What is a weekly mansion? Basic structure and features

A weekly mansion is a rental property with furniture and appliances that can be rented easily for short stays on a weekly basis. It is a popular style for people who need temporary housing due to a job transfer, business trip, sightseeing, etc., and in some cases it can be more cost-effective than a hotel.

Below, we will explain in detail the definition of a weekly apartment, when it is used, how it differs from other forms of housing, and why it is suitable for short-term use.

Definition of a weekly apartment and its usage

A weekly mansion is a rental property with furniture and appliances, intended for short-term stays of one week or more. Many of them are registered as hotels, and their appeal is that they offer the flexibility of daily stays like a hotel, while still allowing you to live like at home.

The main scenarios for using these properties include business trips, training, returning to Japan temporarily, temporary housing before and after moving, etc. The minimum length of stay varies depending on the property, but you can sign a contract for around one week, making it easy to use them according to your purpose and lifestyle.

Differences from monthly apartments and hotels

Weekly apartments have some differences compared to monthly apartments and hotels in terms of usage style and cost structure.

The benefits of staying at a hostel are that the prices are cheaper than hotels, and many rooms have kitchens where you can cook your own meals and washing machines, so you can keep your living costs down even during long stays.

On the other hand, compared to monthly apartments, a major feature of these accommodations is that they are easy to use even if your stay is short. However, they are subject to consumption tax and the services offered may be inferior to those of hotels, so it is important to choose a type of living that suits your needs.

Why it's suitable for short-term stays of a week or so

The biggest feature of weekly mansions is that they can be easily used for as little as one week, making them ideal for sudden business trips or temporary living. They offer more private space than a hotel, and come equipped with the necessary furniture and appliances for daily life, so you can move in with just a suitcase.

The contract procedures are simple, and an increasing number of properties are available for online reservations and online contracts, meaning you can prepare to move in without being tied down to time or place. With an excellent balance between cost and freedom, it is the perfect choice for people who want to live comfortably for a short period of time.

What are the main disadvantages of weekly apartments?

While weekly apartments are convenient for short-term stays, there are some points to note and disadvantages compared to regular rental properties or hotels. Many people find unexpected inconveniences in terms of cost, flexibility of contract, living facilities, and security.

Here we will explain in detail the main disadvantages that you should be aware of before signing a contract.

Rent can be expensive

While weekly apartments are convenient because they can be rented for a short period of time, the daily rent tends to be more expensive than regular rentals. Because you can sign a contract on a weekly or daily basis, the fees set by property managers reflect the risks of short-term rentals and the costs of covering vacancy rates.

Therefore, even if you are staying for more than a month, monthly apartments or regular rental properties may be cheaper in total costs. If you are planning to stay for a long period of time, it is important to carefully compare the cost-effectiveness.

Additional costs for utilities and cleaning will be incurred

In weekly apartments, it is common for utilities such as water, electricity, and gas to be charged at a fixed rate in addition to the rent, as well as cleaning fees. These fees are set on a monthly or weekly basis, and you must pay a fixed amount regardless of your actual usage.

In addition, cleaning fees when you move out are often charged in advance, so they can be more expensive than they appear. It is important to check the total amount carefully and get a clear breakdown of costs before signing the contract.

Furniture and appliances may not suit you.

A major advantage of weekly apartments is that they are fully furnished and come with all the appliances, however, the type, location and quality of the facilities vary greatly depending on the property.

For example, there are cases where the bed is too hard, the refrigerator is too small, the desk is not suitable for work, and so on, making people feel that the property does not fit their lifestyle. Since many contracts do not allow for a viewing, it is necessary to carefully check the photos and specifications on the property introduction page in advance and compare them with your desired conditions.

There are many cases where a contract is signed without being able to see the property.

Since weekly apartments are often available for immediate occupancy, there is generally no opportunity to view the property in advance, as is the case with regular rental properties.

You need to judge by looking at photos and floor plans, and when you actually move in, there may be mismatches such as "the room is different from what I expected" or "the surrounding area is noisy". The key to avoiding failure is to choose a reliable management company and refer to word of mouth and reputation, assuming that viewing is not possible.

There may be no flexibility in extending stays or cancelling mid-contract

Even if you want to change the contract period, it may be difficult to be flexible with a weekly apartment.

In particular, if you cancel midway through your contract, you may not be refunded for the remaining days, or you may be charged a cancellation fee. As for extending your stay, if the next tenant has made a reservation, you will not be able to extend your stay, so it is difficult to accommodate sudden changes in plans.

It is important to schedule with plenty of time and check in advance whether the property allows for extended stays.

Inconveniences with registering your residence card and receiving mail

Since weekly apartments are designed for short-term use, many of them do not allow you to change your residence registration, which can be inconvenient when it comes to administrative procedures or identity verification.

In addition, receiving mail is unstable because it is treated as a "temporary stay," and some properties do not support forwarding or long-term storage. If you plan to use the property as a base for work or life, you should check in advance about these procedural restrictions.

