FAQ

Category

Operation and Management

Q
What kind of security system does the facility have?
A

The entrance is equipped with an auto-lock system and unauthorized entry by anyone other than the resident is restricted. In addition, the fact that tenants know each other is an advantage of safety. In general rental apartments, tenants do not even know who is living next door to them . However, communication among tenants increases their awareness of crime prevention, creates the effect of daily watch over them, and makes their lives more secure.

Q
Is there a manager or a staff on duty at a property?
A

There are no permanent staff at a property, however, housekeepers provide support to residents through regular cleaning and facility inspections by supervisors. In addition, a dedicated call center for residents is available 24/7 so that they can contact us at any time.

Q
Who should I contact if I have any problems in my life at social apartment?
A

If you have any problems or troubles, please contact our resident-only call center, which offers 24/7 support and responds quickly to any problems or emergencies.

Q
How is regular maintenance performed in the property?
A

Common areas and facilities of the property are cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. Cleaning and maintenance schedules are announced in advance via circulars and emails.

Community

Q
What is the ratio of men to women?
A

All kinds of people! We have people from all sorts of lifestyles that call Social Apartment home, so it's a great place to meet new people that you may never have encountered otherwise!
For some basic info:
・52% Male 48% Female
・Average length of stay is 2 years
・Average age is late 20 to early 30s, but all ages are welcome
・15% of our residents are from countries outside of Japan.

Q
Are there any events or social gatherings at the apartment?
A

Events and social gatherings planned by residents are held on a voluntary basis. For example, there are a variety of opportunities ranging from small events such as cooking and eating meals together in the lounge to large events planned for dozens of people. Event information is not only communicated among residents, but may also be notified through the residents board of the official Social Apartment app. In addition, there are also events held for all social apartments. This is a great way to expand exchanges as people gather from a variety of facilities.
On the other hand, you are not required to attend all events and social gatherings. It is up to you to decide whether or not to participate, and we encourage you to attend according to your interests and lifestyle.

Q
What is the average length of stay?
A

The average length of stay is approximately 2 years. On the other hand, there are some foreigners who have a limited period of stay in Japan, so the period of residence may be from 6 months to 1 year. There are cases where people move to other social apartments because they are attracted to the living environment and community that is unique to social apartments.

Q
Worried about getting into the community...
A

Social apartments are residences where you can choose between privacy and social interaction according to your own lifestyle, so there is no need to force your way into the community. On the other hand, the residents are all positive about socializing, so new residents will be warmly welcomed. One tip for joining the community is to use the lounge and other common spaces in the first month after moving in, so that you can get to know each other from the first greeting.

Facility

Q
Can I invite friends and family to the facility?
A

You can invite your friends and family as you would in a regular rental. You can use your own room as well as the lounge and other common areas. However, we ask that you please be considerate of other tenants by staying in the apartment together.

Q
Do I need to make a reservation to use the lounge?
A

Each common area, including the lounge, is available for use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without the need for reservations. Unlike conventional lounges attached to condominiums, etc., the lounge is provided as a space for residents to gather and interact with each other.

Q
Are dishes and utensils available in the shared kitchen?
A

Shared kitchens are generally equipped with basic cooking utensils, cooking appliances, and tableware. In addition to frying pans, pots, knives, and other cooking utensils, cooking appliances such as microwave ovens and toasters, and tableware such as plates and bowls are also provided. Please clean up after use and return used items to their original locations. On the other hand, you will be required to provide your own personal cutlery and appliances as necessary.

Q
Is there a shared laundry?
A

There is a common laundry the apartment. The laundry is equipped with washers and dryers, mainly drum-type washers with dryers, and residents may use them free of charge. (Some of them are chargeable.) On the other hand, it is not possible to install a laundry in your room.

Q
Can I use the shared showers and bathrooms at any time?
A

Showers and bathrooms are usually available 24/7. However, there may be times when they are temporarily unavailable due to periodic cleaning by the housekeeper.

Q
Can I smoke in Social Apartment?
A

No. Social Apartment is a non-smoking environment outside of designated smoking areas. This includes all private rooms and balconies as well, and this policy is strictly enforced.

