Can I transfer my residence registration to a monthly apartment?

"Can I transfer my residence card to a monthly apartment?" Monthly apartments are popular for short-term stays or temporary housing, but for those who are considering moving their residence card or changing their address, this question is very important. There are many cases where you need to register your residence card due to changes in your lifestyle or living base, such as moving, transferring, continuing education, or getting a job. In fact, whether or not you can transfer your residence card to a monthly property depends on the "contract type" and "property management method." For example, even if a property is located in a downtown area with good access to train lines, it may not be possible to register it if it is classified as an inn. Therefore, it is important to check the facilities and contract terms carefully in advance.

In this section, we will explain the basics of monthly apartments and the relationship between residence certificates and residence records in an easy-to-understand manner, as well as some points to note. We will also touch on the differences between monthly apartments and weekly apartments, and organize the necessary information.

Relationship between monthly apartment contract types and residence certificates

Monthly apartments can be broadly divided into two types depending on the type of contract. One is the "lease contract type," which often allows you to change your address and transfer your residence card just like a regular rental property. The other is the "accommodation contract type (hotel business)," which in most cases does not allow you to register your residence card. For example, even if you are looking for a cheap property along a major train line such as Shinjuku Station or Shinagawa Station, you will not be able to register your residence card if the contract type is treated as accommodation. On the other hand, if the rent is a little higher but the property is designated and has all the living facilities, you may be able to register your residence card.

If the property is signed as a "rental contract" at the time of signing the contract, it is assumed that it will be used for a long-term stay or as a living base, and the procedures at the city hall may go smoothly. The key to preventing trouble is to check in advance, such as clearly stating the terms and period of the contract.

What is the difference between a hotel business and a rental contract?

Even though they are called "monthly apartments," there is a big difference between those operated under the Hotel Business Act and those operated under a normal rental contract. Monthly properties that fall under the hotel business are operated as "lodging facilities" just like hotels and simple lodgings, and as a general rule, you cannot transfer your residence certificate.

For example, properties in locations with good access to the city center or properties operated in a manner similar to a weekly apartment are often considered to be hotels, and there is a high possibility that registration of the residence certificate will be refused. The city office will also check whether the operation is registered as a hotel, so if you wish to register, be sure to make sure that this is clearly stated in the rental contract.

On the other hand, monthly rental properties under normal lease agreements are recognized as residences, so in many cases it is possible to register your residence card. Even in the same area and with the same floor plan, the response differs depending on the contract type, so it is necessary to carefully consider the situation.

What are the requirements for transferring your residence certificate?

There are several conditions that must be met in order to transfer your residence registration to a monthly apartment. First of all, the most important prerequisite is that the place is considered your "main residence." The city office will make a decision after comprehensively checking your contract, identification documents, whether you can receive mail, etc. Another important condition is that the contract type is a "rental contract." Other factors that will be considered are that your stay is at least one month and that the contract is in your name.

Among the monthly apartments that are actually in use, some do not allow corporate contracts and are only for individuals, so whether or not you meet the conditions depends on the case. You may also be asked to provide information about the usage of the facilities and the details of your utility contract to confirm whether or not you are actually living there. If you meet these conditions, you will be able to register your residence card. However, interpretations and practices vary from region to region, so it is best to consult with your city, town, or village office in advance.

What are the characteristics of a property where you can register your residence certificate?

Not all monthly apartments allow you to transfer your residence card. However, if the property meets certain conditions, you can register your residence card even while using the monthly rental. To do so, it is important to correctly understand what types of properties are eligible for registration and to check the information carefully before moving in.

Specifically, the key points are the clarity of the contract period, the completeness of the facilities, whether or not the actual living conditions are met, and the service response status of the operating company. If you understand these things, you can avoid troubles such as not being able to transfer your residence card even if you are using it for a short-term stay, temporary residence, or transfer.

Below, we will introduce the characteristics of monthly apartments that are likely to accommodate resident registration.

Long-term stays are OK - choose a monthly rental with a clear contract period

Monthly apartments that allow you to register your residence have a few things in common. The most important thing is that they have a clear contract period that assumes a long-term stay.

For example, if you have a rental contract that requires you to stay for more than one month, the city hall will likely consider it to be your living base. On the other hand, if you have a weekly contract, such as a weekly apartment, it is unlikely that you are actually living there, and it can be difficult to transfer your residence card. Be sure to check the period and clauses written in the contract carefully before signing the contract, and check with the management company if necessary.

