Information on daily life ・Housing >> ・Transportation >> ・ Electricity, gas, waterworks, starting and canceling your services (when moving), notes on the use of services >> ・ Internet corner >> Refuse disposal and recycling In case of emergency Guide to consultation services Notice		Housing for those whose income is small and who have difficulty in affording housing. The application qualifications vary greatly. <Contacts> Housing Policy section, Phone (046) 225-2330 Tokyo is a crowded city, and its suburbs are no exception. Housing expenses are some of the highest in the world. In addition, your accommodation is unlikely to ever be spacious. Furthermore, unless you have confirmed employment, and a promise of a place in your company's dormitory, you may regrettably find that, for several reasons, it is extremely difficult for a non-Japanese person to rent accommodation. To rent a house, flat, or apartment, you will be faced with many obstacles that will be difficult to overcome due to the language barrier and other reasons. You will need the cooperation of your company, school, guarantor, elders, Japanese friends, and/or acquaintances. Most people usually find a rental apartment through an agent. An alternative is to browse through the housing information magazines sold at bookshops and station kiosks and to then contact the agent listed in the magazine. You should never sign a lease contract for an apartment until you have actually been to the apartment and checked it. At this time, you should ask a Japanese friend or acquaintance to come with you. Also, when you sign your lease agreement, you will need a "guarantor." Before you sign (or use your official name stamp) the lease agreement, you should carefully read the agreement to ensure that there are no misunderstandings. (1) Rental fee : Rent fee for the first month. Usually, you have to pay your rent for month by the last day of the preceding month. (2) Gift money : A fee paid to the landlord at the beginning of a tenancy as a token of gratitude, called "key money." Usually, this gift money is equivalent to one to two months' rent. (3) Deposit (guarantee money) : Money paid to the landlord in advance as a guarantee against non-payment of the monthly rent or damage to the apartment. When you terminate your contract, the costs of making good any damage will be deducted from this deposit and the residue returned to you. Usually, this deposit is equivalent to one to three months' rent. (4) Brokerage commission : The commission to be paid to the house agent when you find an apartment through an agent. Usually, this commission is equivalent to one month's rent. (5) Common service fee : This fee covers the total of the electricity expenses required for common areas in the apartment building, such as steps and entranceways, water expenses, cleaning expenses, and other maintenance expenses for one month. This common service fee may be included in the rent in some cases. Note that the total of (1) to (5) is the equivalent of five-or six-times the monthly rent. You will be responsible for providing all the furnishings, bedding, appliances, and cooking equipment. (1) Renewal of a contract : The duration of a rental agreement is usually two years. Once this period expires, you must renew your contract. At this time, the rent may be raised slightly. And/or, a renewal fee or key money equivalent to one month's rent may be charged. (2) Cancellation : To cancel a rental agreement, you must contact your landlord. Note that, even if the contract has not yet expired, you may not sublet your apartment to others.