Why is it said that "monthly apartments are dangerous"?
Many people have a negative impression of monthly apartments. This is due to a complex interplay of various factors, including high rent, the anxiety of not being able to view the property beforehand, hygiene issues, inadequate security measures, and disputes between tenants.
In particular, due to the nature of short-term stays, many people are confused by the contract terms and living environment, which differ from those of regular rentals, and misunderstandings and dissatisfaction are likely to arise.
This article will identify specific factors that make something feel "wrong" and offer tips on countermeasures and ways to understand the situation.
Are the rent and usage fees high?
Monthly apartment rents often seem more expensive compared to regular rental properties. While they come furnished with appliances and utilities included, and the contract process is simple, the cost tends to be higher when calculated on a daily basis.
Furthermore, contracts are typically on a monthly basis, and in some cases, a lump-sum upfront payment is required, which can easily become a burden on users. For those who feel the costs are a concern, it is important to carefully check the market rates and contract terms beforehand.
Unable to view the property & it looks different from the photos?
In many cases, it's not possible to view the apartment before signing a contract.
As a result, many people experience a significant gap between the photos and the actual property once they move in, finding it "completely different" or "small, old, and dirty." Especially since online booking is the norm, the way photos are presented greatly influences the impression of the property.
To avoid regrets, check multiple photos and reviews, and also pay close attention to the quality of customer service provided by the operating company.
I'm worried about security.
Because monthly apartments are primarily used by short-term residents, some properties have inadequate security measures. Lack of features like automatic locks and surveillance cameras, and frequent turnover of tenants in adjacent rooms, can cause anxiety, especially for women living alone.
Furthermore, if the background checks for tenants are lax, the risk of problems increases. Before signing a contract, it is reassuring to carefully check the property's security features and surrounding environment.
Hygiene problems such as mold, dirt, and unpleasant odors.
Hygiene problems that often occur in monthly apartments, such as "the room was covered in mold" or "there was a strange smell," are one of the factors that make many users feel that the place is "not good."
Even if a property comes furnished, if it's not properly cleaned or poorly ventilated, you may be plagued by mold and insect infestations. To avoid these risks, it's effective to choose a reliable management company and refer to reviews and actual user experiences.
Resident quality and examples of problems
In monthly rental apartments, a diverse range of people move in for short periods, which tends to lead to frequent conflicts among residents.
Many residents feel that their previous residence was a "bad place" due to accumulated complaints about noise, poor garbage disposal practices, and the use of shared spaces. Furthermore, if the management company has lax background checks, the risk of encountering suspicious residents increases. When choosing a property, it's crucial to check the management system and the types of residents beforehand.
In cases like these, it's easy to feel that something is wrong.
While monthly apartments are convenient, they also have elements that can feel problematic under certain circumstances. In particular, if you are unable to check the property in advance or change your residency registration due to a sudden job transfer or temporary housing situation, it can disrupt your daily life. You also need to pay attention to the costs and the surrounding environment.
Here, we'll introduce some common mistakes and summarize important points to keep in mind before using the service.
If you are unable to confirm in advance due to a short-term assignment or sudden move
When using a monthly apartment due to sudden circumstances such as business trips or job transfers, there are cases where people move in without being able to view the apartment or check the condition of the place beforehand.
The impression of a room often differs greatly from the photos, and problems such as "it's older than I expected" or "the noise is terrible" are common. Even if you don't have much time, you can avoid making a mistake by carefully checking reviews, multiple photos, and the reputation of the real estate company.
I can't change my residency registration and the administrative procedures are troublesome.
Because monthly apartments are based on short-term contracts, it's often not possible to change your registered address. As a result, administrative procedures such as voting, insurance, and school transfers become complicated, causing inconvenience for many residents.
For those planning a medium- to long-term stay of three months or more, the inability to change their registered address is a major drawback. This inconvenience can easily lead to people feeling that living in a monthly apartment is a bad idea.
Unexpected charges may be incurred upon moving out.
In monthly apartments, you may be charged separately for room cleaning and restoration costs upon moving out. In some cases, you may be asked to pay exorbitant fees without sufficient prior explanation, which can lead to disputes.
Before signing a contract, be sure to check items such as cleaning fees, penalties, and early termination fees, and make sure they are clearly stated in writing. Insufficient prior checking can lead to problems later on.
There are many foreigners and short-term visitors, so the lifestyle doesn't suit me.
Monthly apartments are home to a diverse range of residents, including international travelers, tourists, and temporary visitors, which can lead to stress due to differing lifestyles. They are also environments where cultural differences can easily cause problems, such as late-night noise and differences in garbage disposal etiquette.
For people who work during the day and want to spend their evenings quietly, having many residents with incompatible lifestyles can be stressful. It's important to check the actual resident demographics and reviews beforehand.
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Surprisingly convenient? The unexpected benefits of monthly apartments.
While monthly apartments often have a negative image, they actually offer many advantages that make them very convenient for short- to medium-term stays. In particular, the low initial costs, excellent facilities, and easy contract procedures are major attractions that cannot be found in regular rentals or hotels.
If it suits your purpose and lifestyle, it's possible to live comfortably while keeping costs down. In this chapter, we'll explain in detail the advantages of monthly apartments that many people tend to overlook.
No security deposit or key money required, resulting in low initial costs.
Unlike regular rentals, monthly apartments often do not require a security deposit, key money, or brokerage fees, making them a very attractive option for significantly reducing initial costs. They are especially ideal for short-term stays of one to three months, as the low initial investment makes them perfect for those relocating for work, moving, or needing temporary housing.
For people who don't have a large sum of money but need a place to live immediately, this can be considered a cost-effective option.
