What is a monthly apartment? How does it differ from a regular rental?
A monthly apartment is a short-term rental property that comes furnished with furniture and appliances and can be rented on a monthly basis.
Unlike regular rentals, these properties often do not require a security deposit, key money, or brokerage fees, and the move-in process is simplified. Because they come equipped with all the necessary amenities, they are popular for business trips, temporary housing, and pre- or post-move accommodations. The lower initial costs and hassle compared to regular rentals are major attractions, making them popular with a wide range of people, including those who frequently relocate for work, students, and foreigners.
Short-term contracts available, furnished with furniture and appliances.
The biggest advantages of monthly apartments are that they offer short-term contracts starting from one month, and that they come fully furnished with furniture and appliances.
Since the apartment comes standard with a bed, refrigerator, washing machine, and microwave, you can start living comfortably from the first day you move in. Unlike typical rental properties, there's no need to purchase and move in furniture and appliances, saving you a significant amount of time and money. It's an ideal choice for business trips, temporary assignments, or short-term housing.
In some cases, no security deposit, key money, or brokerage fee is required.
Many monthly apartments do not require the initial costs associated with typical rental agreements, such as security deposits, key money, and brokerage fees. This is a significant advantage for those who want to minimize initial costs.
While some properties may require cleaning fees or a security deposit, the total cost is often clearly stated beforehand, making budget management easier. This is especially beneficial for those seeking short-term stays or temporary accommodation, as it allows for cost-effective housing options.
Less moving costs and hassle with contract procedures.
Compared to regular rental housing, monthly apartments are characterized by significantly less hassle and expense involved in moving.
Since the apartments come furnished with furniture and appliances, you don't need to transport large items, making it possible to move with minimal luggage. Furthermore, contract procedures are often completed online or through simple application forms, reducing the hassle of tenant screening and paperwork.
Its appeal lies in its ability to easily accommodate sudden job transfers or moves, allowing for a smooth start to a new life.
Breakdown of initial costs for a monthly apartment
The initial costs for a monthly apartment mainly consist of rent, management fees, utilities, cleaning fees, and contract fees. Unlike regular rentals, security deposits and key money are often not required, making the initial costs relatively low.
Depending on the property, these costs may be listed as "all-inclusive," making it easier to budget as the total amount is clear. Before signing a contract, it's important to check the breakdown of each item and clarify any unclear points to avoid problems.
Here, we will explain each item in detail.
rent
Monthly apartment rents tend to be slightly higher than regular rentals, but because they come fully furnished with furniture, appliances, and other amenities, they can sometimes be more cost-effective in the long run. The price is usually presented as a monthly rate, and may be calculated on a daily basis depending on the length of stay.
The market price varies depending on the location, size, and age of the property. In urban areas, it's around 100,000 yen, while properties under 50,000 yen can be found in the suburbs. Be sure to carefully check the pricing structure and amenities before signing a contract.
Management fees and common area fees
Management fees and common area fees cover expenses such as cleaning the building, maintaining facilities, and electricity costs for common areas.
In the case of monthly apartments, a common area maintenance fee of several hundred to 1,000 yen per day is often charged in addition to the rent, and this must be paid for the entire contract period. In some cases, this fee may be included in the rent, so it is important to carefully check the breakdown when getting a quote.
Water, electricity, gas, and internet charges
In monthly apartments, utilities such as water, electricity, and internet are typically set at a fixed rate. Since the cost is fixed regardless of monthly usage, it's easier to manage your budget without fluctuations.
Some properties offer free Wi-Fi, so if you're planning on business trips or working remotely, be sure to check the facilities and internet speed.
Cleaning costs after moving out
In many cases, a fee for cleaning the room after you move out is charged upfront at the time of signing the contract. Unlike the security deposit, this is almost always treated as an "actual cost" and is not refundable, typically ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 yen. Depending on the degree of dirtiness in the room, additional charges may be incurred, so keeping the room clean during your stay will help prevent problems.
It's reassuring to carefully check the cleaning fee amount and rules before signing the contract.
Contract fees, security deposits, etc.
Some monthly apartments may require a contract fee and a security deposit. The contract fee is for administrative processing by the real estate company and is typically several thousand yen to around 10,000 yen. The security deposit is a fee paid to cover damage to facilities, etc., and may be refunded upon departure if there are no problems.
However, there are also "commission-free properties" that do not require any of these fees, so you can reduce initial costs by comparing the conditions and choosing accordingly.
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Potential additional costs beyond the initial cost
In monthly apartments, in addition to basic charges such as rent and utilities, additional fees may be incurred depending on the circumstances.
Typical examples include "paid options," "parking fees," "pet ownership fees," "additional charges for contract extensions," and "cancellation fees."
Since pricing and conditions vary depending on the property, it's important to check these costs before signing a contract.
Paid options
Monthly apartments sometimes offer "paid options" such as bedding sets, cooking utensils, and cleaning services. While these enhance the convenience of daily life, they incur additional monthly or one-time charges.
For example, renting a futon costs around 5,000 to 10,000 yen, and regular cleaning services cost several thousand yen.
By carefully selecting the services you need, you can achieve a comfortable lifestyle while keeping costs down. Be sure to check the availability of options and the pricing structure when signing a contract.
Parking fees and pet ownership fees
If you own a car or plan to live with a pet, you may incur additional charges for parking or pet care.
