Welcome to City of Higashimurayama

Housing

Renting

Public rental housing is the most common type of rental housing in Japan. When you wish to rent such housing, it is usual to go to real-estate agents, who deal with searching and contract matters. Go to the area where you wish to live, locate the local real-estate agents, and tell them your requirements such as the monthly rent, space and facilities. Based on these, they can give you information concerning some prospects. As a general rule, contracts are written in Japanese. Since insufficient understanding of the contents of the contract can result in problems later, it is better, if possible, to bring someone along who is well versed in Japanese, at the time of signing a contract. At the time a contract is signed, cash to cover the following costs will be required.

・ Reikin (Key Money) :
Non-refundable money (equivalent of 1 to 2 month's rent) paid to the landlord.

・ Shikikin (Deposit):
Refundable money (equivalent of 1 to 3 month's rent) to be paid to the landlord. However, this can be reduced when repairs are needed for damage caused during renting or if you haven't paid all the rent.

・ Chukai Tesu Ryo (Brokerage Fee):
Non-refundable money (equivalent of 1 month's relnt) to be paid to the Realtor.

・ Yachin (Rent):
Rent is paid one month in advance. At the time a contract is signed, the first month's rent must be paid. Besides monthly rent, a maintenance fee is sometimes required.

A typical rental coatract lasts two years. At the time of renewing the contract, a renewal fee is sometimes required. In addition, the monthly rent for the renewed period may be increased. To cancel the contract, you have to notify the real-estate agent (or landlord directly) at least one month in advance.

Tokyo Metropolitan Public Housing

Tokyo Metropolitan public housing is available for registered forign residents of Tokyo who are at least 20 years old and are permanent residents or have lived in Japan for at least one year. There are income limitations relating to this type of housing. Application times are announced, in Japanese, in newsletters published by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government or the city hall.

Information: Tenant Notification Section, Housing Management Division, Bureau of Housing, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Tel: 03-5321-1111

Higashimurayama Public Housing

Public housing is available for those who meet the above- mentioned requirements and have lived in the city for at least one year. Application times are announced, in Japanese, in newsletters published by the city hall.

Information: Somu-bu Kanzai-ka (Property Management Season, General Affairs Division) tel: 393-5111