Furnished with furniture and appliances, ready to move in.
Monthly apartments come fully furnished with essential furniture and appliances such as a refrigerator, microwave, washing machine, and bed, allowing you to start living there immediately upon moving in. The fact that you don't need to move or buy furniture is another attractive feature, making it easy to move with minimal belongings.
It is particularly convenient for those on temporary assignments, short-term business trips, or students seeking temporary accommodation, and its ease of use—allowing you to "live without bringing anything"—is highly appreciated.
No need for troublesome utility procedures
Monthly apartments come with utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and internet already connected, eliminating the need for complicated contracts or on-site procedures. Because these services are available immediately upon move-in, they offer flexibility for short-term stays or sudden moves.
Since payments are often included in the rent, there's less worry about separate charges, making it easier to manage living costs, which is a major advantage.
No guarantor required, lenient screening process.
While typical rental agreements require a guarantor and rigorous tenant screening, most monthly apartments do not require a guarantor and can be rented with just identification. Therefore, they are particularly convenient for students, freelancers, and foreigners who may feel uneasy about the tenant screening process. A major advantage of monthly apartments is the high likelihood of securing accommodation smoothly.
Points to consider when choosing a monthly apartment to avoid regrets
While monthly apartments offer a convenient rental option, there's a risk of regretting your decision if you don't thoroughly check everything beforehand. To ensure a comfortable and worry-free stay, it's essential to check the reliability of the management company, the actual condition of the property, and the contract terms in advance.
Careful selection is especially important for women living alone and first-time users. Here, we explain key points to consider when choosing a rental property to avoid problems.
Choose a trustworthy operating company.
It's no exaggeration to say that the quality of a monthly apartment depends more on the management company than on the property itself. The thoroughness of cleaning, the speed of response, and the transparency of contracts vary from company to company, and problems are more likely to occur with unreliable management companies.
It's important to consider not only brand recognition but also the operational structure, using criteria such as whether the website information is well-organized and whether contact methods are clear.
Always check reviews and ratings.
Reviews and opinions from people who have actually used the monthly apartment are a valuable source of information for understanding the reality of the property.
for example
- "It looked different from the picture."
- "The staff's service was poor."
- "Poor soundproofing"
These real customer reviews help you identify potential problems beforehand. Checking not only the official website but also Google reviews, social media, and comparison sites, and considering both positive and negative reviews, makes it easier to avoid mismatches.
Check the contract details
Before signing a contract, be sure to check the details of the contract, including the fee structure, cancellation policy, and cleaning fees upon moving out.
In particular, easily overlooked conditions such as "no refunds for early termination" and "exceeding the utility bill limit" often become the cause of problems. It's essential to confirm everything in writing, not just verbally, and only proceed with the contract once you fully understand and agree to all terms to avoid future regrets.
If you cannot view the property in person, photos and videos can help you make a decision.
Since monthly apartments often do not allow viewings, photos and videos are crucial for understanding the property before signing a contract.
It's reassuring to be able to check not only the overall room photos, but also the bathroom, storage space, exterior, and surrounding environment. Photos taken from multiple angles and images attached to actual resident reviews are also helpful. Gather as much visual information as possible to avoid making mistakes when choosing a property.
If you're a woman living alone, choose a property with good security features.
If you are a woman traveling alone and using a monthly rental apartment, prioritize choosing a property with high security features.
It's essential to check for features like automatic locks and security cameras, as well as whether the location poses a low risk of intrusion. Furthermore, considering the high turnover of residents, choosing a property with a women-only floor or a resident manager will enhance your sense of security. Prioritizing safety when selecting a property is key to a comfortable stay.
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Monthly apartments are recommended for these types of people / not recommended for these types of people
Monthly apartments are a type of accommodation where suitability varies greatly depending on the purpose of use and length of stay. While convenient for short-term stays, they can be inconvenient for long-term living. It's important to determine if it suits your lifestyle before signing a contract.
In this chapter, we will introduce the characteristics of people for whom monthly apartments are "recommended" and "not recommended."
Recommended for: Business trips, temporary housing during renovations, short-term stays for exams or medical appointments.
Monthly apartments are ideal for short-term stays ranging from one week to several months.
For example, these accommodations are often used for business trips, temporary assignments, as temporary housing during renovations, or as a place to move to temporarily. Since they come furnished with appliances and initial costs are kept low, you can start living there immediately without any hassle. Furthermore, they are convenient for people who need to stay in urban areas during exam season or for long-term hospital visits.
This type of housing is perfect for those who want to live comfortably for a limited time.
Not recommended for: those planning a long-term stay, those who need to change their residency registration, and those who prioritize security.
Monthly apartments are designed for short-term stays, so they tend to be more expensive for those planning a long-term stay of a year or more. Also, many properties do not allow you to change your registered address, which is inconvenient for people who need to complete administrative procedures such as registering their residency with government offices or registering insurance and pensions.
Furthermore, security measures may not be as comprehensive as those in typical rental properties, making them unsuitable for women living alone or those with a strong sense of security.
For long-term stays, regular rental properties offer greater peace of mind and safety.
summary
Monthly apartments are often considered "risky" because they have characteristics that differ from regular rentals, such as high rent, the inability to view the property beforehand, security and hygiene issues, and resident disputes. In particular, when people move in without being able to check the property beforehand, they are likely to be disappointed.
On the other hand, there are also aspects that make it very convenient for short-term stays, such as no security deposit or key money required, furnished with appliances and utilities already in place. The important thing is to determine whether it suits your purpose of use and length of stay.
Choosing a trustworthy management company and thoroughly checking before signing a contract can make it a comfortable option.