In addition, even if the property is located along a train line with good access to major stations in Tokyo, whether or not it clearly states that it is available for long-term use will be a factor in determining whether to register your residence.

Furnished property, often used as a residence

Fully furnished monthly apartments are characterized by having all the necessary amenities for daily life, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, bed, microwave, etc. These properties are not simply accommodation facilities, but are often used by people staying long-term as an actual residence, and there is a high possibility that they will be recognized by the government as a permanent residence.

Other important points to check include whether the property has a mailbox where you can receive your mail, and whether it is possible to make individual contracts for utilities and the internet. Since you need to be able to prove that you are actually living in the property in order to register your residence card, it is a good idea to look for a property that prioritizes facilities so that you can choose with peace of mind as a temporary residence or in the event of a transfer. In recent years, the number of real estate sites that list such properties has increased, making it possible to efficiently search for a home that meets your needs.

Check the status of service providers such as "Three"

Whether or not you can register your residence card depends largely on not only the property but also the policies of the service provider.

For example, major monthly rental companies such as Three and Livemax often have a system in place that allows you to consult in advance about whether or not you can register your residence.

On the official websites of each company, there are cases where conditions such as "resident registration support" and "can issue contracts to submit to the government office" are stated, and one feature of these companies is that they provide clear information to customers. Some companies will let you know whether they can handle it by filling out an inquiry form or confirming by phone, so if there is a property you are interested in, it is a good idea to inquire early. Note that many companies that focus on the hotel business do not support resident registration, so it is a good idea to prioritize services that specify "consultation available" or "registration possible".

Specific procedures and steps for transferring your residence certificate

When transferring your residence card to a monthly apartment, you need to follow a few steps accurately. If your short-term stay is recognized as your "main residence," you can register it at the city hall, but there are documents you need to prepare and conditions you need to check in advance. For example, you need to submit a change of address notification, transfer your mail, and change your registered address, all at the same time, so it may seem a bit complicated for first-time users.

Here, we will clearly explain the necessary documents, procedures for notifying local government offices, and points to note from moving in to moving out, following the basic process.

Required documents and procedure (notification to government office)

First, to transfer your residence, you must submit a "moving out notification" to the local government where you are currently registered and receive a moving out certificate. After that, you must submit a "moving in notification" to the local government where you are moving and register your residence at your new address. The basic rule is that this series of procedures must be completed within 14 days of moving in.

The documents required when using a monthly apartment as a residence are as follows.

• Identification document (driver's license, My Number card, etc.)
• Rental agreement (with the contract holder's name)
• Moving-out certificate (issued by the local government of your previous address)

In some cases, you may need to ask the management company to issue supplementary documents (such as a certificate of residence) for the resident registration. Therefore, if you state that you would like to register your resident registration when you sign the contract, you may be able to get a smoother response. The first step to peace of mind is to check the latest information on the necessary documents on the city hall website before submitting them.

Change of address, change of address notification, and receiving mail

After transferring your residence registration, you will also need to change many of the services and documents related to your address.

Don't forget to change the following settings:

• Registered address for health insurance card, driver's license, bank account, and credit card
• Billing information for smartphone contracts, internet services, etc.
• Address information for registered accounts, such as online shopping sites and point services

In addition, to ensure that your mail is delivered, you must submit a "mail forwarding notice" to the post office. Especially in monthly apartments, mailboxes are often unnamed or have only the room number displayed in the shared space, making it easy for mail to be returned due to an incorrect address.

It is important to write the address accurately, down to "Mr./Ms. XX/Room No. XX," and to inquire with the management company about receiving mail if necessary. If you neglect to change the address, you risk not receiving important documents such as tax forms or insurance cards, which could cause problems in your life, so be careful.

Things to be aware of before moving in and moving out

Monthly apartments are often used as temporary or medium-term housing, so the things you need to do from moving in to moving out are slightly different from regular rentals. First of all, you must complete the moving-in procedures within 14 days of moving in. At that time, it is a good idea to keep your utility bills and copies of your mail as proof of your actual living situation. Some municipalities require "evidence of residence" when registering your residence for monthly use, so be sure to keep any documents that can prove it.