Q
Is every room furnished?
A

The majority of rooms in Social Apartment are UNfurnished, so please be sure to check with sales staff about the state of furnishings in your room. In general though, every room comes equipped with an air-conditioner, and some sort of storage option (closet, wardrobe, etc.)

Q
Can I move in with someone else?
A

It is possible for two persons to move in. However, we basically recommend that the room be used by one person, as it is basically a single-person apartment. The partner must be a family member, a fiancé, or a couple, and the rent will be +30,000 yen.

Q
Can I have friends or family stay in my room?
A

You may have guests stay in your room as you would in a regular apartment. Guests are not allowed to stay or sleep in the common areas, so please be sure to stay in your own room. In addition, for fairness of management fee, we will charge 1,000 yen/night (per person) after the second night. You can apply for accommodation through the official Social Apartment app.

Q
Are pets allowed?
A

As much as we love our four-legged friends, to prevent issues with allergies, we're sorry to say that all pets are strictly prohibited at Social Apartment.

About life in Social Apartment

Q
Can I use the Internet immediately after moving in?
A

Internet access is available immediately after moving in. No procedures are required and it is free of charge. Wi-Fi is provided in the common areas, providing a comfortable environment for all residents. LAN plugs are provided in the rooms, and you can use LAN cables to connect to your devices. If you wish to use Wi-Fi, please prepare your own Wi-Fi router.
*Some apartments may require an individual contract, so please confirm details at the time of moving in.

Q
How often is the common area cleaned?
A

Professional housekeeping service is provided in the common areas of all Social Apartments, 4-6 days a week, depending on the property. Housekeeping service DOES NOT include dish-washing, so please make sure to wash and put away all dishes and utensils.

Q
Are there any rules for garbage disposal?
A

Garbage from your room should be taken out to the trash disposal location in the apartment on the designated pick up day. Garbage from common areas is handled by housekeepers, so there is no garbage duty.

Q
How can I use the shared bathtub?
A

Shared bathtubs can be filled with hot water for a relaxing soak. Pleease empty the bushtub and rinse off easily with a shower after use so that the next person can use it comfortably. Daily cleaning is performed by housekeepers.

Q
What procedures are required when moving out?
A

If you wish to move out from Social Apartment, we require at least 1 month advance notice. Notice must be given by completing the “move-out request notice” form available on Social Apartment app. When you move out, representative cleaning company staff will the condition of the room, and you return the keys.

Please be reminded that if a minimum of 1 month advance notice is not given, 1 month of rent will still be charged from the day we are informed.

Move-in Procedures

Q
What is the application review (screening)?
A

There is a screening process after you have submitted your application.
Usually, the guarantor company and our staff would check viability of a tenant for leasing.

Q
What is a contract type? / Is there a penalty fee for moving out early?
A

There are 3 types of contract types: Monthly Contract 1-Year Contract 2-Year Contract

This depends on your contract type, so please be sure to confirm this with your sales representative. That being said, as a general rule, 1 and 2 year plans do come with penalty fees for moving out before the end of your initial contract period. The amount depends heavily on your rent value, so please factor this into which contract type you choose.

※ 1-year plan customers who depart in less than 1 year will be charged a one month penalty fee.
※ 2-year plan customers who depart in less than 2 years will be charged a two months penalty fee.
※ Customers re-contract long term plans with maintaining their rent value but there will be no penalty fees.

Q
What is the minimum time required to move in?
A

If a room is available, you can move in as soon as one week after you submit an application. However, it may take longer depending on the status of the application review and the preparation of necessary documents.
If you apply for a room that is scheduled for move-out or currently being cleaned, availability will depend on the status of the room.

Q
Can I apply from overseas?
A

Yes. We accept inquiries and applications through email or phone, even from abroad. Please contact our staff if you would like to apply. We suggest email correspondence for those interested in applying from abroad. All of our application forms can generally be filled out online.

Q
Is there an age limit?
A

As long as you are of legal age to sign a contract in your home country, there should be no issues with moving into Social Apartment. However, there may be cases when your parents consent needs to be received, so please be sure to bring it up with sales staff during your consultation.

