Inspect these areas when previewing a sharehouse

photo by house-zoo.com

TV shows and a surge of foreign visitors have led to the increase in popularity of sharehouses in Japan. Their relatively low costs compared to regular apartments have made sharehouses a popular choice not only for visitors from foreign countries, but also for Japanese people moving to Tokyo from rural areas. Below is a list of areas that should never be overlooked when previewing a sharehouse.

Don’t rely completely on the internet.

Choosing a sharehouse based on pictures you see on the internet without actually previewing it is generally a bad idea. Those pictures may have been taken several years ago, and the managers will definitely leave out parts they don’t want you to see. Wanting to secure a spot beforehand is understandable, but it’s worth noting that pictures don’t tell the whole story. It’s always best to look around before deciding. Some companies offer guided tours through Skype or Facetime so consider taking advantage of these opportunities.

Look out for the following in your contract.

Initial Costs

Sharehouses may be known for having low initial costs. Although it is true that there are many sharehouses that don’t require initial deposits or key money, some sharehouses require deposits just like regular apartments.

Rent

Fees for internet usage and other utilities may or may not be included in your monthly rent, so make sure to check beforehand.

Renewing and cancelling contracts

Some contracts are renewed every few months while others are renewed annually. Consider your future goals and think about which contract is most suitable for your needs. Also, check when you need to give notice if you’re moving out. If you’re cancelling a contract, chances are, you have to pay a cancellation fee. In some cases, your initial deposit might not be refunded. If you want to continue living in the sharehouse, you must renew your contract. There may be a charge for renewing a contract, so check ahead of time.

Repairs

To prevent any complications, make sure you ask who’s responsible for work order fees when repairs are needed in common areas or individual rooms.

Inspect the following facilities in your accommodation

Location

Are there any supermarkets or pharmacies nearby? Are the general prices of the merchandise in those stores consistent with what you can afford? Some houses may claim they are only 5 minutes away from the nearest station, but that may involve going through dark, narrow, and dangerous alleys. Visiting the house is the only way to get an idea of what the surrounding environment is like, so make sure you check the surrounding areas when you preview a sharehouse. If previewing is not available, you can check using Google’s street view technology.

Sun exposure, humidity, and leaks

It rains a lot during the summer in Japan. It’s also very humid. Depending on where the sharehouse is located, your clothes may never dry. In the worst-case scenario, mold may start to grow on your clothes. Check the humidity of the home and how much sunlight it receives. For older homes, it’s also a good idea to check for any leaks. If the roof has any stains, chances are, it’s leaked before. In that case, make sure to check the repair records.

Common Areas

Ensure that showers, restrooms, and other shared facilities are clean. Make sure there’s a reasonable amount of washing machines, refrigerators, and shoe boxes relative to the number of people living there. Keep in mind that some sharehouses use coin laundries and each resident may have a designated time to use them.

Private Room

It’s also important to check your own living quarters before moving in. Can you access the internet and watch television from inside your room? Does the air conditioning system work? Does your window have screens? Since your room is where you will be sleeping, be very observant. Check what kinds of furniture and amenities are already provided so you have a general idea of what you need to bring on your own.

Disaster Prevention

Japan is known for experiencing many earthquakes throughout the year. Check if shelves are secured, and look over the evacuation plan. Make sure the house is equipped with fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and escape ladders.

Security

Japan has a relatively low crime-rate, but it’s best to ask how the room keys and entrance keys are managed.

Know the people

Sharemates

A significant portion of your lifestyle depends on who you share the house with. Knowing the nationalities, general age, and occupations of the residents will be helpful. If possible, try to meet some of the residents during your preview to get a glimpse of their lifestyle. If that’s not possible, inspecting common areas should give you a sense of the atmosphere.

Visitors

Sharehouses may place restrictions on visitors. While some sharehouses allow visitors to enter with a fee, others prohibit any form of visitation. If you’re thinking of brining friends over from time to time, ask what the policies are beforehand.

Cleaning and Trash

Ask who’s in charge of cleaning the common areas. Residents may assign shifts and rotate the cleaning duties or they might hire vendors to do the job. If the residents are cleaning, ask how the system works, and if vendors are being hired, ask how the cost will be split.

House Rules

Some sharehouses have strict rules on laundry times and internet usage. With multiple people sharing the same home, the implementation of rules is inevitable, but make sure your style of living fits those rules.

Management and Administration

You’ll need to get in touch with administration when issues arise. Talk to the people in charge and know what language they can communicate with, whether they can communicate clearly, and whether they are willing to handle any issues among residents should they come up.

Summary

Finding a home in an environment where communication is carried out in a foreign language requires a tremendous amount of effort. It’s crucial to find a sharehouse that fits your needs, but there’s no guarantee that an ideal sharehouse even exists. Being flexible and able to compromise is a fundamental skill. When searching for a sharehouse, consider some of the tips we mentioned here. We hope you’ll enjoy your sharehouse experience.