What are the downsides of weekly apartments? We explain important points to know before using them.

What is a weekly apartment? Basic structure and features.

Weekly apartments are furnished rental properties that can be easily rented on a weekly basis, ideal for short-term stays. They are a popular choice for people who need temporary accommodation due to job transfers, business trips, or tourism, and can sometimes be more cost-effective than hotels.

Below, we will explain in detail the definition of a weekly apartment, its usage scenarios, how it differs from other types of housing, and why it is suitable for short-term stays.

Definition and usage scenarios of weekly apartments

A weekly apartment is a furnished rental property intended for short-term stays of one week or more. Often registered as a lodging facility, it offers the flexibility of a hotel (allowing stays on a daily basis) while providing a home-like living experience.

Common uses include business trips, training, temporary return to Japan, and temporary housing before or after moving. While the minimum stay varies depending on the property, it can be rented from around one week, making it easy to choose a stay that suits your purpose and lifestyle.

Differences between monthly apartments and hotels

Weekly apartments differ from monthly apartments and hotels in several ways, including their usage style and pricing structure.

Compared to hotels, the rates are generally lower, and many rooms have kitchens for self-catering and washing machines, making it advantageous for keeping living costs down even during long-term stays.

On the other hand, compared to monthly apartments, a major advantage is that they are easy to use even for short stays. However, since consumption tax is levied and the services may be inferior to those of hotels, it is important to choose a type of accommodation that suits your needs.

Why is it suitable for short-term stays of one week or more?

Weekly apartments are ideal for sudden business trips or temporary stays, as they can be easily rented for as little as one week. They offer more privacy than hotels and come furnished with essential furniture and appliances, allowing you to move in with just a suitcase.

The contract process is simple, and an increasing number of properties offer online booking and contract options, making it attractive for those who want to prepare for move-in without being restricted by time or location. It offers an excellent balance of cost and flexibility, making it a perfect choice for those who want to live comfortably for a short period.

What are the main disadvantages of weekly apartments?

While weekly apartments are convenient for short-term stays, they have several drawbacks and points to consider compared to regular rentals or hotels. In particular, many people experience unexpected inconveniences in terms of cost, contract flexibility, living facilities, and security.

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

Rent can sometimes be expensive.

While weekly apartments offer the convenience of short-term rentals, their daily rent tends to be higher than that of regular rentals. Because contracts are made on a weekly or daily basis, the fees set by property operators reflect the costs of covering the risks of short-term rentals and vacancy rates.

Therefore, even for stays of a month or longer, monthly apartments or regular rentals may be cheaper in terms of total cost. If you have long-term plans, it is important to carefully compare and consider the cost-effectiveness.

Additional costs will be incurred for utilities (water, electricity, gas) and cleaning.

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

Furthermore, cleaning fees upon moving out are often billed in advance, which can make the total cost higher than it appears. It is important to carefully check the total amount and clearly understand the breakdown of costs before signing the contract.

Sometimes furniture and appliances may not suit you.

One of the biggest advantages of weekly apartments is that they come fully furnished with furniture and appliances, but the type, layout, and quality of these amenities vary greatly from property to property.

For example, the bed might be too hard, the refrigerator too small, or the desk unsuitable for work, and it's not uncommon to find that the property doesn't suit your lifestyle. Since many contracts don't allow for viewings, it's essential to carefully check the photos and specifications on the property listing page beforehand and compare them to your own desired conditions.

In many cases, people sign a contract without being able to view the property.

Because weekly apartments are often available for immediate occupancy, it's generally not possible to view them beforehand, unlike with regular rentals.

You need to make a decision based on photos and floor plans, but sometimes you might encounter mismatches after actually moving in, such as "the room isn't what I expected" or "the surrounding environment is noisy." Assuming that viewing the property beforehand is not possible, choosing a trustworthy management company and referring to reviews and reputation are key to avoiding such problems.

Extending your stay or canceling your contract early may not always be flexible.

Even if you want to change the contract period, weekly apartments may not offer flexible options.

In particular, early termination of the contract may result in no refund for the remaining days, or a cancellation fee may be charged. Regarding extending your stay, extensions are not possible if the next occupant has already booked the room, making it difficult to accommodate sudden changes in plans, which is a disadvantage.

It's important to schedule your stay with plenty of leeway and to check in advance whether the property allows for extended stays.

Inconveniences regarding resident registration and receiving mail.

Since weekly apartments are intended for short-term stays, many properties do not allow changes to your registered address, which can be inconvenient when administrative procedures or identity verification are required.

Furthermore, receiving mail is unreliable because it's treated as "temporary accommodation," and some properties don't offer forwarding or long-term storage. If you plan to use it as your base for work or life, you need to check these procedural restrictions in advance.