Q
Can I move in while I am freelance, self-employed, or with no job?
A

Yes, it is possible to move into a social apartment even if you are a freelancer, self-employed, or with no job. When applying, it is a necessary to join our designated guarantee company, and depending on the contractor's employment status, a joint guarantor may be required to register with us.

Q
Can I sign a corporate lease?
A

Corporate leases are also available. However, depending on your company's conditions, we may not be able to proceed with the contract. For more details, please contact us.

Q
Do I have to use a guarantee company?
A

The use of a guarantee company is mandatory. You are required to join a guarantee company to make a contract. Even if you have a joint guarantor, you are required to join the guarantee company.

Q
Can I come by and look at the room?
A

Of course, previews are available. Except for Wednesdays and holidays when we are closed, we are available for viewing upon request. Reservations must be made at least one day in advance.

Q
How do I pay my initial move-in costs?
A

Initial costs can be handled one of two ways:

・Credit Card Payment
Online payment of initial fees via credit card is available for customers from abroad.
For those looking to pay for everything beforehand and sign their contract on their arrival day, this is our suggested method.
Please note that there is a transaction fee charged for all credit card payments.

・Domestic bank transfer in Japan
For those already in Japan, we can accept the initial fees via domestic bank transfer.
We will provide you with the necessary bank details and you can transfer the money from any Japanese bank.
This is suggested for those already living in Japan.

We absolutely cannot give you your keys or sign your contract without confirmation of your initial payment.

Q
What documents do I need for the application?
A

For foreign applicants, the following documents are a base requirement:
・Passport
・Japanese Visa/ Residence Card
・Recent photograph of yourself
If you have not yet received your Japanese visa, please consult with sales staff before applying.
There are cases where additional documentation may be required.

Q
Wha is the Fixed-Term Lease Agreement?
A

A fixed-term lease contract is a non-renewable lease agreement. Unlike a typical regular lease contract, when the contract expires, it cannot be re-signed without the agreement of both the landlord and the tenant.

This form of contract is introduced as a legal risk hedge to maintain the quality of the community. For example, if there is a problematic tenant, it is possible to request the tenant to move out with certainty upon expiration of the contract. We ask all tenants to cooperate with this purpose.

Q
What is the minimum length of stay?
A

From the perspective of building a community, we basically ask everyone to stay for at least 6 months.
If you have difficulty staying for six months due to visa restrictions, please contact us.

About costs and fees

Q
How can I pay my rent?
A

Rent payments are handled through standard automatic withdrawal from a standard Japanese bank account. If you do not have a Japanese bank account, we will need to ask you to set one up in order to pay your monthly rent. We can provide some alternative billing methods while you set up your account, but we require all residents to make a Japanese bank account for rent withdrawal without exception.

Q
What is key money?
A

Key money is a standard part of many Japanese rental contracts, and can be thought of as a non-refundable deposit for the building. Some Social Apartments charge key money and some do not, so please be sure to confirm this initial cost beforehand with staff. Key money is not returned after moving out.

Q
What is a security deposit?
A

Your deposit is calculated using your monthly rent as a base, and is held for the duration of your stay to handle any damages that may arise. In general, the deposit is returned at the end of your stay, but a set cleaning cost (depending on the property) will be deducted regardless of the state of the room. Please be aware though that there are cases when additional fees are deducted from the deposit in the case of excessive damages that necessitate repairs.

Q
What is included in the initial payment?
A

The initial payment includes the initial costs total (deposit, key money, guarantor fee), the first month's prorated costs, and the second month's full costs.
For more details, please check our cost simulation or feel free to contact us.
>Click here for the cost simulation.

Q
Is the utility fee a fixed amount?
A

It varies depending on the propertiy.
Properties with shared bathroom have set utilities costs, and you can use the facilities immediately after moving in without having to follow any procedures.
However, properties with private bathroom basically have their utilities paid based on usage. There are exceptions though, so please be sure to check the standards for your room before applying.
Since it varies from properties, please check the information on each property page or feel free to contact us.

Q
What is included in the management fee?
A

Your management fee generally includes internet and television for your private room, the provision of cleaning staff for the common areas, maintenance costs for common spaces, as well as incidental items like dish-soap and toilet paper for common areas. In select properties, this fee may also cover some of your utilities cost.