Is it true that Leopalace's screening process is more lenient than that of other companies?
Leopalace's rental screening process is often described as "lenient" compared to other rental properties, and many people say that it is particularly easy for unemployed people and part-time workers to pass. The screening process is mainly handled by the management company and the guarantor company, and the screening criteria vary depending on the property contract and the applicant's situation. In particular, as long as the applicant's ability to pay the rent can be confirmed, there are many cases where the screening process is passed regardless of occupation or attributes.
For those who are worried about the screening process, Leopalace is an easy option to consider.
Here we will explain in detail about Leopalace's screening process.
Screening by management company and guarantor company is the main focus
Leopalace's tenant screening is mainly conducted by a guarantor company affiliated with the management company.
A typical guarantor company is Plaza Rental Management Guarantee, which checks the applicant's ability to pay rent, attributes of the applicant, past history of default, etc. Compared to general real estate companies, they tend not to place too much emphasis on credit information, so even if the applicant has a history of financial accidents or is unemployed, there are many cases where they will pass the screening as long as they have a guarantor with a certain amount of savings and a stable income.
These flexible standards make Leopalace a great attraction, as it makes it easy for people who are unsure about their income or employment status to get in touch. If you have concerns, inquiring in advance can help you find a place to live more easily.
The main reasons why screening is said to be "lenient"
The reason why Leopalace's screening process is said to be "lenient" is because its screening standards are more lenient than those of general real estate companies and they are able to respond flexibly.
For example, even if you have a financial history (blacklist) registered with a credit information agency, you may be allowed to move in depending on your ability to repay and whether or not you have a guarantor. Also, not only full-time employees but also part-time workers, part-timers, and even unemployed people can enter into a contract depending on the conditions, so a wide range of people are eligible to enter into a contract.
Because they place more emphasis on the ability to repay and actual living conditions rather than the strictness of credit screening, there are many cases where people say, "I was rejected at other property screenings, but was able to rent from Leopalace."
In some cases, such as monthly contracts, no screening is required.
At Leopalace, the screening process is simplified for some contract types, such as "monthly contracts" and "short-term plans." These plans have simpler contract procedures than regular rental contracts, and in some cases you can apply without going through a guarantor company, making them suitable for those looking for a quick move or temporary housing.
This is a flexible option for those who are unemployed or job-hunting, or who cannot provide proof of income, and can move in immediately. However, there are restrictions such as higher rent and a maximum contract period, so if you are looking for long-term residence, you should compare it with a regular contract.
Five checkpoints to look at in Leopalace's screening process
Leopalace's screening process checks five main points to determine the applicant's creditworthiness. They comprehensively evaluate the applicant's ability to pay rent, past history of default on rent, occupation and employment status, personality, and impression of responses. If you meet the criteria in these areas, there is a flexible attitude that even unemployed people and part-time workers can pass. In order to pass the screening smoothly, it is important to prepare in advance by keeping these points in mind.
Here we will explain five checkpoints.
1. Ability to pay rent
Leopalace's screening process places great importance on the balance between the applicant's income and desired rent. Generally, a reasonable rent is considered to be "less than one-third of monthly income," and anything above this may be unfavorable in the screening process.
Even if you are unemployed or only have a part-time job, you may be considered to have the ability to pay if you can confirm the support of savings, remittances, or a guarantor. In order to pass the screening, it is effective to review the balance between rent and income in advance.
2. Past rent arrears and contract troubles
If you have a history of default on payments with Leopalace in the past or have had trouble with neighbors, this may be detrimental to your screening.
In particular, since Leopalace manages many of its properties, there is a high possibility that past records are kept on file, and it is important to be aware that they are likely to be checked when renewing a contract. If you have any concerns, we recommend that you consult with them in advance.
3. Attributes such as employment type and years of employment
Leopalace's screening process also considers your employment status, such as full-time, contract, part-time, or unemployed. Those with a long history of employment and the prospect of a stable income are more likely to pass the screening process, but even if you are non-regular or unemployed, there are cases where they will be flexible and take into account things like whether or not you have a guarantor, your savings balance, and your employment plans.
Leopalace has contracts with people with a relatively diverse range of attributes, so it has a wider range of options than other companies.
4. Impression of the person’s personality and manner of service
In fact, Leopalace's screening also looks at "personality" and "politeness of response." The way you dress, use of language, and how you respond to communications during viewings and applications are all factors that determine whether or not you will cause trouble.
In order to prevent problems with the living environment in the property, Leopalace tends to consider the appearance and impression as part of the screening criteria. Since even minor impressions can affect the screening, be sure to be honest.
5. Are the documents and contract fees submitted appropriately?
In the Leopalace screening, an important checkpoint is whether the necessary documents and contract money have been submitted accurately and promptly. If identification documents, copies of bankbooks, bank seals, proof of income (if necessary), etc. are not provided, the screening may be put on hold or rejected.
