If you are moving to Japan and one of the best places to live in Japan – Tokyo, you should know what to expect when you are searching for apartments. Renting in Tokyo can be a difficult task but with our guide, it can be much easier. Kokusai Express Japan helps with international relocation to Japan but we also give you some advice what to expect from Tokyo apartments.

Tokyo is one of the biggest cities in the world. So, renting in Tokyo can be hard but here you can find many available apartments.  Before you ship household goods to Japan, you should be aware of that Tokyo is a very expensive city. Land prices are higher and living space in Tokyo apartments is smaller than standards of the rest of the world.

Cost of Tokyo apartments

First, you should be sure that you can afford an apartment in Tokyo. They are expensive, and you need to pay at least one of two months in the deposit.  Landlords expect that your rent is at least 30% of your income. So, make sure that you are renting in Tokyo in price that fits you, you will avoid rejection of the application. Also, you need a Japanese guarantor. It can be company or university.

Don’t forget. Every month, besides rent, you will pay maintenance of the building.

So, if you plan to stay in Tokyo for long, it is worth to take time and find a reasonably priced apartment.

Factors that Influence Price

There are basic factors that influence the price of Tokyo apartments. Location, size, age, floor levels are the factors that influence price. Also, it is important how long the property was free. Sometimes landlords give a smaller price for an apartment because it was empty during a long time.

If you drive a car you don’t have to forget car parking. It is not included in an apartment price. So if you are planning to own and drive a car you will also need a budget for that.

When is the best time for renting in Tokyo?

Look in the Off-Season

In Tokyo, and in all Japan, the peak season for moving is between February and March. Because in Japanese schools and companies year is starting in April. The off-season is between April and August. So, you should try to find an apartment in this time of year. Agents are less busy, and they will have more time to show you apartments in Tokyo.

Also, landlords can give some discount if you want to rent an apartment in Tokyo in the off-season.

Best and cheapest areas for renting an apartment in Tokyo

Location – important factor for renting in Tokyo                                       

The location of your Tokyo apartment is everything in Japan real estate. It is very important for your budget. It is the first thing that you should consider when you are renting in Tokyo.

Prices in Tokyo depends on the neighborhood. So, if you want to rent an apartment in Tokyo, check out which neighborhoods are for your pocket. If you determine budget friendly areas you will save a lot of money in Tokyo.

But, think about your work place, so you can find an apartment in Tokyo that is near to your job. It will save your time and money on the transportation in Japan. The key is to find a good balance between money and proximity. Living in suburbs can give you the smaller price of an apartment but in Tokyo, you have an excellent public transport system, so you should not worry about that.

Also, don’t forget to think about the location of your Tokyo apartment if you are moving with kids to Japan.

If you have a limited budget you should know, further going from central Tokyo you will find cheaper apartments for rent.

Factors to consider about the location of Tokyo apartments:

– Train station proximity

– Supermarkets

– Park or playgrounds

– Distance to work or schools

Size of Tokyo apartments

The size of your Tokyo apartment can also be your factor for moving and renting in Tokyo. If you are lived in a big apartment, size of Japan apartments can be a real shock for you. Apartments in Tokyo are very different in size and look. But, the design of modern apartments In Tokyo means that you don’t have “dead space” in the apartment. All space is utilized to make living easier.

Get All Your Paperwork Ready

Japan is a country where paperwork is important and all citizens love it. So, you should be prepared for rent in Tokyo. You have to get all paperwork ready. So, the process of renting in Tokyo can be faster.

Some of the documents that you will need are:

• Copies of your passport.
• Copies of your residence card
• Letter of employment with salary information
• Your Japanese tax documents

Don’t forget about Fees!

Not only you should get paperwork ready, you also need to pay fees in Japan.  It can be shocking for new renters so you should be prepared for this.

Some of the common fees are:

Deposit: 2 x rent

Key Money: 1 -2 x rent

Agent Fee: 1 x rent

Guarantor Fee: 1 x rent

Contract Renewal Fee: 1 x rent

So, you should have in mind that you will need to spend approximately 6 months equivalent rent in fees when you sign the rental agreement.

Tokyo is one of largest cities that you can imagine. So, if you want to rent an apartment in Tokyo you should start on time and find some that you will like and enjoy.