of rent you can afford and what type of apartment. Most prevalent in the country, three types of apartments - 1, then there is room and kitchen, 1DK - namely, bedroom and kitchen, and 1LDK, where the bedroom and kitchen and dining area added a living room.
All of them are measured either by square meters, or tatami (a Japanese measure of area, approximately equal to 1.55 square meters. m). All accommodations have electricity, water, toilet, and, as a rule, gas, and a bath.
Rents depends on the size of the apartment and its degree of comfort as well as from distance to downtown and the convenience of transport links. Introduced it at the end of the month for the next month. The cost of maintaining the house and utilities are paid separately. It must be remembered that the tenancy at the beginning of your costs would amount to an amount equivalent to rent for 5-7 months. Landlord paid a deposit of up to one month's rent, which guarantees the fulfillment of the contract. After the conclusion of the contract the employer is not returned, but becomes part of the rent under the contract. Apartment owner also paid money for the key and return the deposit, as well as a commission agent, usually in the amount of monthly rent. In the case of termination of commission agents, as well as money for the key "to the employer will not be returned. In some cases, the commission pays the landlord.
Typically, the agent has the basic documents of the apartment, which he usually introduces you. Inspection of housing is free of charge and without payment of "tips" which in Japan generally are not accepted. But all the main questions that you have agreed with the agent or owner, it is advisable to state in writing. This will help avoid disagreements later in solving emerging everyday problems. Crowned the process of agreeing a contract. To sign a contract you will need: a residence permit confirming your right to reside in Japan, tax return or other document that shows your ability to pay rent, as well as warranties that may act, for example, your boss or friends, and a certificate of registration personal seal in municipalities (such a stamp in Japan replaces the signature).
contract itself can be of two types. With or without right of renewal. The first is usually for two years. Sometimes for a year. After the first term of the contract may be extended. If the extension you can change the size of the payment and to stipulate certain other conditions. Contract without renewal is for a fixed term. Upon expiration is a new contract. Conditions of termination of contracts negotiated in the contracts themselves. As a rule, of his intention to leave the apartment must notify the landlord by the month, but better - for two. Even a fixed contract provides that opportunity in case of force majeure.
Upon entering the apartment, carefully inspect it, to indicate the owner of all the shortcomings. And when we departed, not to forget to take a paper on the absence of claims from the owner. Specifically stipulate the number of people living in the apartment. Often, landlords objected to their content of any domestic fowl.
When moving from one apartment to you should also be forewarned about the day of moving the special services, serving the gas system, water system apartments, as well as phone, so they took off the counters to pay them. At the new site with electricity, you can use immediately. But the power of this service should be notified by postcard. (In Japanese homes use current 100 volts, 50 or 60 hertz depending on the area.) However, the gas service must be notified in advance of your arrival to make it in time connected the gas and checked the serviceability of the gas equipment. It must be remembered that all gas appliances must comply with the type of gas used in your area. Water is also sometimes switches off. Therefore it is desirable to notify about your move and water services.
Perhaps this is all your troubles end. Now you have a roof over your head.