Also, be aware that if you delay payment of the initial fees, you may be deemed to have "doubts about your ability to repay."
List of documents required for Leopalace screening
When applying for a Leopalace tenancy, you will need some basic documents.
You will be required to prepare identification documents, bankbook, seal, contract fee, and depending on the situation, vehicle registration and documents related to guarantor. These documents are important factors in the smooth progress of the screening, and any deficiencies will cause the screening to be delayed.
Leopalace's screening criteria are flexible, but submitting the necessary documents is the "basic first step" to be sure to remember.
In this chapter, we will explain each one in detail.
Identification documents
Leopalace's screening requires identification documents such as a driver's license, My Number card, and health insurance card. These are used to verify the applicant's identity and current address. The documents must be valid and match the current address.
In most cases, you will only need to submit a copy during the screening process, but you may be asked to submit the original, so be sure to bring it with you when viewing the property or signing the contract. Accuracy of your identity verification is a basic condition for passing the screening process.
Bankbook and seal
Bank account information is also important in Leopalace's screening process. To set up rent withdrawals, you will need to submit a bankbook (or cash card) in the name of the contract holder and a registered seal. You will often be asked to provide a copy of the cover and first page of the bankbook, and a red ink-type bank seal is generally used.
Even if proof of income is not required, the presence or absence of a bankbook and the type of account are used as indicators of your ability to repay, so it is a good idea to prepare them in advance.
Contract fee (initial cost)
After passing the screening, you will be asked to pay a contract fee (initial cost) at Leopalace. The amount is approximately 100,000 to 200,000 yen, including a prepayment of about one month's rent, a guarantee fee, cleaning fees, key replacement fees, etc.
If you delay payment during the screening process, you may be deemed to have "low ability to repay," so it's best to prepare in advance. In some cases, credit cards and electronic payments can be used, so don't forget to check the payment method.
If you have a car, your vehicle registration
If you own a car, you will need to sign a parking contract, so you may be asked to submit your vehicle inspection certificate. This is to confirm the type of car and owner, and to determine whether the parking space is suitable, and depending on the property, it may affect the terms of the contract.
Even if you don't need it at the time of screening, you may need it just before signing the contract, so if you own a car, it's a good idea to prepare a copy just in case.
If a guarantor is required, the guarantee documents
In some Leopalace properties, instead of using a guarantor company, a contract with a joint guarantor is adopted. In that case, the guarantor's identification documents, income certificate, seal certificate, etc. are required.
Students, unemployed people, and people with low creditworthiness are especially likely to be asked to provide a guarantor, so it is advisable to secure a guarantor in advance. If the documents are in order, the screening process will go smoothly.
Leopalace's screening period and notification of results
Leopalace's rental application screening process is notable for being quicker than that of other companies.
In most cases, the result will be notified within 2 to 3 business days after application, and in some cases, you may be contacted on the same day or the next day. Since the guarantor company's screening and the management company's confirmation are carried out simultaneously, the appeal is that if the procedures are in order, the response will be quick.
However, there may be delays if there are any problems with the documents or if the guarantor cannot be contacted. Please apply well in advance, especially during busy periods (March to April) or if the period spans weekends and holidays. We recommend that you make all necessary preparations in advance to ensure a smooth result notification.
Leopalace's Guarantor Company and Guarantee Fee Structure
When renting a Leopalace property, it is standard to use a guarantor company, which checks the contract holder's credit information and ability to repay. By going through a guarantor company, in many cases a joint guarantor is not required, which lowers the screening hurdle.
In particular, the "Plaza Rental Management Guarantee" is often used exclusively by Leopalace, and the initial guarantee fee and renewal fee structures are also clear. The guarantee fee is roughly 100-120% of the rent, so it should be included in your calculations as a pre-move-in cost.
What is the main guarantor company, "Plaza Rental Management Guarantee"?
Leopalace uses Plaza Rental Management Guarantee Co., Ltd. as an exclusive guarantor for many of its properties. This company is a group company of Leopalace21, and since it works in cooperation with property management to conduct screening, it is characterized by the relatively quick speed at which the screening results are announced.
The initial guarantee fee is 100-120% of the total rent
The "initial security fee" required when signing a contract with Leopalace is usually 100-120% of the total amount including rent and common charges.
For example, if the rent is 50,000 yen per month, the initial guarantee fee will often be around 50,000 to 60,000 yen, and is required to be paid in one lump sum when signing the contract. This guarantee fee is not a one-time fee, and there may also be costs incurred when renewing the contract, so it is important to understand it as a total cost.
If you want to keep your initial costs down, one way to do so is to look for a promotional property that includes the deposit fee.
Check the renewal fee and payment method
If you use Leopalace's guarantor company, you may be charged not only an initial guarantee fee, but also a "renewal guarantee fee" when renewing your contract.