Concerns about security and local residents (short-term users coming and going)

Since weekly apartments have a high turnover of short-term users, some people do not know their neighbors and feel uneasy about security. Not knowing the identities of the people around you can be particularly stressful for women living alone or those with children.

Some properties have auto-locks and security cameras, but many do not have a resident manager, so it is important to check the safety aspects. By checking reviews and information about the surrounding area, you can choose a property that you can feel safe in.

Weekly apartments are not suitable for these people? Cases where a weekly apartment is not suitable

While weekly apartments are convenient for short-term stays, they may not be ideal for everyone, and some people, especially those with strong budget or lifestyle concerns, may find other housing options more suitable.

Here we will introduce specific cases in which a weekly apartment is not suitable, so that you can use this as a reference when choosing a home that suits you.

People who want to stay long term while keeping costs as low as possible

Since weekly apartments are specialized for short-term use, the daily rent is often set higher and they are not suitable for long-term stays. If you plan to stay for a month or more, monthly apartments or regular rental properties will help you keep the total cost down.

In particular, since there are fixed costs such as utility bills and cleaning fees in addition to rent, we recommend that people looking to live cheaply for a long time consider other options.

For those who want to arrange their own interior

Weekly apartments are generally provided with furniture and appliances, and as a general rule, residents are not able to freely change the interior.

The placement of curtains, beds, desks, and appliances is often fixed, which may leave those who are particular about things like "I want to put my favorite sofa in there" or "I want to create a space that suits my taste" feeling unsatisfied. For those who are particular about the interior, a regular rental property or an unfurnished property with more freedom would be more suitable.

People who need resident registration, health insurance card address, etc.

Many weekly apartments are operated in accordance with the Inns and Hotels Act, and may not allow you to register your residence or use the apartment as an official address.

In some cases, they may not be able to handle procedures that require proof of residence, such as issuing insurance cards or opening bank accounts, so they are not suitable for people who want to use them officially as a living base. If you need to use them for such purposes, it would be smoother to choose a monthly apartment with long-term contracts or a general rental property.

People who don't like cleaning or tidying up

Unlike hotels, weekly apartments do not generally provide daily cleaning services. You will be responsible for cleaning, taking out the trash, making your bed, doing your laundry, etc.

Also, when you move out, you may be charged a fixed cleaning fee, so you will be expected to keep the room clean. For those who are not good at cleaning or are too busy to take the time to tidy up, it can be more of a burden than they expected, so be careful.

Measures and checkpoints to eliminate disadvantages

Weekly apartments have some disadvantages, but if you prepare and check thoroughly in advance, many of your concerns can be alleviated. By keeping in mind the points you should pay attention to, such as transparency of costs, points to consider when choosing a property, and the level of support provided, you can ensure a comfortable and safe stay.

Here we will introduce some specific points to check before signing a contract.

Check the details of additional costs before signing the contract

In addition to the rent, weekly apartments may incur additional costs such as utility fees, cleaning fees, and administrative fees. Depending on the property, these may be included in the rent or may be charged separately, so it is important to clarify the total cost before signing the contract.

It is also a good idea to check the fee structure for extensions and cancellation policies. Choosing a property that prioritizes transparency in pricing will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and troubles.

Thorough advance check with photos, floor plans, and reviews

Since it is common to sign a contract for a weekly apartment without being able to see it inside, it is very important to carefully check the photos and floor plans posted on official websites and portal sites.

To help you visualize the size of the room, the layout of the furniture, the condition of the facilities, etc., it is best to choose a property with a 360-degree view or video. You can also refer to reviews and comments from people who have actually stayed there. Use them as a way to get information that cannot be seen in photos, such as cleanliness, noise levels, and management.

Choose a property with a good support system

In order to prepare for the unlikely event of trouble or equipment failure, it is important to choose a property with a solid support system. In particular, it is reassuring to choose a management company that has customer support that will respond immediately if you have any problems while renting, or a 24-hour contact point.

Problems such as lost keys or equipment failures won't be a big stress if they are dealt with quickly. Another effective method is to prioritize properties that have been praised for their "good customer service" through word of mouth.

Check for flexible contract terms and extension options

If your plans are likely to change, it is essential to check in advance whether you can change the contract period or extend your stay. Depending on the property, you may not be able to extend your stay, or you may not be able to continue using the property if another reservation has been made.

Be sure to check whether there are any options for extension and whether they are clearly stated in the contract to prepare for unforeseen circumstances. It is also ideal to check the refund policy in case of mid-term cancellation and choose a property that offers flexible refunds.

Check out the benefits of weekly apartments

Weekly apartments are convenient and flexible housing for short-term stays. They offer many advantages over regular rental properties or hotels, such as cost, facilities, and ease of contracting.

Here we will explain in detail why weekly apartments are so popular and the specific benefits they offer users.

