What is Oakhouse? Basic information and features
OAKHOUSE is a major real estate management company that operates share houses throughout Japan, with a focus on Tokyo. The houses come with furniture and appliances, and the initial costs are low, with a wide range of plans available from short to long term. There are many properties with an international atmosphere that emphasize interaction with foreign residents.
It is popular with young people and freelancers who want to start communal living easily, and has been getting a lot of attention in the industry, with Oakhouse reviews and word of mouth being a hot topic.
Company overview and management structure
Oakhouse Co., Ltd. is a real estate company founded in 1998, with its headquarters in Shibuya, Tokyo. They cater to a variety of needs, including foreigners and short-term residents, focusing on renting shared houses and apartments. They also handle property management and tenant support in-house, and are highly regarded for the stability of their management system.
While some reviews say the service is polite and the staff are friendly, there are also some negative reviews such as the service being slow to respond.
The industry leader in share house management
Oakhouse is one of the largest share house companies in Japan, managing over 500 properties throughout the country. With a focus on central Tokyo, they also have properties in regional cities and around universities, so you can choose from a wide range of properties.
The "Social Residence" series in particular has been praised for its extensive shared spaces and events that allow residents to interact with each other. This track record has led to many reviews of Oakhouse reputations and experiences.
Property types and fee structure overview
Oakhouse offers a variety of properties to suit your lifestyle, including shared rooms, private rooms, and apartments. Rent varies depending on the area and facilities, but is available from 30,000 yen per month including maintenance fees. Utility fees and internet charges are also included, making it an attractive option for high cost performance.
The initial costs are low, and no guarantor is required. The transparent fees and affordable price range have led to relatively stable word-of-mouth reviews.
Oakhouse's good reputation and reviews
Oakhouse has received many positive reviews, especially for its low initial costs, ample facilities, and the opportunity for international exchange. It is an extremely attractive living environment for young people who want to move while keeping costs down, and for those who want to enjoy interacting with foreigners.
In addition, the extensive events and support system have also contributed to the town's reputation as an "easy place to live" and "a place where you can feel safe and secure."
Low initial costs and immediate occupancy
One of the major benefits of Oakhouse is the low initial costs. There is no security deposit, key money, or brokerage fee, and depending on the property, you may be able to move in with just a deposit.
Because the costs of moving are kept to a minimum, there are many reviews saying things like "the initial costs were low" and "I was able to move in right away, which was a relief." Oakhouse is a very viable option for people considering a short-term stay or sudden move.
Furniture and appliances included for an easy start to life
Another reason Oakhouse is so highly rated is that it comes fully furnished. All the essentials for daily life, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, and bed, are included from the start, so you can start living comfortably as soon as you move in.
Many people have commented that it saved them the trouble of moving, and that it was safe even though it was their first time living alone, and it has been especially popular among new graduates and students. It is an ideal living environment for those who want to start out light on their feet.
There are many events, making it easy for residents to interact with each other
At Oakhouse, each property holds regular events and social gatherings, creating an environment where residents can naturally communicate with each other. There are a wide variety of events, including cooking events, game tournaments, and seasonal parties.
We have received many positive reviews, such as "I was able to make friends right away even in an unfamiliar place" and "I was able to interact with people across nationalities." It is a big attraction for people who value human connections.
An international living environment
Oakhouse has a high percentage of foreign residents and has a distinctive international atmosphere. With English being spoken everywhere on a daily basis and intercultural exchange occurring naturally, it has been described as "just like living abroad."
Those who value language study and intercultural experiences have many positive comments such as "It's stimulating and international" and "It's fun to be able to interact with foreigners on a daily basis." It's perfect for those who aspire to a global environment.
Oakhouse's bad reputation and reviews
While there are many positive reviews about Oakhouse, there are also some negative reviews and experiences. In particular, issues such as the cleanliness of the shared areas, noise and manners, high rent, and slow staff response have been pointed out.
Not all properties are applicable, but it is important to check and view the property before moving in. Be sure to choose a property that suits you by referring to the opinions of actual users.
Here are some of the negative reviews and comments:
Some properties have dirty shared areas
Some reviews have expressed dissatisfaction with the shared spaces being dirty and not properly cleaned. In particular, there are cases where cleaning is insufficient in frequently used areas such as the kitchen and bathroom, and this seems to be due in part to differences in morals between residents.
Since cleaning conditions vary depending on the property, checking "Oakhouse Reputation" or "Property Name + Reviews" in advance will help you avoid any issues.
