What is Cross House?
XROSS HOUSE is a management company for shared houses and shared apartments, mainly in Tokyo. They offer properties with rent starting from 30,000 yen, and are popular with people who want to live in the city center while keeping initial costs down.
In particular, there are many private rooms with furniture and appliances, and many properties that do not require a deposit or key money, making it a suitable living environment for students, working adults, and short-term residents. Another feature is that there is a service that allows you to move to another property free of charge under certain conditions.
Types of properties offered
Cross House offers a variety of residence types to suit your lifestyle.
1. Shared apartment
- Characteristics: A style that allows you to use shared facilities while still having private space
- Pros: You can live like a single person, but with lower rent
- Target audience: People who want a private room but want to keep costs down
2. Private room (XROSS series)
- Features: Fully private rooms with locks to ensure privacy
- Pros: Peace of mind knowing you have your own room
- Target audience: People who want an environment similar to living alone
3. Dormitory
- Features: Multiple people share one room
- Pros: You can live in the city center at the lowest rent
- Target users: People who want to live at a low cost, short-term users
4. Furnished Apartments
- Features: A standard rental property with all the furniture and appliances
- Pros: You can live in the same environment as a regular apartment, but with less upfront costs.
- Target audience: People considering long-term stays, business people
Advantages of Cross House
Cross House is a popular rental service that offers shared houses where you can live in central Tokyo while keeping costs down. Not only is the rent cheap, but the initial costs are also low, making it easy to start living in the city, which is a major attraction. Here we will explain the benefits of Cross House in detail.
1. Low rent and initial costs
Living in Tokyo for as little as 30,000 yen! The appeal of budget share houses
The biggest advantage of Cross House is that you can live in Tokyo for as little as 30,000 yen. Normally, renting a property in Tokyo costs around 70,000 to 100,000 yen, but Cross House offers rent that is less than half that amount.
The initial fee is a flat rate of 30,000 yen! No deposit, key money or guarantee required
In a normal rental contract, you will have to pay a deposit, key money, and real estate agency fees, and most initial costs of over 100,000 yen will be incurred when you move in. However, with Cross House, you can move in with an initial cost of only 30,000 yen, which will significantly reduce your moving costs.
Cost Comparison
- General rental: Initial cost 100,000 to 200,000 yen
- Cross House: Move-in for just 30,000 yen!
This is the perfect option for those who want to live in Tokyo as cheaply as possible.
2. Furniture and appliances included, no hassle
No need to prepare for moving! Everything you need is included
All Cross House properties come with furniture and appliances, so you can start living there immediately after moving in. With a regular rental property, you have to buy furniture and appliances when you move in, but with Cross House, there's no need to do that.
Main Facilities
- Beds and mattresses
- Refrigerator and microwave
- Washing machine and air conditioner
- Wi-Fi available (free)
In particular, it is recommended for those who want to telework as it is fully equipped with Wi-Fi. It is also an ideal environment for working from home and online classes.
3. Great location, convenient for commuting to work or school
Live in the heart of Tokyo! Excellent access to major stations
Cross House properties are located in many major areas of Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Shinagawa, and Ueno. This makes them convenient for commuting to work or school, and also helps you save on transportation costs.
Examples of properties in popular areas
- Shared Apartment Mejiro (Ikebukuro area)
- Cross House Shinjuku Area Property
- Cross Denenchofu (Shinagawa/Ota Ward area)
Access to major stations
- 15 minutes to Shinjuku
- 20 minutes to Shibuya
- 10 minutes to Ikebukuro
- 25 minutes to Tokyo Station
We have a wide selection of properties that are perfect for people who want to shorten their commute to work or school or live in a highly convenient area.
4. You can move to another property for free
No moving costs! You can move to a new place to suit your lifestyle.
Cross House offers a unique service that allows you to move to another property free of charge if you find that your property is not suitable for you or if you want to move to a new area.
Cross House's transportation system
- What if you try living there and it doesn't suit you? → You can move to another property for free
- How much does it cost to move? → You can move with zero initial costs
- No need to live in the same place for a long time! → Flexible relocation
With a normal rental contract, you have to pay a deposit, key money, renewal fee, etc. every time you move, but with Cross House, you don't have to pay these costs. It's the perfect system for people who want to live for a short period of time or want to live in a new area.