In most cases, the fee is about 10,000 to 20,000 yen every 1 to 2 years, and you will be notified at the renewal month. The guarantee fee can be paid by credit card or direct debit, but this varies depending on the contract plan and property, so you should check in advance.
In order to live in Leopalace for a long time with peace of mind, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the security deposit payment cycle.
Possible reasons and solutions if you fail the exam
Leopalace's screening process is said to be relatively flexible, but there are still cases where you will fail the screening if you do not meet certain conditions.
Here we will introduce three common reasons why your application may be rejected and how to deal with each of them. Even if you are rejected, you can still try again, so make sure you understand the reason and take appropriate measures to improve your situation.
Cause 1: Past trouble history
Leopalace manages many of its properties itself, so if there has been a history of rent arrears, complaints, or contract violations, this history may affect the screening.
In particular, if you have lived in a Leopalace property before, there may be a record of your past troubles, which may put you at a disadvantage when renewing your contract. Since such past troubles may affect your re-examination, it is recommended that you consult with the company in advance if you have any concerns.
Reason 2: Mismatch in attributes or income
If there are concerns about your attributes or income, such as the rent being too high for your income, your employment status being unstable, or you being unemployed and without a guarantor, you may be rejected during the screening process.
Leopalace's guideline is that "rent should be less than one-third of your monthly income," and even part-timers and temporary workers can pass if they meet the conditions, but if you have applied to a property that does not meet your requirements, you should reconsider. By choosing a property that matches your attributes, your chances of passing the screening next time will increase dramatically.
Reason 3: Problems with attitude and behavior
The screening process is based not only on documents, but also on the words and behavior you say and do when viewing the property or making inquiries. If you give dishonest responses or are extremely sloppy with your appearance, you may be rejected due to concerns about problems you may have after moving in.
You need to be polite when interacting with the guarantor company and real estate staff, as they will be looking to see whether you are a trustworthy person. Even if there are no problems with the rent or income, you should avoid giving a bad impression.
How to deal with it: Get a guarantor, use a different guarantor company, change the rent range, etc.
Even if you are rejected, there is a good chance you can pass if you reapply if you take corrective measures.
in particular,
- Find a guarantor with a stable income
- Choose a property that can use a guarantor company other than Leopalace
- Effective measures include changing to a plan with lower rent.
Also, since the screening process for monthly plans is simple, it may be a good idea to consider them as short-term housing.
Frequently asked questions about Leopalace screening
While Leopalace's screening process is said to be "lenient" and "easy to pass," many people seem to have concerns.
Here we have compiled information to answer three frequently asked questions and help those who are worried about the screening process to proceed with the contract with peace of mind.
Q. Can I borrow even if I'm unemployed?
A. Leopalace has more flexible screening procedures than other companies, so it is possible to borrow even if you are unemployed. In that case, important factors are savings, remittances, employment plans, and whether or not you have a guarantor.
In particular, the screening process is often simplified for monthly plans and short-term contracts, making it a realistic option for the unemployed. However, as the contract fee must be paid on the same day, it is essential to have the funds ready.
Q. Can I pass the screening even if I'm blacklisted?
A. Unlike general credit guarantee companies, Leopalace's affiliated guarantee company (Plaza Rental Management Guarantee) often does not refer to credit information agencies, so there is a possibility that you will pass the screening even if you are on the blacklist. If you have no past rent arrears or troubles, they may be able to respond flexibly.
However, if there is a history of delinquent payments recorded within Leopalace, the process will be stricter, so if you are concerned, we recommend consulting in advance.
Q. Which is easier: going through a real estate agency or the official website?
A. The criteria for the screening itself are roughly the same whether you apply via a real estate agency or on the official website, but if you apply via a real estate agency, you may be able to receive follow-up and negotiations from the person in charge, and there may be more flexibility in adjusting conditions and proposing guarantors.
In addition, you can also receive advice on document deficiencies and impression, so if you are worried about the screening process, it is safer to go through a real estate agent. On the other hand, if you are applying quickly or want to do everything yourself, the official website is quicker.
summary
Leopalace's tenant screening is more flexible than that of other rental properties, so even unemployed people and part-time workers may be able to pass if they meet the conditions. Applicants are judged comprehensively on factors such as their ability to pay rent, the accuracy of submitted documents, appearance, and politeness, so not only their attributes but also their impression is important.
However, you should be aware that there is a risk of failing the screening if you have a history of non-payment, contract troubles, or are looking for a property that is not commensurate with your income.
In order to pass the screening smoothly, it is important to secure a guarantor with a stable income and to prepare all the necessary documents. If you are unsure, it is also effective to apply and consult through a real estate agency. With proper preparation and sincere response, you can be sure to move into Leopalace.