There are also cases of noise and manner issues
There are some negative reviews about noise and manners, such as "There are tenants who are noisy in the middle of the night" and "They shout loudly in the hallways." This can sometimes be due to differences in lifestyle habits in an international environment. These types of problems tend to occur especially in dormitories and properties with many shared spaces.
If you are concerned about noise, you should take measures such as choosing a private room with high soundproofing.
Some people feel that rent is too expensive
While Oakhouse has low initial costs, some people feel that the monthly rent is a bit expensive. Some properties have high rents that include maintenance fees, and some reviews say that the rent is expensive compared to other share houses and that the facilities are not cost-effective.
However, since the rent includes utilities and internet fees, the actual cost will vary from person to person. It is important to make a decision based on the overall cost.
There are complaints about slow staff response and communication.
Some residents have also reported dissatisfaction with the staff's response, saying that they were slow to respond to inquiries and that their responses were too businesslike. In particular, there are noticeable complaints about the speed of response when problems occur and the reaction to repair requests.
Support systems vary depending on the property and the person in charge, so checking reviews in advance and choosing a property with a trustworthy management system will lead to a safe tenancy.
Disadvantages and points to be aware of before using
While there are many benefits to using Oakhouse, there are also some disadvantages and points to be aware of beforehand. In particular, points that can easily lead to trouble after moving in include "differences between the information on the website and the actual property," "additional fees for two people moving in," and "lack of facilities in old properties."
Here we will introduce some points to be careful of.
Beware of the gap between the website information and the actual product
The Oakhouse official website has attractive photos and descriptions, but in some cases the impression may differ from the actual property.
It is especially important to check the cleanliness of the common areas, the size of the rooms, and the surrounding area on-site. There are also reviews saying things like, "The photos looked nice, but it was old in reality." It is important to proactively view properties that are available for viewing and to be sure to check the property in person to prevent any problems.
Additional fees may apply for double occupancy
Some Oakhouse properties can accommodate two people, but this may incur an additional fee (around 10,000 yen per month) on top of the regular rent.
There are only a limited number of properties available for occupancy, and if you do not check the conditions carefully in advance, you may end up with unexpected expenses. It is especially important to search for conditions and check in advance if you are considering sharing with a couple or friends.
Reports of equipment problems in older properties
Many Oakhouse properties are older, and some have reported problems with the facilities, such as "air conditioning doesn't work," "water pressure in the shower is weak," and "shared toilets are prone to breaking down." The older the property, the higher the risk of such problems, so it's a good idea to check the age of the property and the facility update history before moving in.
If you are concerned, it is safe to choose a newly built or renovated property.
What are the benefits and strengths of Oakhouse?
Oakhouse has many unique benefits that make it popular with a wide range of people, from share house beginners to tenants from overseas. Its appeal lies in its flexibility, which can accommodate a variety of lifestyles, such as the convenience of not needing a guarantor, the many discount campaigns, flexible contract periods, and "social residences" that emphasize interaction.
In this chapter, we will explain the advantages and disadvantages.
No guarantor or guarantee company required, making the process simple
One of the great advantages of Oakhouse is that you don't need a guarantor or a guarantor company to move in.
There is no guarantor screening required for a typical rental contract, so the process is very smooth. The hurdle is low even for people who have difficulty securing a guarantor, such as foreigners, freelancers, and students, and there are many reviews saying that "Oakhouse is easy to move into." In some cases, you can move in on the same day, and we can also accommodate sudden moves.
Plenty of campaigns and discounts
Oakhouse frequently runs limited-time special campaigns, such as free first month's rent, long-term discounts, and re-occupancy discounts.
Furthermore, Oakhouse's unique "Smart Membership System" allows you to accumulate points and use them for rent discounts. This matches the needs of those who want to "live on a budget" and "live smartly," and has received many reviews praising the cost benefits.
Both short-term and long-term available
Oakhouse offers flexible contracts, from short-term stays of less than a month to long-term stays of over a year. It is suitable not only for those who need temporary housing for travel, business trips, language study abroad, etc., but also for those looking for a long-term place to live. It has been highly praised for its diverse range of living options to suit your lifestyle.
Experience a new way of living at a social residence
Among Oakhouse properties, the "Social Residence" series is particularly popular. Many of the properties are fully equipped with shared lounges, fitness gyms, music studios, and other facilities, and are designed to encourage interaction between residents.
