Moving advice

When looking for a new place to live in Nagoya, or anywhere in Japan for that matter, there are a few things you have to be aware of before starting your search.

To move in you need a Japanese Guarantor.  This is a person who holds Japanese citizenship and who can affectively vouch for you and agree to bare the responsibilities of your actions in regards to your new place.  It's quite a large responsibility so it's not as simple as just asking a friend or neighbor.  The closer the relationship or acquaintance is the better in this case.  When you have found a guarantor, it's also best to arrange a time when this person can accompany you to one of the estate agencies.  Even if your Japanese is perfect and have proof and details of guarantor, having a Japanese presence with you when going over the fine details with the agency is always better.  It can also speed things up if you find a place you are interested in moving into as things can be signed for on the day. Most apartments (or "Mansions" as they are referred to if they are concrete buildings) require a fee to actually move in.  The move in fee, aside from the agency fee and 1- 2 months advanced rent will often include 2 extra payments referred to as "Shikikin" (deposit) and "Reikin" (key-money).  The deposit is required as insurance on the apartment and is legally refundable if, the interior is deemed to be free from any damage, besides wear and tear.  The key money is a Japanese customary payment to the landlord as thank you for letting you reside in the new place.  Being a gift means that you will never see the money again.  It can be high too, ranging from a set fee or up to 3-4 months rent.  So all in all, the move in can cost anywhere from \300000 - \600000 depending on the size of the place.  * Note - Recently some agencies are offering the apartments with no 'gift money' or 'deposit' needed to move in.  There are usually slightly older places that are less popular places to live but still a huge saving.    *  Hint - try to avoid apartment hunting in Feb / March as this is the absolute peak for people looking to move (Japanese financial and school year start from April).  Going at a less busy time of year can often give you some bargaining power in regards to reducing the rent, key money or deposit.  In some cases where they want you to move in very early, you can get discounts for all. Another point to be aware of however, not a very positive one, is that landlords are often opposed to letting foreigners live in there apartments.  So, even if the renting agency has given you the all clear, a final call to the landlord can result in a final 'no'.  The reason, if you are trying to rent alone, is because you are a foreigner.  This may sound very discriminatory but unfortunate a combination of naivety on the landlord's part and, the case of "foreigners' reputation going before us�h, often affects our chances of renting in Japan.   Foreigners have been known and are famous for not following basic Japanese "apartment rules" when residing or moving in or out. - Common complaints include: 1)  Serious damage to the apartment�fs interior. 2)  Suddenly vacating the apartment and not paying for final rent or utilities. 3)  Leaving various unwanted items (including air conditioners, furniture etc) in the apartment after moving out.  Japanese apartments have to be left in the state you moved in which, means  completely bare. 4)  Being loud and disruptive at inappropriate times of the day or night. 5)  Not adhering to the buildings garbage or recycling rules / procedures. 6)  Holding events such as parties and large 'get togethers' at their apartments, often meaning large numbers of strangers around the building.  Again, this can escalate to loudless, inappropriate behaviour, often drunkenness and in some cases damage to other residences property. In cases  4 and 6 above, knowing more about Japan, it's customs and etiquette can prevent these things occuring.  As mentioned above, holding parties where a large number of people come to your apartment is something Japanese people don't really in rented accommodation.  There are often families living in the block as the site and noise from a loud ,foreigners' party can be not only disturbing but, intimidating too.  In this case it's helpful to remember why you like so much and what you often tell people back home. "It's so peaceful"  "It feels so safe" "You don't seem to see any trouble or violence".  With this in mind, playing your part in keeping the country that way is very important.