Disadvantages of Cross House
Cross House is a popular service that allows you to live in a shared house in Tokyo at a low cost, but in addition to its benefits, there are also disadvantages that you should be aware of before moving in. There are rules and restrictions unique to shared houses, so make sure to check whether it suits your lifestyle.
Here we will explain in detail the three main disadvantages of Cross House.
1. Not being able to invite friends and family over
Rules to prevent trouble
At Cross House, it is prohibited to invite non-residents into your room. This is a rule to prevent trouble with other residents and to protect security and the living environment.
Prohibited Activities
- Invite friends and family to stay in your share house
- Stay in the room
- Gatherings and parties in shared spaces
Why are there rules for this?
- Consideration for other residents (prevention of noise problems)
- Ensuring security (preventing intrusion by suspicious individuals)
- Maintaining the comfort of common areas (preventing overcrowding)
If you plan on inviting friends and family over frequently or hosting parties at your home, Cross House may not be the right choice for you.
Solution
- Make use of cafes and rental spaces
- If having visitors at your home is important to you, consider a traditional rental property.
2. There is an age limit
The majority of residents are between 18 and 39 years old.
Cross House has an age limit, and is generally available to people between the ages of 18 and 39. (Some properties and apartments with furniture and appliances are available to people up to the age of 59.)
Reasons for age restrictions
- Share houses are targeted at young people
- To align the lifestyles of residents
- It is set as an administrative policy.
What about those who are not eligible?
- Look for properties that are available to people over 40: Some properties may allow people up to age 59 to move in.
- Consider other share houses: Some share houses other than Cross House have more relaxed age restrictions.
If you are looking for a property that is available to people over 40 years old, it is a good idea to inquire in advance.
3. It's not a completely private space like living alone
Use of common areas is required
Cross House is a shared house, so it is not like living completely alone. In particular, facilities such as the kitchen, toilet, bathroom, and living room will be shared with other residents.
Important points to note about shared spaces
- Kitchen and bathroom usage times may overlap
- Cleanliness varies depending on the residents' manners.
- It is difficult to avoid contact with other residents
Solution
- Choose a private room type that offers relative privacy
- Choose a property with good cleaning management
- Use shared spaces when there are fewer people around, such as late at night or early in the morning
It is not recommended for these people
- People who don't like sharing space with others
- People who want to live quietly without interacting with others as much as possible
If you want to have completely private space, we recommend considering a regular rental property or a furnished apartment.
Reviews and Reputation of Cross House
Cross House is a popular share house due to its low rent and convenient location in Tokyo, but many people are probably wondering what it's like to live there. Here, we'll introduce good and bad reviews of Cross House and explain what you should know before moving in.
Good reviews and reputation
1. The rent is cheap and it's a relief! The best value for money place to live
The biggest attraction of Cross House is its overwhelming cost-performance ratio, allowing you to live in Tokyo for as little as 30,000 yen. Normally, the average rent for a single person in Tokyo is around 70,000 to 100,000 yen, but at Cross House you can live for about half that amount.
Actual reviews and reputation
"I looked at a lot of share houses in Tokyo, but Cross House was really cheap. The initial cost was only 30,000 yen, so the burden of moving was small!" (Male, 20s)
"I wanted to save money, so I live in Cross House, which has cheap rent. With utilities included, renting for around 30,000 yen is a great deal!" (Woman, 30s)
point
- Many properties with rent starting from 30,000 yen
- Flat rate plan including utilities and Wi-Fi
- The initial cost is the lowest in the industry (30,000 yen)
2. Great location and convenient location! Ideal for commuting to work or school
Cross House has many properties with good access to major areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Shinagawa, making them convenient for commuting to work or school.
Actual reviews and reputation
"The nearest station is a five-minute walk away, so it's convenient and shortens my commute time. I'm grateful that I can get to major stations right away!" (Woman, 20s)
"I'm happy to live in an area with good access to Shinjuku and Shibuya. The rent is cheap and the location is great!" (Male, 30s)
point
- There are plenty of properties with easy access to major stations
- Many properties are within walking distance of the nearest station
- Reduce the burden of commuting to work or school
3. The property is clean and comfortable
Cross House properties are characterized by being fully furnished and clean. Many of the properties are relatively new and have regular cleaning, and many reviews say they are "easy to live in."