There are many events for residents, and many reviews say that "it's not just a place to live, it's a chance to experience a new lifestyle." It's an ideal living environment for people who value human connections.
Who Oakhouse is suitable for and who it isn't suitable for
Oakhouse is an attractive option for those looking for a low-cost, international sharehouse experience, but it's not for everyone. By sorting out what kind of people are suitable for Oakhouse and what kind of people are likely to be dissatisfied based on actual reviews and reputations, you can make a housing choice you won't regret.
In this chapter, we will look at the characteristics of people who are suitable and those who are not. Consider them in relation to your own lifestyle and personality.
Characteristics of suitable people
Oakhouse is suitable for:
- "People who want to move easily and keep initial costs down."
- "People who are interested in English and intercultural exchange"
- "A sociable person who enjoys shared living."
It is also ideal for people who want to build connections with others by taking advantage of events and shared spaces. It is especially popular with freelancers, students, and foreigners, and there are many positive reviews such as "I'm glad I lived here" and "The international exchange was stimulating."
Characteristics of people who are not suited
On the other hand, Oakhouse is not suitable for some people:
- "People who value quiet and alone time"
- "People who are concerned about the cleanliness of shared spaces and the manners of others"
- Examples include "people who value soundproofing and privacy."
There are also a certain number of complaints in reviews, such as "the noise is bothersome" and "the common areas are difficult to use." For those looking for a completely private space and a calm environment, a regular rental property would be more suitable.
Points to consider when considering Oakhouse
When considering moving into Oakhouse, there are a few things you should pay attention to, from choosing a property to signing a contract and moving out. In particular, information on "things to check when viewing the property," "the contract process and necessary documents," and "costs and procedures when moving out" will directly help prevent future problems.
The first step to a rental you won't regret is to not rely solely on word of mouth and reputation, but to make sure you understand the things you need to check in advance.
Five things to check before viewing a property
Points to check before viewing:
- ① Property age and condition
- ② Cleaning frequency and rules for common areas
- 3) Nationality and age group of residents
- 4. Noise level and surrounding security
- ⑤Examples include internet speed and breakdown of common charges.
It is important to check and research in advance the atmosphere, cleanliness, and management system at the site, which cannot be fully grasped from the official website alone.
Contract and move-in process and necessary documents
Contracting with Oakhouse is relatively simple, and applications can generally be made online.
You will need to submit identification (such as a passport or driver's license), and if you are a foreign national, you may also be asked to provide a visa and residence card. After confirming the desired move-in date and the property, you pay the initial fees (deposit and first month's rent) and receive the keys to complete your move-in. Since no guarantor is required, the process is quick and easy.
Costs and points to note when moving out
When you move out, cleaning fees etc. are generally deducted from the deposit. Depending on the property, there may be a separate moving-out fee, so it is important to carefully read the explanation at the time of signing the contract.
In addition, you must notify the landlord at least one month before the move-out date, and in some cases a penalty may be incurred if you do not notify the landlord after the deadline. We recommend that you check this beforehand.
FAQ
Here we have put together a brief summary of frequently asked questions about Oakhouse. Please refer to it as it will help to clear up any concerns that first-time users or people new to share houses may have.
Q.Are there any other costs besides rent?
A. Common area fees and utility fees are often included in the rent, but you will also need to pay a deposit (in lieu of a security deposit) when signing the contract and a cleaning fee when you move out.
Q. Are there any restrictions on the contract period?
A. We have properties available for occupancy for as little as one month, and we can also flexibly accommodate long-term stays.
Q.Is English support available?
A. We are expecting residents from various countries, so we have staff on hand who can speak English.
Q.Can I keep pets?
A. Generally, most properties do not allow pets, but there are some properties where it is possible to discuss this.
Summary | Oakhouse is a share house that is not for everyone, but has many charms
Oakhouse is a share house with many appealing features, such as low initial costs, international exchange opportunities, and extensive shared facilities. However, some people are dissatisfied with the noise, cleanliness of the shared areas, and the attitude of the staff, so it is a property that is clearly divided into those who are suitable and those who are not.
It is important to choose a home that suits your lifestyle and values while referring to word of mouth and reputation. It is highly recommended for those who want to start a new life easily and those who want to interact with a variety of people.
There are also many share houses other than Oakhouse. "Cross House" properties, which have a flat initial fee and are mainly located in Tokyo, are also popular. Try to find a property that suits you.