Low initial costs and easy procedures

Many weekly apartments do not require any initial costs such as a deposit, key money, or brokerage fee that are incurred in a regular rental contract, and the procedures are simple.

Contracts can often be completed online or over the phone, and a major attraction is that you can move in in a short period of time. In particular, a major benefit is that you can respond smoothly even if you need to go on a sudden business trip or have temporary housing. Compared to regular rentals, the initial costs are significantly lower, so it is also suitable for people who value cost-effectiveness.

Furniture, appliances, and internet access are all included so you can move in right away

Weekly apartments come fully equipped with the necessary furniture and appliances for daily life, such as a bed, refrigerator, microwave, and washing machine, so you can move in with just your luggage. Many properties also have a good internet environment, so you can work remotely and watch videos without any problems.

Since it minimizes the hassle and cost of moving, it is extremely convenient for those who have little time to prepare or who want to live lightly.

No need to sign contracts for lifelines, saving you time and effort

In weekly apartments, essential utilities such as electricity, gas, and water are already in place, so residents do not need to sign individual contracts. There is no need to go through the hassle of paperwork or be present during installation work, so residents can start living comfortably as soon as they move in.

Considering that it is a short stay, this hassle-free experience is a huge benefit, and the environment is particularly user-friendly for those living alone for the first time and foreigners.

Suitable for those who want to live for a short period of time

• "I want to live for just a few days to a few weeks."
• "I need temporary housing until I move."
• "I want to stay in Japan during my temporary return to Japan"

Weekly apartments are the perfect choice for these short-term needs. The contract period can often be adjusted in weekly increments, allowing you to flexibly arrange your schedule. In addition to weekly apartments, monthly apartments and apartments with furniture and appliances are also available, and can be rented for as little as one month, so be sure to consider them.

In addition, since it is more spacious than a hotel and you can feel at home, it is recommended for those who want to stay without disrupting their daily routine. The fact that it can be used easily according to your purpose is the reason why it is chosen by many people.

FAQ

People who are considering using a weekly apartment have many questions about safety, contract terms, payment methods, etc. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers for those who may feel uneasy about using a weekly apartment, especially women living alone, students, and unemployed people. These are all points that you should know before signing a contract to give you peace of mind.

Is it safe for a woman to live alone?

Some properties are equipped with security features such as auto-locks, security cameras, and a resident manager, and are designed to accommodate women living alone. There are also women-only floors and weekly apartments, and the design is often such that women do not feel anxious.

However, this does not apply to all properties, so it is important to check the facilities, surrounding area, and past reviews before signing a contract. If you are worried, we recommend narrowing your search by "women only" or "security-oriented."

What if I want to extend my stay?

If you wish to extend your stay, you must contact the management company or operating company as soon as possible to check availability. During popular properties or peak periods, the property may already have been booked, so you may not be able to extend your stay as desired.

Also, since the price may change depending on the number of days you extend your stay, it is a good idea to check in advance whether you can extend your stay, the amount, and the procedure. By choosing a property that flexibly supports extensions, you can smoothly respond to changes in your plans.

If I cancel mid-contract, will I get a refund?

Due to the nature of short-term contracts, most weekly apartments do not offer refunds if you cancel mid-contract.

For example, if you sign a one-week contract and move out on the third day, you may not be refunded for the remaining four days. However, some properties and management companies may offer partial refunds, so it is important to carefully check the cancellation policy and conditions for mid-term termination before signing the contract.

If you choose a property that offers flexible cancellation policies, it will be easier to deal with sudden changes in plans.

Can I sign a contract even if I am unemployed or a student?

Compared to regular rental properties, the screening process for weekly apartments is often more lenient, and even unemployed people and students can sign a contract. In many cases, you only need to submit identification, contact information, and emergency contact information, and there are many properties that do not require a guarantor.

However, for long-term use or high-priced properties, you may be asked to provide proof of income, so it is important to check the conditions in advance. There are also management companies that offer plans for students and part-time workers, so you can use them with peace of mind.

How do I pay for a weekly apartment?

Payment methods vary depending on the property, but most properties accept bank transfers and credit cards. Some properties also accept cash payments, smartphone payments such as PayPay, and convenience store payments.

Payment is generally due in advance in one lump sum before the contract is signed, and in many cases installment payments are not possible, so please be careful. Also, for corporate contracts, some properties allow for invoice payment, so it is a good idea to check the payment methods that can be flexibly selected for both personal and corporate use.

summary

Weekly apartments are a very convenient option for people who need short-term housing. While the initial costs are low and the apartment comes fully equipped with furniture, appliances, and internet, there are also some disadvantages that you should be aware of in advance, such as the relatively high rent and the inconvenience of canceling the contract midway.

Before signing a contract, it is important to check additional fees, read reviews, and whether or not you can extend your stay, and to choose a property that suits your lifestyle and purpose. Make smart use of weekly apartments by properly understanding the advantages and disadvantages.

Search for properties here