Actual reviews and reputation
"The rooms are clean and come fully furnished. Wi-Fi is also available, so teleworking is comfortable!" (Male, 20s)
"The common areas are cleaner than I expected, and it's great that the cleaning staff cleans them regularly!" (Woman, 30s)
point
- Fully furnished with furniture and appliances, no need to worry about moving
- Equipped with Wi-Fi, ideal for working from home
- Many properties require regular cleaning
Bad reviews and reputation
1. The cleaning conditions of the common areas vary depending on the property
In a share house, the cleanliness of the common areas affects how comfortable you feel to live in. Some Cross House properties have cleaning staff, but not all properties are thoroughly managed, so some people report that the cleaning situation varies.
Actual reviews and reputation
"Depending on the property, the shared kitchen can get dirty easily. It also depends on the residents' manners." (Male, 20s)
"Some places are well-cleaned, and some aren't. It might be a good idea to look around before you move in." (Woman, 30s)
point
- Cleaning frequency varies depending on the property
- Depending on the residents' manners, the dirt in the common areas can be a concern
- It's a good idea to check in advance whether a cleaning service is available.
2. I'm worried about not getting along with other residents.
In a shared house, you live together with other residents, which can be stressful if you don't get along with them.
Actual reviews and reputation
"It can be stressful when residents don't follow the rules. I'm a bit worried about living with people who have different lifestyles." (Male, 20s)
"Some of the residents can be noisy, so it may not be suitable for people who want a quiet life." (Woman in her 30s)
point
- Comfort changes depending on the residents' personalities and lifestyles
- Not for those looking for a quiet life
- If you have any problems, you can contact the management company.
3. The rules can seem strict
Cross House has several rules to protect the living environment, some of which may seem "strict."
Actual reviews and reputation
"It's inconvenient that I can't invite my family or friends over to my room. I don't live completely alone, so there are a lot of restrictions." (Woman, 20s)
"There is no curfew, but the rules on noise levels at night are quite strict. It can't be helped since it's a shared house, but it might not be suitable for people who want to be free to do whatever they want." (Male, 30s)
point
- Not allowed to invite family or friends
- Strict rules regarding noise at night
- A comfortable environment for those who follow the rules
Who is Cross House suitable for and who is it not suitable for?
Cross House is used by many people as a shared house where you can live in central Tokyo at a low cost. However, there are rules and environments that are unique to shared houses, so it may not be suitable for some people.
Here we will explain in detail the characteristics of people who are and are not suitable for Cross House, so that you can check whether it suits your lifestyle.
Who is Cross House suitable for?
1. People who want to keep initial costs down
When renting a property in Tokyo, it is common to have initial costs of over 100,000 yen including the deposit, key money, and brokerage fee, but with Cross House, you can move in with an initial cost of only 30,000 yen.
Comparison of initial costs for regular rental vs. Cross House
| item | General rental property | Cross House |
| Deposit and key money | Over 100,000 yen | none |
| Brokerage fee | 1 month supply | none |
| Deposit | From several tens of thousands of yen | none |
| Total initial cost | 150,000 yen to 200,000 yen | Only 30,000 yen |
point
- No deposit, key money or brokerage fees!
- You can move in with just an initial fee of 30,000 yen
- Rent is also cheap, starting from 30,000 yen
This is ideal for those who want to keep moving costs as low as possible or start a new life with as few expenses as possible.
2. People who want to live for a short period of time
Cross House offers short-term leases starting from one month, making it the perfect property for those who want to live in Tokyo for just a few months.
Actual usage scenario
- Temporary housing while moving to Tokyo to look for work
- Short-term stays for work transfers or training
- People who are temporarily staying in Japan as international students or working holiday makers
point
- Minimum stay is 1 month
- No long-term contract commitments
- Perfect for those who are only living in Tokyo for a short period of time
3. People who want to live in a good location in Tokyo
Many Cross House properties are located in areas with good access to central Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Shinagawa, and Ueno.
Normally, living alone in an area like this would mean high rent, but at Cross House you can live for as little as 30,000 yen, so you can enjoy city life while keeping costs down.
Examples of properties in popular areas
- Shared Apartment Mejiro (Ikebukuro area)
- Cross House Shinjuku Area Property
- Cross Denenchofu (Shinagawa/Ota Ward area)
point
- Easy access to major stations
- Live in the city center with low rent
- Reduce the burden of commuting to work or school
This property is recommended for those who want to reduce their commute time to work or school, or who want to live in a convenient area of Tokyo.