Parking fees vary depending on the area and property, but a rough estimate is around 10,000 to 20,000 yen per month. For pet-friendly properties, additional cleaning fees or a deposit may be required.
To prevent problems, it's important to check in advance whether pets are allowed and what the rules are, and choose a property that meets your requirements.
Additional charges for extensions and cancellation fees
Extending the contract period or vacating/canceling earlier than planned may incur additional charges or penalties. Extensions may also incur a re-contracting fee in addition to the regular rent, so caution is advised regarding sudden changes in plans.
Furthermore, cancellation fees are often incurred as a percentage of the contract after it is finalized, and these fees vary depending on the number of days remaining. When signing a contract, be sure to check the cancellation policy, whether extensions are possible, and the fee structure in advance, and aim for a flexible plan.
Payment methods and timing for initial fees
The initial costs for monthly apartments are generally paid in full upfront before moving in. Depending on the property and management company, some may accept credit card payments, bank transfers, or electronic money.
In a very small number of properties, installment payments may be possible under certain conditions, but prior consultation is necessary. To prevent problems, it is important to clearly confirm the payment method and timing before signing the contract.
Payment in a lump sum is the basic method.
Many monthly apartments require tenants to pay all initial costs in a lump sum before moving in. This rule is in place to ensure payment certainty, given the short-term nature of monthly apartments.
The costs include rent, management fees, utilities, and cleaning fees, and the total amount will be presented as an estimate at the time of signing the contract. Even if a lump-sum payment is difficult, it may be possible to make flexible arrangements if you discuss it with them in advance.
We accept credit cards, bank transfers, and electronic payments.
Recently, an increasing number of monthly apartment rental companies are accepting credit card payments, bank transfers, and electronic payment methods such as PayPay.
Especially now that online booking is the norm, card payments are popular with users because they are fast. Furthermore, using cards with receipt issuance and installment payment options allows for adjustment of the payment burden. Be sure to check the official website or contact the establishment to confirm if your preferred payment method is available.
Are there properties that offer installment payment options?
While lump-sum payment is the norm, some monthly apartments offer installment payment options.
For example, monthly installment payments may be permitted under discount plans for long-term stays or contracts based on corporate agreements. However, the availability, number of installments, and conditions vary depending on the operating company, so prior confirmation and consultation are essential.
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Tips for keeping initial costs low for monthly apartments
To rent a monthly apartment affordably, it's effective to take advantage of discount campaigns and choose a lower-priced plan with a long-term contract. Also, pay attention to whether or not there are any options or fees included in the initial costs.
Choosing properties with discount campaigns or free options can significantly reduce your expenses. It's important to compare multiple properties before signing a contract and identify the plan that offers the lowest total cost.
Take advantage of campaigns and discounted properties.
Monthly apartments regularly feature limited-time campaigns and discounted properties.
For example, perks such as "half price for the first month," "free cleaning," and "long-term discounts" offer a great opportunity to significantly reduce initial costs.
Checking the official website for properties marked "Campaign in Progress" or "Limited-Time Discount" will give you access to great deals. Be sure to carefully review the campaign details before signing a contract so you don't miss out.
Choose a plan that offers discounts for long-term contracts.
While monthly apartments can be rented on a monthly basis, in many cases, the monthly rent becomes cheaper if you choose a longer-term contract of 3 months, 6 months or more.
By taking advantage of "long-stay discounts" and "flat-rate plans," you can significantly reduce your total costs. If you anticipate needing accommodation for an extended period, such as for temporary housing, training, or business trips, it's recommended to choose a long-term plan from the start.
Find properties with free options or no fees.
Some monthly apartments offer free options such as bedding rental and Wi-Fi, and some have no contract or brokerage fees. Choosing one of these "all-inclusive" properties increases the likelihood of lowering initial costs beyond the stated rent.
Furthermore, the financial burden at the time of signing a contract is reduced, making it easier to accommodate sudden moves or short-term stays. When searching, it is efficient to narrow your search by "no fees" or "no options."
Comparison of initial costs between a regular rental and a monthly apartment.
Compared to typical rental properties, monthly apartments have significantly lower initial costs and a simpler application process.
- Typical initial costs for renting include a security deposit, key money, brokerage fees, advance rent, and guarantee company fees, often amounting to 4 to 6 months' worth of rent.
- Initial costs for monthly apartments: In many cases, no security deposit or key money is required, and the costs are limited to rent, management fees, utilities, and cleaning fees.
Monthly apartments can be considered a cost-effective option for short-term stays or temporary housing.
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Speed and affordability of the move-in process
One of the attractions of monthly apartments is the speed of the move-in process and the affordability of the costs.
- For a typical rental property, it usually takes 1-2 weeks or more from viewing the property, through the screening process, to submitting the contract documents and receiving the keys.
- Monthly apartments: Some properties allow for immediate move-in, and in many cases, the entire process can be completed online through application and payment.
Monthly apartments allow you to start a new life smoothly and affordably, even if you have a sudden move or need temporary housing.
summary
Monthly apartments are an ideal type of housing for short-term stays, sudden moves, or temporary housing, and their low initial costs and simple contract procedures are major attractions.
Many properties come fully furnished with furniture and appliances, require no security deposit or key money, and are available for immediate occupancy, making them a very rational choice for those who prioritize cost-effectiveness. You can save even more by taking advantage of campaigns, long-term contract discounts, and properties with no commission fees.
Carefully compare the property conditions and choose the one that suits you best.