Security concerns and worries of nearby residents (high turnover of short-term users)

Because weekly apartments have a high turnover of short-term tenants, some people feel uneasy about security as they don't know their neighbors. This is especially stressful for women living alone or those staying with children, as the lack of information about the surrounding residents can be a source of anxiety.

While some properties have features like automatic locks and security cameras, many lack on-site management, making it crucial to check safety measures. Referring to reviews and information about the surrounding area's safety will help you choose a property that you can feel secure in.

Who is a weekly apartment unsuitable for?

While weekly apartments are convenient for short-term stays, they aren't ideal for everyone. Those with strong budget constraints or specific lifestyle preferences may find other types of accommodation more suitable.

Here, we'll introduce specific cases where weekly apartments might not be suitable, so you can use this as a reference when choosing accommodation that suits you.

People who want to stay for an extended period while keeping costs down as much as possible

Weekly apartments are specifically designed for short-term stays, so their daily rent is often higher, making them unsuitable for long-term stays. If you plan to stay for a month or longer, monthly apartments or regular rental properties are generally more cost-effective overall.

Especially since there are fixed costs such as utilities and cleaning fees in addition to rent, we recommend that people who want to live somewhere cheaply for a long time consider other options.

Those who like to decorate their interiors themselves

Weekly apartments typically come furnished with furniture and appliances, and residents are generally not allowed to freely change the interior design.

The placement of curtains, beds, desks, and appliances is often fixed, which may leave those who are particular about their decor, such as wanting to place their favorite sofa or create a space that suits their taste, feeling unsatisfied. For those who are particular about interior design, a regular rental property or an unfurnished property with more flexibility would be more suitable.

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

Many weekly apartments operate under a system based on the Hotel Business Act, and may not allow you to register your residency or use them as your official address.

Because it may not be able to handle procedures requiring proof of residence, such as issuing health insurance cards or opening bank accounts, it is unsuitable for people who want to use it officially as their primary residence. If you need such services, it would be smoother to choose a monthly apartment with a long-term contract or a regular rental property.

People who are not good at cleaning or tidying up

Unlike hotels, weekly apartments generally do not provide daily cleaning services. Cleaning, taking out the trash, making the bed, and laundry are all the responsibility of the tenant during their stay.

Additionally, a fixed cleaning fee may be charged upon moving out, requiring you to keep the room clean. It's important to note that this can be more of a burden than you might expect for those who dislike cleaning or are too busy to dedicate time to tidying up.

Measures and checkpoints to eliminate disadvantages

While weekly apartments do have some drawbacks, many of these can be alleviated with thorough preparation and checking beforehand. By paying attention to key points such as cost transparency, property selection criteria, and the level of support provided, you can ensure a comfortable and worry-free stay.

Here, we will specifically introduce the points you should check before signing a contract.

Before signing the contract, be sure to check the breakdown of any additional costs.

Weekly apartments may incur additional costs beyond the rent, such as utilities (water, electricity, gas), cleaning fees, and administrative fees. Depending on the property, these may be included in the rent or billed separately, so it's important to clarify the total cost before signing a contract.

It's also a good idea to check the fee structure for extensions and the cancellation policy. Choosing a property with transparent pricing will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and problems.

Thoroughly check beforehand using photos, floor plans, and reviews.

Since weekly apartments are often rented without the opportunity to view the property beforehand, it is extremely important to carefully check the photos and floor plans posted on the official website or portal site.

Choosing properties with 360-degree views or videos makes it easier to visualize the room size, furniture arrangement, and condition of the facilities, reducing the chances of making a bad choice. Customer reviews and testimonials are also helpful. Use them to gather information that photos can't capture, such as cleanliness, noise levels, and management responsiveness.

Choose a property with a well-established support system.

To prepare for any unexpected problems or equipment malfunctions, it's important to choose a property with a robust support system. In particular, a management company that provides prompt customer support for any issues that may arise during your tenancy, or a 24-hour contact hotline, offers peace of mind.

Even problems like losing keys or equipment malfunctions won't be a major source of stress if they're handled quickly. Prioritizing properties that have received positive reviews for their excellent customer service is also an effective approach.

Check if there are flexible contract periods or options for extending your stay.

If your plans may change, it is essential to check in advance whether the contract period can be changed or if an extension of your stay is possible. Depending on the property, extensions may not be possible, or you may not be able to continue using the property because it is already booked.

Make sure to check whether there are any extension options and whether they are clearly stated in the contract, so you can be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. Also, check the refund policy in case of early termination, and ideally choose a property that offers flexible options.

Let's also check out the advantages of weekly apartments.

Weekly apartments offer excellent convenience and flexibility as short-term accommodation. They have many advantages over regular rentals and hotels, including lower costs, better facilities, and easier contract procedures.