Cross House contract and move-in process
Compared to a regular rental contract, the Cross House rental process is simpler, and you can move in within one week. Here, we will explain in detail the process from signing the contract to moving in.
1. Inquiries
First, make an inquiry via Cross House's official website, phone, or email to check the availability and details of the property you want.
Points to check when making an inquiry
- Availability in your desired area
- Details of rent, management fees, and initial costs
- Desired move-in date and contract period
- Shared facilities and rules
By checking in advance, you can prevent any problems after moving in.
2. Preview (if desired)
At Cross House, we allow property viewings only for those who wish to do so. If you live far away or are in a hurry, you can sign a contract without a viewing.
Benefits of viewing
- You can check the actual size and facilities of the room.
- You can check the cleaning status and management system of the common areas.
- You can get a feel for the property in advance
In some cases, online viewing is possible, so even those with tight schedules can rest assured.
3. Application and screening
Once you find a property you like, you can make an offer.
What you need to apply
- Identification document (driver's license, passport, etc.)
- Emergency contact information
- Specify desired move-in date and contract period
Judging points
- No income check or guarantor required like in regular rental properties
- Review completed in as little as 1 to 3 days
- Unemployed people, freelancers, and foreign nationals can also get advice.
The screening process is easier than for a regular rental property, so you can move in smoothly.
4. Contract and Move-in
If you pass the screening, you will be able to move in after signing the contract.
Contract process
- Review and sign the contract
- Initial fee payment (30,000 yen)
- Receiving keys (some properties are equipped with smart locks)
- Move-in begins
Check points on the day you move in
- Check how to connect to Wi-Fi
- Revisit the rules of shared spaces
- Check the room cleaning status and equipment
The process from contract to move-in can be completed in as little as one week, so we can accommodate sudden moves.
FAQ
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding the contract and moving into Cross House. Please clear up any concerns or doubts you may have before moving in.
Q. From what month can I move in?
A. You can move in for as little as one month.
Unlike regular rental contracts, Cross House allows for short-term stays. Since you can sign a contract starting from one month, it is ideal for people who want to live in Tokyo for a short period of time or who need a temporary place to live due to a sudden transfer or business trip.
The benefits of short-term contracts
- You're not tied down to long-term contracts
- Convenient for those who want to stay in Tokyo for just a few months
- Easy relocation
You can also renew your contract if you wish, so you don't have to worry if you decide you want to continue living there at some point.
Q. Do I need a guarantor?
A. In principle, it is not required.
For general rental properties, a guarantor or guarantor company is required to be screened when signing a contract, but at Cross House, you can generally sign a contract without a guarantor.
Benefits of not needing a guarantor
- Contract procedures are smooth
- Proof of income is often not required
- Easy to sign contracts even for students, freelancers, and foreigners
However, depending on the contract terms and the property, you may be required to register an emergency contact number, so it is a good idea to check in advance.
Q. Are there any non-smoking rules?
A. Generally, smoking is prohibited indoors and on the premises.
At Cross House, there are some properties with smoking areas, but only a few of them. Most properties have a no smoking rule inside and on the premises. This is a regulation to prevent fires and maintain hygiene in shared spaces and private rooms.
For smokers
- Some properties have designated smoking areas.
- Smoking is often prohibited in common areas, on balconies, and near windows.
If you are a smoker, we recommend that you check whether or not there is a smoking area before signing a contract.
Q. Are there any moving-out costs?
A. Only the cancellation fee will be charged. There will be no cleaning fee when you move out.
However, if the customer intentionally makes a hole in the wall, we will charge you the actual cost of restoring the property to its original condition.
Possible costs when moving out
- Cleaning fee (varies by property)
- Restoration costs (in case of intentional or negligent damage or soiling)
If you want to keep your moving costs as low as possible, it is important to keep the room clean and avoid damaging any facilities.
summary
Cross House is used by many people as a shared house that allows them to live in central Tokyo at a low cost. With rent starting from the 30,000 yen range and an initial fee of only 30,000 yen, it is a particularly suitable option for those considering a short stay or living in Tokyo for the first time.
On the other hand, you should be aware of the strict rules regarding the use of common areas. You should also understand that you cannot invite friends or family over, and that there are age restrictions.
The contract procedures are smooth, and there are benefits such as no guarantor required and the ability to move in for as little as one month. Make sure it suits your lifestyle and start a comfortable sharehouse life.
