Sendai
๐
Leasing Procedures
Sections
1. Types of Housing in Sendai
In Sendai, youโll find several types of housing options, including:
- Apartments (ใขใใผใ, Apaato): Typically smaller, older, and more affordable. These are often wooden or lightweight steel structures.
- Mansions (ใใณใทใงใณ, Manshon): Larger, more modern, and often made of reinforced concrete. These are more expensive but offer better insulation and soundproofing.
- Share Houses: Shared living spaces with private bedrooms and communal areas. These are popular among students and young professionals.
- Detached Houses (ไธๆธๅปบใฆ, Ikko-date): Standalone houses, usually for families. These are less common for short-term stays.
2. Average Rent Costs in Sendai
Rent in Sendai is generally more affordable compared to larger cities like Tokyo or Osaka. Hereโs a rough estimate of monthly rent costs:
- Studio/1K (1 room + kitchenette): ยฅ40,000โยฅ60,000
- 1LDK (1 bedroom + living/dining/kitchen): ยฅ60,000โยฅ90,000
- 2LDK or larger (family-sized): ยฅ80,000โยฅ150,000+
- Share House: ยฅ30,000โยฅ50,000 (including utilities in many cases)
Rent varies depending on the location (proximity to Sendai Station or city center), building age, and amenities.
3. Steps to Secure a Lease
The process of renting a property in Sendai typically involves the following steps:
Step 1: Research and Choose a Property
- Use real estate websites like SUUMO, Homes.co.jp, or local agencies in Sendai.
- Visit real estate agencies (ไธๅ็ฃๅฑ, Fudousan-ya) near Sendai Station for in-person assistance. Many agencies specialize in helping foreigners.
- Consider proximity to public transport (e.g., Sendai Subway, JR lines) and amenities like supermarkets.
Step 2: Property Viewing
- Schedule a viewing with the real estate agent. Some landlords may be hesitant to rent to foreigners, so confirm in advance if the property is foreigner-friendly.
- Inspect the property for size, condition, and included appliances (e.g., air conditioning, stove).
Step 3: Application
- Once youโve chosen a property, submit an application form (็ณ่พผๆธ, Moushikomi-sho) through the real estate agent.
- The landlord will review your application, which may take a few days.
Step 4: Screening Process
- Landlords in Japan often conduct a background check to ensure you can pay rent reliably. This includes verifying your employment, income, and residency status.
- A guarantor (ไฟ่จผไบบ, Hoshounin) is often required (see below for details).
Step 5: Signing the Lease
- If approved, youโll sign a lease agreement (่ณ่ฒธๅฅ็ด, Chintai Keiyaku). This is usually a 1- or 2-year contract, renewable with a renewal fee (ๆดๆฐๆ, Koushin-ryou).
4. Initial Costs
When renting in Sendai, youโll need to budget for several upfront costs, which can be significant. These typically include:
-
Deposit (ๆท้, Shikikin):
- Usually 1โ2 monthsโ rent.
- Refundable, but deductions may be made for cleaning or repairs.
-
Key Money (็คผ้, Reikin):
- 0โ2 monthsโ rent.
- A non-refundable "gift" to the landlord. This is less common in Sendai compared to Tokyo.
-
Agency Fee (ไปฒไปๆๆฐๆ, Chukai Tesuuryou):
- Typically 1 monthโs rent + 10% tax.
- Paid to the real estate agency for their services.
-
First Monthโs Rent:
- Paid upfront.
-
Guarantor Company Fee (ไฟ่จผไผ็คพๅฉ็จๆ, Hoshou Gaisha Riyou-ryou):
- If you donโt have a personal guarantor, youโll need to use a guarantor company. This costs around 50โ100% of one monthโs rent.
-
Fire Insurance (็ซ็ฝไฟ้บ, Kasai Hoken):
- Mandatory and costs around ยฅ10,000โยฅ20,000 for 2 years.
Example of Initial Costs for a ยฅ50,000/month Apartment:
- Deposit: ยฅ50,000
- Key Money: ยฅ50,000
- Agency Fee: ยฅ55,000 (including tax)
- First Monthโs Rent: ยฅ50,000
- Guarantor Fee: ยฅ25,000
- Fire Insurance: ยฅ15,000
- Total: ยฅ245,000
5. Required Documents
To apply for a lease in Sendai, youโll need the following:
- Passport
- Residence Card (ๅจ็ใซใผใ, Zairyu Card): Proof of your visa status.
- Certificate of Employment (ๅจ่ท่จผๆๆธ, Zaishoku Shoumei-sho): Provided by your employer, showing your job and income.
- Proof of Income (ๅๅ ฅ่จผๆๆธ, Shuunyuu Shoumei-sho): Recent pay slips or tax documents.
- Bank Account Information: For rent payments.
- Emergency Contact Information: Often required, even if theyโre not a guarantor.
6. Guarantor Requirements
In Japan, a guarantor (ไฟ่จผไบบ, Hoshounin) is often required to secure a lease. This person is legally responsible for paying your rent if you fail to do so. If you donโt have a guarantor:
- You can use a guarantor company (ไฟ่จผไผ็คพ, Hoshou Gaisha) for a fee.
- Many landlords now prefer guarantor companies, as they reduce risk.
7. Cultural and Local Considerations
- Foreign Tenant Acceptance: Some landlords may be hesitant to rent to foreigners due to language barriers or cultural differences. Working with a real estate agency experienced in helping foreigners can make the process smoother.
- No Furnished Apartments: Most apartments in Sendai are unfurnished. Youโll need to purchase appliances like a refrigerator, washing machine, and furniture.
- Trash Separation: Japan has strict garbage separation rules. Learn the local system for burnable, non-burnable, and recyclable waste.
- Quiet Hours: Japanese apartments have thin walls, so be mindful of noise, especially at night.
- Tatami Rooms: Some apartments may have traditional tatami mat flooring. Avoid placing heavy furniture on tatami, as it can cause damage.
8. Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Hire a Translator: If youโre not fluent in Japanese, consider bringing a Japanese-speaking friend or hiring a translator to help with the lease agreement.
- Negotiate Key Money: In some cases, you can negotiate to reduce or waive key money.
- Check for Foreign-Friendly Listings: Look for properties labeled as ๅคๅฝไบบๅฏ (Gaikokujin-ka), meaning "foreigner-friendly."
- Utilities Setup: After moving in, youโll need to set up utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet). Your real estate agent can assist with this.
By following this guide, youโll be well-prepared to secure housing in Sendai. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!