When you move out, you must submit a moving out notification and go through the re-registration process at your next residence.

If you forget to do so, there is a risk that your health insurance card and pension-related notices will remain at your previous address, which may lead to you missing out on receiving government services. Also, if you move frequently in a short period of time, you may be asked why you moved your residence registration, so it will be smoother if you are prepared to explain the reason for your move (job search, training, temporary housing, etc.).

Things to note when transferring your residence card to a monthly apartment

When transferring your residence registration to a monthly apartment, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in addition to notifying the local government.

Especially if you intend to use the property for a short period of time or as a temporary residence, there are many cases where you will need to take detailed measures such as changing daily life services and official documents, setting up mail forwarding, etc. It is important not to be complacent and think "I can register even a monthly apartment," but to make all the necessary preparations including the period of use, purpose, and the documents to be submitted.

In this section, we will explain in detail what you need to do after transferring your residence registration, procedures that are often overlooked, and key points to consider.

Changes to post office delivery procedures and daily life services

Once you have changed the address on your resident registration card, don't forget to submit a "mail forwarding notice" at the post office first. Many monthly apartments, especially, do not have the resident's name displayed on the mailbox, and there are many cases where mail is returned to an unknown address. When filling out the mail forwarding notice, be sure to accurately write your old address, new address, desired forwarding period (up to one year), etc., and complete the procedure as soon as possible.

It is also a good idea to update the following registration information related to daily life infrastructure at the same time.

• Mobile phone, internet and other communication services
• Billing information for utilities, NHK, etc.
• Registered address for credit card and online shopping site

Even if you are staying for a short period of time, if you neglect to register for daily life services, there is a risk that you will not receive important notices or invoices. If you use a monthly rental management company that is good at customer service, they may be able to carefully follow up on such transfers and change notifications.

Changing the address on official documents such as health insurance cards and driver's licenses

Once you have completed transferring your residence registration, you must change your address listed on your official documents.

For example, the following documents are covered:

• Health insurance card (through your local government for national health insurance, through your company for social insurance)
• Driver's license (from your nearest police station or driver's license center)
• My Number Card
• Pension-related documents, tax notices, etc.

Even if you are living temporarily in a monthly apartment, if you move your residence certificate, the address will become your official address. If you leave the address on your official documents unchanged, it could cause problems with identity verification and administrative procedures, or important documents could be delivered to your old address.

In particular, changes to your driver's license or health insurance card are required as soon as possible, as these are often used to verify your identity. In some cases, you may need to submit documents to verify your address or a copy of your residence certificate, so it will be smoother if you check the documents you need to submit in advance.

Decide on the best fit for your purpose, such as short-term use, temporary housing, or business trips.

Whether or not you should change your residence registration depends on the purpose for which you plan to use the monthly apartment. For example, if you are going on a one- or two-week business trip, training, or are just using it as temporary housing for a short period of time, it may be more reasonable to just forward your mail and change your address without changing your residence registration.

On the other hand, if you plan to stay for more than three months or if you are applying for government services such as insurance or education, you will need to transfer your residence certificate. In particular, the address registered on your residence certificate is used as the basis for school procedures and transfers for children, and joining or changing health insurance, so advance preparation is essential.

It is important to carefully consider "how long you will be staying" and "what administrative procedures will be required" before deciding whether or not you really need to transfer your residence registration. If you are unsure, you may be able to receive guidance tailored to your individual circumstances by contacting your local city hall or the monthly rental management company.

Summary | Things to check before transferring your residence card to a monthly apartment

Even in a monthly apartment, it is possible to register your residence if you meet the requirements for the contract type, length of stay, facilities, etc. In particular, if it is a "rental contract" and the property is intended for a period of use of one month or more, the procedures at the city hall will often proceed smoothly.

On the other hand, properties operated as hotels or residences that do not have a system for receiving mail may not allow registration, so it is essential to check before moving in. When searching for properties, it is a good idea to use real estate sites that clearly state conditions such as "resident registration possible" and "long-term stay support" or the information services of highly responsive monthly rental companies such as Three.

It is also important to be aware of basic procedures in advance, such as changes to living infrastructure and official documents that accompany a change of address, and re-registration when moving out. Even if you are using the property temporarily, it will serve as a base for your life, so be sure to fully understand how to handle your resident registration and make the necessary preparations before using it.

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