Daily Life
	Housing

"I am looking for a room to rent." Sumu heya o sagashite imasu.

Finding a Home

Generally, apartment-hunting is done through real estate agencies. Contracts should not be finalized until after actually seeing the apartment. You will need a Japanese national as your guarantor when you finalize your rental contract.

Requirements When Finalizing a Rental Contract

Rent (Yachin)

Monthly expense to cover the rental of the apartment.

Key Money (Reikin)

When you sign the contract, this money is to be paid to the landlord. It is not refundable, and is usually equivalent to one or two months' rent.

Damage Deposit (Shikikin)

This money is held as collateral by the landlord until you move out. If you fall behind in rent payments or damage the apartment, you may not receive the full amount back. The landlord will subtract the cost to repair the damage from this money. It is equivalent to one or two months' rent.

Real Estate Agent Fee (Chukairyo)

This money is not returned and is usually equivalent to one month's rent.

What does " 2LDK" mean? L = Living Room; D = Dining Area; K = Kitchen Space. 2LDK means that there are two rooms in addition to the living room, dining and kitchen areas.

Points to Remember While Renting

• You must not remodel the apartment, increase the number of people living in the apartment or sublease to another person.
• Be careful not to be a nuisance to your neighbors with loud noise.
• If you leave your apartment unoccupied for a long period of time due to a temporary return to your country or a vacation, be sure to notify your landlord, manager and neighbors.
• If you must move out before your contract expires, notify your landlord one month in advance. If you move out without proper notification, you may be charged one month's rent.

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