Renting a house in Japan involves understanding a unique set of terms and systems. This guide outlines the key terms you will encounter, helping you find and secure the perfect home.
Table of Contents
Basic Terms
- 賃貸 (Chintai): Rental. Refers to renting residential real estate.
- 不動産 (Fudosan): Real estate. Refers to real estate agencies or businesses.
- 物件 (Bukken): Property. Refers to houses, apartments, or other real estate for rent or sale.
Types of Housing
- マンション (Mansion): Mansion. Typically refers to mid- to high-rise concrete apartments.
- アパート (Apartment): Apartment. Generally refers to low-rise wooden or reinforced concrete buildings.
- シェアハウス (Share House): Share House. Housing where multiple people share common areas but have private rooms.
Room Layout
- 間取り (Madori): Floor plan. Describes the layout and arrangement of rooms.
- 1R / 1K / 1DK / 1LDK:
- 1R: One room (studio)
- 1K: One room + kitchen
- 1DK: One room + dining kitchen
- 1LDK: One room + living/dining/kitchen
Area Measurement Units
- ㎡ (Heibei): Square meters. The standard unit of area measurement.
- 帖 (Jō): Tatami mat. A traditional unit of measurement based on the size of a tatami mat (approx. 1.62㎡).
- 坪 (Tsubo): Tsubo. Another unit of measurement, where 1 tsubo is approximately 3.3㎡.
Cost-Related Terms
- 礼金 (Reikin): Key money. A non-refundable gratuity paid to the landlord.
- 敷金 (Shikikin): Security deposit. Refunded after the lease ends, minus any necessary cleaning or repair costs.
- 管理費 (Kanrihi): Maintenance fee. Covers building maintenance costs.
- 共益費 (Kyoueki-hi): Common service fee. For the use of common facilities.
- 更新料 (Koushinryou): Renewal fee. Paid when renewing the lease.
- 仲介手数料 (Chuukai-tesuuryou): Agency fee. Commission paid to the real estate agent.
Other Important Terms
- 保証人 (Hoshounin): Guarantor. A person who guarantees the tenant's rent payment.
- 契約 (Keiyaku): Contract. The rental agreement.
- 築年数 (Chikunen-suu): Age of the building. Indicates how many years ago the building was constructed.
- 駅徒歩 (Ekitouho): Walking distance from the station. Indicates how many minutes it takes to walk to the nearest station.
- 即入居 (Soku-nyuukyo): Immediate move-in. Indicates that the property is available for immediate occupancy.
Additional Considerations
- Bathtub Availability: Properties without a bathtub are generally cheaper. This is due to lower construction and maintenance costs. Public baths (Sentō) and hot springs (Onsen) are also common in Japan.
Amenities and Conditions
- ペット可 (Petto-ka): Pet-friendly. Indicates if pets are allowed.
- 楽器可 (Gakki-ka): Musical instruments allowed. Indicates if playing musical instruments is permitted.
- バルコニー (Balcony): Balcony. An external space for drying laundry or relaxation.
- エレベーター (Elevator): Elevator. Indicates if the building has an elevator.
- オートロック (Autolock): Auto-lock. A security system that restricts unauthorized entry.
- 二重サッシ (Nijuu Sashi): Double-glazed windows. Provide better insulation and soundproofing.
- フローリング (Flooring): Flooring. Indicates wooden flooring, which is easier to clean.
- ロフト (Loft): Loft. An additional elevated space, often used for storage or sleeping.
Pre-Contract Checks
- 内見 (Naiken): Viewing. Visiting the property to inspect the interior.
- 条件 (Jouken): Conditions. Terms included in the contract, such as rental period and security deposit refund conditions.
- 火災保険 (Kasai-hoken): Fire insurance. Often required in rental agreements to cover fire or accident damages.
- 鍵交換費 (Kagi-koukan-hi): Key exchange fee. A fee for changing the locks for security purposes.
Choosing the Right Area
- 治安 (Chian): Safety. The level of security in the neighborhood.
- 生活環境 (Seikatsu-kankyou): Living environment. The availability of amenities like supermarkets, hospitals, and schools.
- 学区 (Gakku): School district. Important if you have children, as it indicates the quality and proximity of schools.
- 交通アクセス (Koutsuu Access): Transport access. The proximity to train stations and bus stops.
Considering these terms and factors will help you make an informed decision when renting a house in Japan. This guide aims to assist you in finding the perfect home that meets your needs and preferences.