This section explains in detail why weekly apartments are popular and the specific advantages they offer to users.

Low initial costs and easy procedures

Many weekly apartments do not require the initial costs associated with regular rental agreements, such as security deposits, key money, and brokerage fees, and the procedures are simple.

The contract can often be completed online or by phone, and the ability to move in quickly is a major advantage. This is especially beneficial for situations like sudden business trips or when temporary housing is needed. Since initial costs are significantly lower compared to regular rentals, it's also suitable for those who prioritize cost-effectiveness.

Fully furnished with furniture, appliances, and internet access, ready to move in.

Weekly apartments come fully furnished with essential furniture and appliances such as beds, refrigerators, microwaves, and washing machines, making them convenient to move into with just your belongings. Many also have internet access, allowing you to work remotely or watch videos without any problems.

Because it minimizes the hassle and cost of moving, it's extremely convenient for those with limited preparation time or those who want to live lightly.

No need to sign up for utilities, saving you time and effort.

In weekly apartments, utilities such as electricity, gas, and water are already connected, so tenants do not need to sign individual contracts. Since there is no need for troublesome paperwork or attendance at installation work, you can start a comfortable life immediately after moving in.

Considering that it's a short-term stay, the fact that it requires minimal effort is a huge advantage, and it's especially easy to use for people living alone for the first time or for foreigners.

This is suitable for those who want to live somewhere for a short period of time.

• "I want to stay for just a few days to a few weeks."
• "We need temporary housing until we can move."
• "I want to stay in Japan while I'm temporarily back in the country," etc.

For these short-term needs, weekly apartments are a perfect option. The contract period is often adjustable in one-week increments, offering flexibility in scheduling. Besides weekly apartments, you might also consider monthly apartments or furnished apartments, which can be rented for as short as one month.

Furthermore, because it offers a more spacious and home-like atmosphere than a hotel, it's recommended for those who want to stay without disrupting their daily routine. The ease with which it can be used depending on the purpose is the reason why it's chosen by so many people.

FAQ

Those considering using weekly apartments often have various questions about safety, contract terms, payment methods, and more. We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers, especially for those who may feel anxious about using weekly apartments, such as women living alone, students, and unemployed individuals. These are all points that will give you peace of mind before signing a contract.

Is it safe for a woman to live there alone?

Some properties offer security features such as automatic locks, security cameras, and on-site managers, making them suitable for women living alone. There are also women-only floors and women-only weekly apartments, often designed to minimize feelings of anxiety.

However, this doesn't apply to all properties, so it's important to check the facilities, surrounding environment, and past reviews before signing a contract. If you're concerned, we recommend narrowing your search to "women only" or "security-focused."

What should I do if I want to extend my stay?

If you wish to extend your stay, you should contact the management company or operator as soon as possible to check the availability. Popular properties and properties during peak seasons may already have reservations, so it may not be possible to extend your stay as you wish.

Also, since the price may vary depending on the number of nights extended, it's a good idea to check in advance whether extensions are possible, the cost, and the procedure. Choosing a property that offers flexible extension options will allow you to smoothly adapt to changes in your plans.

If I cancel the contract midway through, will I get a refund?

Due to the nature of short-term contracts, most weekly apartments do not offer refunds for early termination.

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

Choosing a property with flexible cancellation policies makes it easier to adapt to sudden changes in plans.

Can unemployed people or students sign a contract?

Weekly apartments often have relatively lenient application processes compared to regular rental properties, and it's sometimes possible to rent one even if you're unemployed or a student. Often, all you need to submit is identification, contact information, and emergency contact details, and many properties don't require a guarantor.

However, for long-term rentals or high-priced properties, you may be required to provide proof of income, so it's important to check the conditions beforehand. Some management companies offer plans for students and part-time workers, so you can use them with peace of mind.

What are the payment methods for weekly apartments?

Payment methods vary from property to property, but bank transfers and credit card payments are common. Some properties also accept cash, smartphone payments such as PayPay, and convenience store payments.

The payment due date is generally "full upfront payment before the contract is signed," and installment payments are often not possible, so please be aware of this. Also, for corporate contracts, some properties allow invoice payments, so it's reassuring to check the flexible payment options available, whether you are an individual or a corporation.

summary

Weekly apartments are a very convenient option for those who need short-term accommodation. They offer low initial costs and come fully furnished with furniture, appliances, and internet access, allowing you to start living immediately. However, there are also disadvantages that should be considered beforehand, such as higher rent and the inconvenience of early termination of the contract.

Before signing a contract, it's crucial to carefully check additional fees, read reviews, and confirm whether extensions are possible, in order to choose a property that suits your lifestyle and purpose. Make smart use of weekly apartments by understanding the advantages and disadvantages correctly.