Is room sharing possible in Japan (Tokyo)?

Compared to western countries, room sharing is not so common in Japan. However, it has been grabbing people’s attention recently because they can live in a larger and well-equipped property at a lower rent than living alone.

This time, I will explain how to share a room in Japan and what you should be careful about!

What Is Room Sharing like in Tokyo?

First of all, room share means sharing an apartment with a housemate. Room sharing may be possible not only for 2DK and 3DK properties, but also for single-person properties.

There are two ways to share a room in a rental property.

In either case, there is no caretaker, and you have to manage the room. Therefore, financial management is very important.

In addition, rules should be set in advance regarding rent and utility bill arrangements such as what to do if one person moves out, and management of valuables.

The difference from the share house

Room-Share is often mixed with a share house, but it’s not.

In share houses, facilities such as toilets and baths are often shared, and room types are divided into private room types for one person and dormitory types for two or more people.

Mostly, Share houses are mostly furnished and have a relatively lower initial cost.

Why do owners don’t accept room sharing in Japan

For landlords, they want to avoid rent delinquency and troubles between residents if possible. For example, if the residents are friends or a couple, there is a higher possibility that one of them will move out due to a fight. Subsequently, the remaining contractor will be delinquent in rent.

Also, as seen in young people’s room sharing, there may be complaints from other residents due to the noise at the party until late at night. It is generally safer for lenders to accept tenants with stable income and less chance of trouble than to accept room-shares that are at risk of trouble or rent delinquency.

How can I rent a room-sharable apartment?

We recommend you use the rental property information websiteand the real estate company to collect room-shareable property information.

When you find a property you like, visit the real estate agency or contact them.

Also, when applying for a lease contract, prepare materials that can prove to the owner that you can continue to pay the rent even if your friend/partner moves out. It is important to submit the employment and income certificate of all the residents.

With your friend

If you want to share a room with a friend, you will have to signa joint name contract with all the tenants as contractors. Therefore, it is also necessary for each resident to have a guarantor who can pay.

Anyway, make sure you have as many materials as possible to persuade the landlord.

With your partner

It is said that partners are more likely to move in than friends, but some room-sharable properties do not allow room sharing with partners.

However, even in such cases, if you plan to get married, you may be allowed to move in. If you are a couple with a fixed date of enrollment, let the landlord know.

The landlord of each property will decide the criteria for occupying two people and sharing a room, so it is recommended that you prepare materials that will increase the possibility of concluding a lease contract.

Room Share in Tokyo

We have explained the lender’s thoughts on room sharing and the tips for concluding a lease contract. You might have thought about room sharing casually, but there are some difficult parts such as the lease contract. If you are considering room-share, please consult with your partner, friends and family to find a room-shareable property.